Update on search for binoculars

[Vincewizzo]

After my initial post on the forum asking about what type of binoculars to purchase for birdwatching, I went into town to have a good look around some camera shops. Jessops were reluctant to actually remove any of the binoculars from the security cabinate even though there was nothing over £i20 to look at. I had to ask the clueless assistant if i could "actually" handle a pair before he begrudgingly unlocked them. When I quizzed him about different magnifications and objective sizes, he said "umm no, they don't do an 8x40 0r 8x42, just what we have here". Anyway, I made a quick exit to Jacobs. The guy in there was so much more helpfull although not much more knowlegable than the previous chap. So....off to the London Camera Exchange. My word, what a difference. The 'very' young man in there certainly knew his stuff. He was helpfull and informative and invited me to look at lots of different models. He even said "take them outside for a better idea of what they can do". Anyway, we eventually got to the top end of the binocular world with a pair of Leica 'Ultravid 8x42. I was blown away by the clarity of the image and the overall feel. However, I was somewhat deflated when he told me the price - a staggering £1345! I must confess though, that several pairs that this guy showed me stuck out above the others. One ex display pair by 'Minox' 8x42 at £199 were excellent, as were several pairs in the £300 area. But for me, one pair of 'Pentax' 8x40's at around £500 were fantastic. I really had trouble telling the difference between these and the very expensive Leica's, both in terms of build quality and performance. Anyway....here's to winning the lottery in the very near future!! - Wizzo

[oxycera]

Well done, it pays to shop around a bit.

[outdoorguy]

i've just brought a pair of bushnell powerzoom binoculars.. they're small and are just wot i wanted.. great zoom function.. they r so clear for small binoculars.. and i do a lot of walking and bushcraft so needed a small pair to take everywhere without taking up too much room in my rucksack.. i'm well happy with them for £59.. with lifetime gaurantee.. oh they were from jessops.. and they were all clueless in there.. and i have a compact pair of pentax 8 x 21, had them for about ten years and they are superb i have been eyeing up another pair of 8 x 42's by them.. i really don't think u need to spend a ridiculous ammount of money.. as u said u tried a pair for 500 that were as good as the lieca pair.. its all down to wot ur personal preferance is.. i'd def recommend the bushnells for a small pair of bins for everyday use tho... james

[Vincewizzo]

Thanks James, I think I'm gonna check out a pair or two of those mate. Coincidently, they were one of the makes that caught my eye as looking particulaly well made and good value, besides, my missus has threatened to have me certified if I go anywhere near those expensive Leica's again! I figured that having hit her with the idea of spending over £1300 on a pair or bino's - she might consider £500 to be a real bargain but she's having none of it. I must be loosing my touch!! Cheers again - Wizzo

[Blackdog]

Wizzo, If you haven't already bought your Bino's you could try the independent camera shop in Yate Shopping Centre.(Branches in Kingswood & Bath) I can't say on the forum who they are, but if you PM me I'll give you more info.
I was lucky enough to be able to buy a pair of those Leica Ultravids at Christmas from there. They were £400 less than anywhere else.