Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Ford  It _very_ much depends on how much you want to pay! |
OP asks for best binoculars.
I'll try and answer this, but caveat is that one can only answer if one knows the purpose intended (see below). Best price-performance is much harder one to answer! I won't try.
There is a pretty broad consensus on this for standard bins (40+ mm objectives): three makes Zeiss, Leica, and Swarowski. I think the last two predominate amongst birders. These are very expensive, close to £1000. Usually come with a 30-year guarantee and are nitrogen-filled and so waterproof. These come into their own in low light, at extreme range, etc. The higher optical quality means they strain the eyes less if used all day.
For compact binoculars which fit in the pocket (ideal for hiking) a 8x25 or 10x25 are very useful. These sell for about £300-350 from the above top makes.
There are loads of other brands with perfectly satisfactory binoculars. I've bought various Opticron products as presents, and was impressed by quality for the price, but I'm sure other brands are just as satisfactory.
Size, magnification and weight are other factors.
- 10x magnification is more or less the largest size which is practicable. Larger magnifications are a waste of time as one can't keep ones hands steady. Ones with zooms have restricted fields of view, and are also worth avoiding.
- Light gathering power and field of view are determined by the other number which is the diameter of the objective lens. Typically people settle for 42 or 50 mm.
- Weight can be important. Some binoculars can be very heavy. If you are walking they will swing in a very annoying manner.
Two other things to look for are: a) dioptre correction, so that you can correct for difference between your eyes; and b) eyecups, many people find they have strong personal preference in this area.
One particular recent binocular which is designed for a particular purpose and is certainly "best in class" is the Pentax Papilio. This focuses to 0.5 m and besides its intended purpose of looking at butterflies is very useful for all manner of things. Most general purpose binoculars have a close focus of several metres.
I personally have 3 binoculars, in order of acquisition:
- A compact pair of Zeiss which I always carry: useful for watching Peregrines on town centre building, looking at Golden Eagles from chairlifts, finding stiles across fields, looking at carving on churches and so on.
- A heavy pair of Leicas for birdwatching, full day excursions.
- Pentax Papilio for insects, flowers etc.
I'd probably still get a compact pair first, as these are extremely versatile.
If you want to buy some binoculars, its best to go to a fair or retailer with a large selection, and try them out. Unfortunately you've missed the best events, such as the Rutland Bird Fair. Trying them in a high street retailer is a poor second choice to somewhere more natural. Also try and choose a sunny day. Personal preference is hugely important in making the final decision, and often depends on little things which affect usability. So do try them first.
Interesting that some call them "bins", and others "binos".
HTH,
poschiavanus
Re: binocs 
the best size in my opinion are 10 X 42 the magnifiction should not be more than 10 otherwise there will be to much shake visible and you will not get a clear image. Any less than 40 and you will be short on light coming into the binocs. Before you buy have a good look at lots of makes and try them out at the shop don't be rushed into it, you have them a long time, (dear is not always best either)
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