Compact binoculars viking/luger/bushnell/konus waterproof?

[AlexGAR]

Hi, I'm sure this has been covered at some time but I can't quite find the information I'm looking for on previous foums.

In short I'm looking for an alright pair of compact binoculars to take out and about in a coat pocket when I am walking. Interested in spotting general wildlife including birds. I'm willing to spend around 50 quid.

I've done a bit of research and something like 8-10x/25 would fit the bill I think. I realise it'll be brighter with 42 (aperture?) but these look a bit heavy and bulky for what I want.

I'm tempted to get a rubber coated/waterproof/fog proof pair as I imagine they'll get chucked about in my rucksac and used in the wet a bit... is this really necessary?

So I've had a look around and wondered what people thought of these makes/binoculars:

1) 73 quid
Viking Compact Waterproof (LE)
RSPB Optics - Online Shop

2) 69 quid
Luger LR 10x26 Compact Binoculars
Luger LR 10x26 Compact Binoculars - Binoculars Supplier - Pentax, Steiner, Bushnell, Barska and Luger Binoculars

3) 53 Quid (a little heavier)
Bushnell H2O 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars
Bushnell H2O 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars (131005) - Warehouse Express

4) 29 Quid
Konus Titanium Camo 10 x 25
Konus 10x25 Camo Binoculars

I've seen Viking and Bushnell recommended as makes but not the others. All thoughts on these much appreciated.

Best Alex

P.S. I also want to try before I buy - are there any recomendations for good binocular shops in London?

[Hobjob]

I recently bought a pair of pocket binos - wanted them to live in the
car and live in my ski jacket when in the snow; size was therefore of
great importance.

Spent some time with both a pair of Vikings and RSPBs - bot 8 x 25
Settled on the RSPBs as clearer image.

Am using them as intended this week and they do the job, but both
sets were fiddly, and I shan't be using them for regular work.
Used them in a theare the other day, and OKish - not perfect
binocular vision at close range - takes 5 secs for eyes to coalesce
the image.

My wife's bins are leica 8 x 25 - totally different league, but also
different price bracket.

I think in time I shall regret not paying the extra

[nightshade]

I have the Bushnell Rubber Armoured H2o, they go everywhere with me
The Lioness swears by her Steiner Hawks

[diggleken]

Before you buy, try.
But, as hobjob infers, compacts arent always best, even though smaller etc
Just consider saving your money and get a decent pair of good sized ones, it might just be a saving in the long run and they arent as heavy as they used to be. Keep them round your neck, just take a plastic bag for heavy rain protection!
As for make - I have had a few over the years, but, certainly for birding, the best ratio of quality and value(under£150) for me are Bushnell Natureviews 8 x 42 - they work everywhere really well and are close focus.
Hope this helps
Ken

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by diggleken

Before you buy, try.

As for make - I have had a few over the years, but, certainly for birding, the best ratio of quality and value(under£150) for me are Bushnell Natureviews 8 x 42 - they work everywhere really well and are close focus.
Hope this helps
Ken

Try before buy 110%

My regular pair are 8 x 42, which is way the commonest version in birders.

If you like insects and flowers, then, as above, close focus is great too