10x42 Binoculars, but which ones???

wellies101 · #1 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 09:06 PM

Hi All

I am looking at buying a pair of 10x42 binoculars over the next few days in a price range of £300-350. I would love a pair of Zeiss, Leica or Swarovski's, but money is the stopping factor there.

I know Opticron are good, and there are other makes such as Bushnell, Steiner, Nikon,etc. I also know personal preferance is a major factor, but does anyone have any advice (website, places of good info,) or experiences (particular good/bad points of makes from experience, etc)??

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 09:24 PM

Hi Wellies. Try looking at the RSPB range of binoculars. The BGPC 10x42s are about £329. I had a pair of these (though 8x32 and an older version) before I got my Swarovskis and found them to be very good, lightweight and optically pleasing binoculars. I still use them as my spare, or car pair. Go to one of the big RSPB reserves, that has an optics shop and try them out. You won't be disappointed.

Regards, Chris

specimin · #3 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 10:44 PM

Hi,
I use Steiner 10x42s and find them to be excellent.

Have you looked at the second hand equipment pages on InFocus's website? I got my Optolyth telescope from there and saved many many pounds. I see they currently have a pair of Bausch & Lomb 10x42s for £350, and a pair of Zeiss 10x40 for £319.

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 10:13 AM

I'm also a fan of RSPB binos (not scopes) and use an HG 8 x 42.

V V nearly as good as those costing twice as much.

Viking brought out some high grades last year and I have heard of good reports - I have heard it said that they use the same factory as RSPB, and do their importing for them.

Try before you buy and trying in a high street is not trying!!

Goatboy · #5 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:03 AM

If you are looking at Bushnell bins please try them out in a shop first (though that's true of all bins) My experience of them is that the quality through the range varies tremendously. Some are excellent, some at a similar price are pretty poor.

I'm using Steiner at the moment and I love them, but I know some who don't get on with them. It's so much down to personal taste.

Pete W · #6 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 11:20 AM

I have a pair of Opticron Countryman 10x42 BGA T PC OASIS WP. These are excellent and were £172 from Warehouse Express

Veracocha · #7 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 03:13 PM

I believe you have the opportunity to have Alpha glass image quality for £280 in the Hawke frontier ED's 10X43. I went through this scenario not long ago so went to an open day at In-focus where I was able to try the full Opticron range as well as Swarovski, Pentax and Steiner. I use Minox as well so have a good starting point for judging quality. The Hawkes were a country mile in front of the Opticrons, better than the Minox and as good or if not better than the Swaro's. I took them out in perfect conditions today and again the image quality, brightness and colour representation is spot on. Many will dismiss this as hype but that's probably because they haven't tried them against the others. As mentioned already, go out and try a few makes for yourself. You might save a grand like I did.

wellies101 · #8 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 08:37 PM

I have tried the Steiner Skyhawks 10x42 before and really liked them, but heard they aren't all that in comparison to some others. However, given I'm limited to a maximum budget of £350 I have also heard good things about Opticron.

I know ultimately I need to try a few pairs (going to InFocus at the WWT site at Barnes and Kay Optics in Morden tomorrow), but all this advice is appreciated. Keep it coming!

Hobjob · #9 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veracocha

The Hawkes were a country mile in front of the Opticrons,

Interesting - a very experienced mate won a pair of Hawkes in a bird magazine competition and retired his Leica's.

When I last birded with him I was waiting for a cataract operation
so could not really evaluate them.

Veracocha · #10 (**permalink**) 16-03-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Interesting - a very experienced mate won a pair of Hawkes in a bird magazine competition and retired his Leica's.

When I last birded with him I was waiting for a cataract operation
so could not really evaluate them.

The old addage that you get what you pay for is not truly applicable here. I figured I can get 5 pairs of these for the Swaro's I viewed. Warranty is not yet proven granted but no reason to suggest anything will not be honoured. Their e-mail contact thus far has been superb. Just attempting to buy the 8X43 at this moment.

I hope your recovery is swift and you get to try them soon.