Advice on Buying (cheap) Binoculars

Birdwatchers · #1 (**permalink**) 14-09-2009, 12:36 PM

I am after getting some binoculars after being inspired on a guided birdwalk in my area and also I am going on holiday to Malaysia soon. I really want to get good ones, but I do not have much money to spend on them at the moment.

I think 8x40 or 42 or maybe 10x40 are the best size for birdwatching and nature? I also noticed on these forums that 10x50 Bresser ones are particularly recommened as good inexpensive starter binoculars and they are sometimes on offer on Lidl quite cheaply.

Since most people on here seem to recommend them I think I might try them, but I am just a little worried because on an Amazon review somebody seems to be complaining that after a few months several pairs that she had wouldn't focus properly and gave 'double vision'. Also on WAB I think somebody mentioned that some of them have different focusing distances. Have many people had these problems?

I also would like to get them before I go on holiday but they are not in the next few weeks of offers in Lidll. On ebay there are some, and they are a bit more expensive, but I also noticed on there some bresser 20X50 binoculars and I am interested in these, but I'm just wondering whether it really is impossible to use 20x binoculars handheld?

I think I will go for the 10x50 bresser ones and just keep an eye on ebay before I go on holiday unless anybody has a suggestion of any other good binoculars for up to about £50 that are actually worth the money (if such things exists, or do you really need to spend a lot more?)

Hobjob · #2 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 10:00 AM

I keep a pair of cheapo Lidl bressers in my kitchen for looking at the bird table. They are OK for that, but not anything more.

I've read on WAB and elsewhere about the Hawke range that are rated
as fantastic value for money. Only tired one pair and they were good.

On the whole with optics you get what you pay for, though there are diminishing returns at the higher end.

britnik · #3 (**permalink**) 15-09-2009, 10:40 AM

I would say

Stay away from zoom binoculars
Unless portability is key give preference to objective size rather than magnification
Strong recommendation to try your pair in the shop before you buy
Bright orange "coating" on the lenses is not necessarily a good sign

Picidae · #4 (**permalink**) 21-09-2009, 11:32 PM

You may be better off getting a better quality pair second hand rather than hoping for a pair that will satisfy you for £50. I'd certainly recommend 8 x 42 for general birdwatching, that's a perfectly adequate magnification and light allowance at the objective lens end. x 50 would be heavy to hold and are OK for seawatching where you need a wide angle view. The heavier the binocular the harder it is to avoid shake and your arms/neck will start to ache if you have to lug them round for too long.

Try these sites:

Used Optics at Birdnet Optics (the RSPB binos are generally good value)

Binoculars

(the above link gives some good basic recommendations as well as being a reliable second hand optic dealer)

JB9302 · #5 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 03:43 PM

I have up until last week been using a pair of Nikon Action 8 x 40 CF bino"s and was happy with the image clarity , however I found the shape/design a bit bulky hanging round my neck.
I sold them and yesterday bought a slimmer more compact pair of Visionary Wetland 10 x 42 which I tried out this aft , they were comfortable to carry around the neck/chest and at first use could appreciate the extra magnification.
I glassed several hawks & a buzzard within 15 mins but was dismayed to notice a yellow fringing around/on top of the outline of the birds , also noticed on the odd occasion on the out line of the heather where it was backlit.
Light conditions were not that good but improving after rain/cloud all morning.

Any ideas re the yellow fringing ?

Julian

harasseddad · #6 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 08:44 PM

I'd recommend you get yourself a pair of second hand Carl Zeiss Jena Jenoptem 8 x 30 Wide Field Binoculars off ebay - should be about £50-£60. For the money they can't be beaten. (unless you wear glasses - because they don't work with glasses).

Hobjob · #7 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 04:15 PM

If bought from a shop I would take them straight back. You will notice this fringing more and more as time goes on and it will niggle away at you.

I have not heard of Visionary Wetland Bins - The big names are safer, even
at the lower priced end of the market. Hawke, Opticrom, RSPB, Viking, Nikon etc..

As you get more experienced you will want better and better glass; many,
me included, on this board can attest to this

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB9302

I have up until last week been using a pair of Nikon Action 8 x 40 CF bino"s and was happy with the image clarity , however I found the shape/design a bit bulky hanging round my neck.
I sold them and yesterday bought a slimmer more compact pair of Visionary Wetland 10 x 42 which I tried out this aft , they were comfortable to carry around the neck/chest and at first use could appreciate the extra magnification.
I glassed several hawks & a buzzard within 15 mins but was dismayed to notice a yellow fringing around/on top of the outline of the birds , also noticed on the odd occasion on the out line of the heather where it was backlit.
Light conditions were not that good but improving after rain/cloud all morning.

Any ideas re the yellow fringing ?

Julian

JB9302 · #8 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobjob

If bought from a shop I would take them straight back. You will notice this fringing more and more as time goes on and it will niggle away at you.

I have not heard of Visionary Wetland Bins - The big names are safer, even
at the lower priced end of the market. Hawke, Opticrom, RSPB, Viking, Nikon etc..

As you get more experienced you will want better and better glass; many,
me included, on this board can attest to this

Thanks for the reply , tried them out again this morning and on one occasion noticed the yellow fringing , my brother couldn"t see ought wrong with them.
Thinking about it and after a bit of research its probably chromatic aberration causing it.
Seen similar ( purple fringing ) on photo"s , all the colours not coming together where they should/lens flare or something

Saw the Visionary recomended on a large optic supplier but think that they are inferior quality to my previous Nikons.
Looking for a refund .

Julian

squishy · #9 (**permalink**) 23-09-2009, 09:24 PM

i've got a pair of the lidl 10x50 bressers, and they are incredibly impressive given the price. (often £10-15)

JB9302 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 10:29 AM

Got a refund no probs on the Visionary Wetlands and put another £100 towards a pair of Vortex Diamondback 10 x 42 bino"s , did a bit of research first .
They are well made , good feel to them , nice soft neckstrap and moulded carry case , but more importantly the clarity is very good , smooth focus adjustment and wide field of view and good low light capabilities.
Glad I spent more , spose buy cheap buy twice is right.

Julian

freefeet · #11 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 10:01 PM

I got some Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 brand new off ebay. Think they were £219. They are excellent!

I have very little experience with binos and all the ones i've used before were cheap stuff, but everytime i use the Hawkes i'm totally amazed with how good they are. I'm more than happy with the value i got for my money.

david156 · #12 (**permalink**) 19-10-2009, 10:17 PM

hi.
I keep a pair of swift audobon (excuse the spelling!!) 10 x 50 in the car but very rarily use now. Now use a pair of leica 7 x 42. Optics are brilliant and the clear image means i don't notice the smaller magnification. They are also waterproof and lighter! Go to a specialist shop and get some advice try them out. If they sell second hand and its a good shop you shouldn't have a problem getting a good pair of bins at a resonable price.

Good luck.