Where can I try bins in Reading?

Lyndseypops · #1 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 04:15 PM

Sorry to be thick but I want a pair of bins and have no idea where to go to try b4 I buy!!!

We have 2 pairs already at home but I wear varifocals(?) and the compact pair I have to look thro 1 eyepiece or the other and the ones that bend(???) so I can see thro both eyes, I have to focus at the absolute maximum to see half way down my garden.

I want them for garden birdwatching mostly but I think I really need to go to a "proper" shop to make sure I can see thro them, they are comnfortable for me etc. I am quite happy to then buy on the net at the best price!!! LOL

I live near Reading in Berkshire

wizzo · #2 (**permalink**) 22-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Hiya Lyndsey! Well I'm in Bristol and we have a great shop in an ideal position right on the lakes at Chew Magna. Hence the name 'Lakeside Optics'. They have all the top makes as well as good quality budget brands. They don't rush you and encourage you to try as many pairs as you like. It's so much better that viewing bno's in a shop in a town center as you don't have all the straight symetrical lines of a city center location. This can make even cheap bino's look good. Reading isn't far from Bristol, so might be worth a trip. If you need more details, Pm me - Wizzo

P.s - they open Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's.

agrumpycow · #3 (**permalink**) 22-03-2010, 08:41 PM

Hi Lyndsey

There's a camera shop on Station Road in Reading that sells binoculars and the like as well as cameras.
I got my ocular there (I think that's what it's called - like binoculars but only one eye piece

)) I can't use binoculars because of a squint and they were great letting me try them out to see if I could use them and showing me how to use them properly. Perhaps you could try there?

(not sure I can give the name of the shop here so if you want to know PM me)

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 23-03-2010, 04:02 PM

You will never see well through varifocals and Bins - the physics just don't allow it unless everything is absolutely still, horizonatal etc..

Unless you eyes are very different in their degree of long or short-sightedness, then don't wear any at all. IIRC bad astigmatism doesn't go well with vari-focals anyway.

I think there is an "In Focus" optics shop at WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes, which is only a short trip up the dreaded M4.

Avoid shops with spotty teenagers.

Lots of threads on buying BINs on WAB

Lyndseypops · #5 (**permalink**) 24-03-2010, 09:45 PM

Fanx for the reply Hobjob even if it does make me feel a tad depressed!!!!!
Agrumpycow (sorry don't mean to sound rude) I'll go and have a try there but I do like the sound of wizzo's idea about trying in proper conditions.
Wizzo I've tried to pm you but am new to this and don't know if I am pressing right buttons or not - would it be too much to ask for you to pm me?
Hobjob again I'd be happy to try the In focus place but am female, blond, and over a certain age so need directions!!! LMAO
Fanx for your replies peeps - its nice that ppl want to help
Lyndsey xxx

eeyore · #6 (**permalink**) 24-03-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyndseypops

I'd be happy to try the In focus place but am female, blond, and over a certain age so need directions!!!

directions here How to find us - Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)

you might also find optics days events closer to home - they have been known to run them here and here

its also worth going along to bird walks held by the local wildlife trust and/or the local rspb members group as many people will be there with binos and are usually happy to let you try them out.

slimrbp · #7 (**permalink**) 25-03-2010, 11:18 AM

My partner bought her spotting scope from the In-Focus shop in Barnes.

The gentleman that runs it was extremely helpful letting her try various scopes and eypiece combinations. They have a balcony that overlooks a pond so plenty of wildlife to try them out on!

Also you have the added bonus of a great day out at the wetland centre

britnik · #8 (**permalink**) 25-03-2010, 04:25 PM

They often have binocular and scope events at Dinton Pastures, that's pretty close.
You could possibly ask on 0118 934 2016 or email: countryside@wokingham.gov.uk

nightowl57 · #9 (**permalink**) 26-03-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimrbp

My partner bought her spotting scope from the In-Focus shop in Barnes.

The gentleman that runs it was extremely helpful letting her try various scopes and eypiece combinations. They have a balcony that overlooks a pond so plenty of wildlife to try them out on!

Also you have the added bonus of a great day out at the wetland centre

I bought my binoculars from the in focus shop at Barnes, brilliant service, lovely man, and when I got home, realised my binocular case didn't have a strap on it, so enquired about the price of a case and they sent me one, (no charge) great customer service.