Looking for new binoculars

[foxy mars]

Bad news, I had the old bins out and on closer inspection, there is a crack on the inside of lens. So, looking for a new pair.

Don't want to spend a fortune, really just for the odd time down the Tees Barrage looking at Shags, Herons, the odd Seal and general use.

Looking for a pair for around £50, although, £100 would be a upper limit.

I saw a pair in Jeesop's on the web and these were Nikon Action VII 8 x 40 and wondering if any good for bird-watching.

However, I have a pair of Nikon 9 x 25 CF III and wondering if I should stick with these.

Thanks for any help, I know this is a forum for bird-watching advice.

[Madcaravanner]

The advice I was once given is as valid today as it was 45 years ago

Ignore the Badge

Make sure it does WHAT you WANT it to do

buy the most expensive you can afford

don't look at prices a week after you bought it will be cheaper

remember by the time it gets to the shop it's obsolete in the eyes of the makers


btw I'm still using the same pair of 10x50 Chinon Countryman Binoculars from circa 1970

[Tringa]

Good advice from MadC.

There is a lot info on the Web on bins - eg Best Value Binoculars | Best Value For Money Binoculars -

but the best way is to find somewhere that will let you try out a few pairs.

However, as you have another pair you could use these for a while. I'm guessing the as the exit pupil of the 9 x 25 is less than 3mm they may have difficulty in dim light, but as they are Nikons they are likely to be better than may other makes.

Dave

[artdemole]

I always look at scopesnskies for a bargain.

[JB9302]

I had the previous version of the Nikons you mention , the same really just model number changed , for the price paid I was happy with the performance for general use.
I did find them a little bulky/heavy though for walking and changed to a slimmer/lighter model ( about £100 dearer ).

Julian

[markbugman]

why not look for secondhand?
theres usually a good selection at London Camera Exchange (various branches)

[foxy mars]

Thanks for all the good advice. In the end, I settled for the Nikon Action 8x40 CF bins. Although, I would of liked to got the Bushnells, but these a little more in the price, I paid for the Nikon's. Then again, for what I want, the Nikon's will fit the bill. So, I'm looking forward to some bird-watching down by the Tees Barrage.

[foxy mars]

The other day, I went down to the Tees Barrage to try out my new Nikon Binoculars and hey, how clear there were too. I'm pleased about these and saw a Heron, hoping get down there again this week to see any Seals.