Binoculars and Handlens questions

[MetalMoth]

First off what do people think about these bino's? :

Bushnell Natureview 22-1042 - Binoculars 10 x 42: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

I am looking to buy some binoculars for the first time and am willing to spend around £100. How good do you think these will be? I am a relatively experienced bird watcher and recently have been using my girlfriends Hawke binoculars which were great.

Where is the best place to buy a good handlens?

Thanks.

[tcvarlh]

There are some good Geology suppliers online, they generally have a varied selection.
h

[The Woodman]

Try this one from Alana Ecology - there are other suppliers.

Alana Ecology Opticron Hand Lens 23mm 10x

The 23mm is easier to use than the 18mm.

[Lancashire Lad]

These come highly recommended - Good size, superb optics, and very clear field of view. (NB: they look like the Opticron model but aren't the same). Batteries seem to last forever - still got the originals in mine -two years down the line.

Cromwell Industrial Tools UK: Oxford Precision : PM 3010 LED POCKET MAGNIFIER : OXD-316-2010K

Since I got one, my non-illuminated hand lenses have been consigned to the drawer.

Regards,
Mike

[Dorts]

I've used the same 'RuPer' 3 way hand lens for well over 40 years.
It has x3, x4 and x5 lenses, giving x12 max. in a stainless steel case. I have found it perfect for just about everything.

They are still available for around £30.
Dorts.

[MetalMoth]

Thanks guys. What about the binoculars?

[The Woodman]

Judging by the reviews on Amazon, they are good apart from the poorly fitting lense caps.

I did have a pair of similar Bushnell H2O's for a while and they were fine, not outstanding. £1000+ more gives you "outstanding"!

They fit your budget but you're buying untried. It's always useful to have a look through a pair before purchasing if you can.

[Lancashire Lad]

10 x 40's may give you give slightly too much magnification. - less comfortable for prolonged viewing as they could be harder to hold steady.

For general wildlife viewing/birdwatching etc. most people opt for 8 x 40's.

10 x 40's would in all probability be less capable in lower lighting conditions too. - (i.e. giving a darker field of view when compared to 8 x40's etc.)

Regards,
Mike.

[PMG]

It all depends on where you do most of your birdwatching: in woodland then 8 x 40s take in a wider view and more light making looking thro trees and branches a bit easier. If on the coast and birds on esturies and distance or at sea then the 10 x 40s is a better option - tho as Mike says they are heavier and may put a strain on your eyes if you use them a lot (everyone uese them extensively when they are new and gets tired eyes and a headache!) once you settle down to using them for ID or a shorter look-see then your eyes will be ok tho the weight round your neck may become a problem. There are harness type straps now that puts the weight around your back instead of dragging your neck down.

PAuline

[MetalMoth]

Hmmm well I am going to be using them mainly in open habitats so field of view is not a problem. However what I am concerned about is effectiveness in low light conditions as I am most likely going to going to reserves at sunrise to see birds. So if 8x is better in low lighting then I may go for them. I used my girlfriends Hawke ones which were 10x and they were good but we never tried them in low light. However hers were a lot more expensive than the Bushnells I have been looking at. I could either get the 8x or 10x. Both are on Amazon for the same amount and all have good reviews.

I am not sure now which would be best for me. Magnification is important to me to get a good view of things but use in low lighting is also an issue.