Which binoculars??

[Pease]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to buy a decent pair of binoculars for bird/wildlife watching. I really don't have much money so I'm not lookig to spend more than £150. I was looking at maybe something in the Nikon action range? Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks for your help


Pease x

[Jersali]

Hello Pease,
how exciting to be buying binoculars

On a similar budget I bought 10 x 42 opticrons great out in the open
my wife has 8 x 42's which she prefers
Waterproof was important to us (it rains a lot)
Good luck
Al

[Pease]

Thanks Jersali!

Yes it's very exiting - there's too much choice though, and I could literally spend thousands! Thanks for the tip on waterproofin - important point (especially on a day like this!!).

[foxy mars]

Hi Pease.

I've recently brought a pair of Nikon Action 8x40, which do for me. I got mine from Jessops for £60, Nikon Action VII 8x40 Binoculars - BAA651AA - Jessops - Binoculars

The field of view is excellent, but these are a excellent starter pair for a decent price.

[Pease]

Thanks for the tip Foxy!

I was edging towards the Nikon action series, so it's good to know someone who has bought them and found them good to use - had a look through various internet sites last night and there are some really amazing ones around! I was looking at the Bushnell ones too, but most of these are out of my league...if only I had £1000!

[markbugman]

Have a look at the Hawke Frontier PC range , for the money they are really good.
regards
Mark

[Adam Cheeseman]

Your best bet is to go to a reputable shop or dealer, tell them how much you want to spend and then ask them what they have in stock in that price range. Don't be pushed into a particular brand and make sure you try several different brands out as they wil all feel different, weigh different, have different optical quality annd so forth. As I say try as many different types out and see what feels right for you and your eyesight.

Cheers,

Adam

[ESJ]

A friend of mine had the same dilemma, and went to the 'in focus' shop at the local WWT centre where he tried out several pairs, having quoted his budget (but not told how much each pair cost).
Having taken his time he picked a pair of Opticron roof bins (lightweight and WP), which came out at just over £150. Great value for money.

I have tried the Nikon action 8x40's. View was good, but the porro's are quite clunky in design, probably good for someone with large hands.

[Pease]

Thanks everyone!

Think I'm going to go for the Bushnell Natureview 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars. I'm actually a bit of a sucker for Bushnell.

Also found a really good binocular review site here: Bushnell 10x42 NatureView Binoculars - Full Review

Only con now though is I have to wait until payday next week

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Pease

Thanks everyone!

Think I'm going to go for the Bushnell Natureview 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars. I'm actually a bit of a sucker for Bushnell.

Also found a really good binocular review site here: Bushnell 10x42 NatureView Binoculars - Full Review

Only con now though is I have to wait until payday next week

I think I tried these initially, but found they gave me a headache when you're trying to look at things in woods and nearby bushes. So I bought the Bushnell NatureView 8x42 instead and these were much better.

Nige