Binocular help please

Tobyh · #1 (**permalink**) 29-03-2007, 01:53 PM

Hi all,

I'm after a little advice on what I should look for or any recommendations.

I want to buy a compact pair of binoculars, preferably pocketsize type to take with me when I go out with the camera. The larger the magnification the better but not overly expensive.

Anyone able to point me in the right direction please? Sorry if it's a bit vague

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 29-03-2007, 02:38 PM

What is not too expensive Toby?Leica 8x40 £299
Opticron Imaia £60
Discovery SD £35 both 10X25
Opticron binoculars and Opticron fieldscopes at the best uk prices

almostnormal · #3 (**permalink**) 29-03-2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobyh

Hi all,

I'm after a little advice on what I should look for or any recommendations.

I want to buy a compact pair of binoculars, preferably pocketsize type to take with me when I go out with the camera. The larger the magnification the better but not overly expensive.

Anyone able to point me in the right direction please? Sorry if it's a bit vague

its probably worth checking out your local optics shop as well. canon do some nice compacts, as do bushnell. have a look through a few pairs before buying anything. its also worth seeing, once you've looked through them in the optics shop, seeing if you can get them cheaper online!!

Toby · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 10:26 PM

if you get a chance to try them out before buying then one test is to focus on an object like a branch/aerial against the sky - ie no distracting background and check there is no haloing around that object.

Pete · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 04:51 AM

good advice from Toby.

whereas I'd always say try before you buy it's even more the case when dealing with compacts.

Don't get to hung up on magnification. Compacts have narrower fieds of view and even 10x can be a bit like looking down a pair of toilet rolls fov wise.

at under £100 I like the Opticron Taiga 8x25 and the Nikon Travelite V. The taiga's can be had for £79 from the link above (scroll down to pocket binoculars NOT field binoculars). if you are into insects Pentax Papillio's? either 6.5 or 8.5 x21 ?

all of the above are reverse porro. There are no cheap compact roofs I've looked through I like.

If money can stretch to it and your pockets look at the Opticron Traveller 8x32 it weighs 465g and sherwoods have it for £179. It has an odd focus wheel position BUT it will outperform virtually any compacts

Bushcraft · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 10:56 AM

Hi,

As some have already said is best to test them all out first as everyone will view them differently. Opticron Traveller are one of the best compacts, BUT where I work we have just had a new English brand in that out perform these and they are around half the price at the moment.

If you are local to Essex I hold regular optics days where you can try and test them all and we also offer a 10% off on these days. I’m not pushing a sale as its all for charity and I make nothing from it, but it is a good time to be able to test them and we have quite a large range of all bins that are specifically designed for wildlife.

Best wishes
Kris
Ps. PM me if you need more details

Blackdog · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2007, 11:07 AM

I use Opticron Taiga 8x25. They have always worked well for me, although I'm sure as others have said, you could spend a lot more on compact binoculars. I bought mine from the In Focus shop at Slimbridge.

Gandalf · #8 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 07:09 PM

tobyh I, like you, am pondering about which compact binos to get to augment my camera equipment when out. I have decided on 8X25 compact as the 'large' binos I used to tote around 12x50 gave me neck ache and I found it very hard to hold them steady in my hands.

Cheers,

eeyore · #9 (**permalink**) 09-04-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gandalf

tobyh I, like you, am pondering about which compact binos to get to augment my camera equipment when out. I have decided on 8X25 compact as the 'large' binos I used to tote around 12x50 gave me neck ache and I found it very hard to hold them steady in my hands.

Cheers,

For that purpose I have an 8x30 monocular - despite being rubber armoured it is very light and compact enough to stick in the camera bagor carry arround in a pouch on your belt - mine is the opticron mono and cost 69 notes from the rspb shop at sandy

Gandalf · #10 (**permalink**) 10-04-2007, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore

For that purpose I have an 8x30 monocular - despite being rubber armoured it is very light and compact enough to stick in the camera bagor carry arround in a pouch on your belt - mine is the opticron mono and cost 69 notes from the rspb shop at sandy

Must admit eeyore I hadn't considered a monocular but for the present will stick to the 8x25s I've ordered.

Cheers,