Indecisive binocular buyer

[skiddy57]

Dear all

I apologies for posting here if it is the incorrect place to do so, however I am kindly requesting some opinions/advice over which of the following bins is better. I will soon be going to Mauritius to volunteer on a conservation project and I need to take with me a suitable light, good quality pair of binoculars for bird observations. My budget is roughly £60.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-...wa-8x40/p15250

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/...6155/show.html


If you feel there are better binoculars on the market in that price range I would be happy to hear about them.

Kindest regards

J.

[nigel_b]

Any chance you can try them both somewhere?

I wouldn't have thought there would be a huge difference optically but handling might be quite different.

I've bought 3 pairs of (cheaper) opticrons over the years as I've always felt they are good value for money.

We've also bought 2 pairs of (more expensive) Nikons between us and I use a Nikon camera so am happy to say that Nikon usually come up with real quality stuff but at that price point? I wouldnt like to say.

With the camera-war going on between Nikon and Canon you wouldnt think Nikon would put their name to sub-standard stuff but you never know without trying.

Whilst I'm a big Nikon fan I think I'd go for the Opticrons at this price. Ideally try them both somewhere and go from there. Hope this is of some use.

[stigofthedump]

I would have to agree with everything nigel_b has said.
Looking at the specs the Optricon are lighter and the close focussing is better. The optics I cannot comment on. I use Nikon as well, a bit more expensive, and find them stunning.

Always best to 'try before you buy'.

All the best

Vince

[wizzo]

Hi Skiddy. The general rule with any optics is.....buy the best that you can afford. As others have said, you can't beat trying the bins out before you buy. Unfortunately, £60 won't buy you an exceptional pair of binos but you should get an adequate pair. Have you considered 2nd hand? Opticron and Nikon produce reasonable budget optics and it might even be worth looking at Jessops own brand. At the end of the day... "you pays yer money and takes yer choice". Good luck and enjoy your trip - Wizzo

[skiddy57]

nigel_b, stigofthedump and wizzo, thank you all so much for your kind replies and advice. As suggested, I went to try them out in a shop and have unfortunately now opened a whole new can of worms as to whether or not to buy porro prisms or the lighter bins that have roof prisms?

[nigel_b]

My porros are lighter than my roofs, both 8x42.

A bit of weight can help stabilise them and get a better view. Too much weight and they're a strain clearly.

Go for the best view, easiest to focus, comfortable to hold. Try them on a dull day if possible. Most optics will look good on a bright clear day.