frogza

My wife and I would like to get some binoculars but we don't know what to look for in a pair. We want them to be lightweight so we can easily take them hiking and will use them primarily to view wildlife, including birds. What should I look for? I would like to spend less than $150. Any suggestions?

MexicanOnABike

That's a good question! I'm interested to know too.

this is my answer:
save that money and then buy a kickass camera with a super zoom lens so that you can photograph w/e you're looking at. eh?

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Push-Pull

http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?it...TEWAY&itemID=5

I've had quite a few experiences with these people, all of them good or great. I'd start with them....

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frogza

Thank you, that is very helpful.

frogza

Ok, I got some more answers from a guy that is a bit of an expert on the subject. He said 10X42 (the first number is the magnification and the second is the width of the large end) is the magic number when it comes to Binoculars. You can find 10x50s that are good but not until the high price range ($700+0 Plan on spending at last $350 for a decent pair, anything less and the optics won't be as clear. Some good brands are Leopold, Pentax & Kahle. One to avoid is Bushnell.

thingstodo

I purchased a pair a few years ago. One thing I would do is buy or at least research them in person so you can actually look through them. Also, if you go to a few different stores you'll be able to learn more each time and try out different brands. The more you know the better a decision you can make! And if you do buy them on-line you'll know just what you want.

I did purchase 10x50s but I didn't pay a high price - got Nikons. I'm sure the higher price are much better but I could see through these fine. They aren't tiny, however!

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Baraka_Guru

Just be sure to get wide angle (i.e. ?X42 or higher), or it will be difficult to watch wildlife, especially birds.

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Push-Pull

Also, if possible, look at a brick wall through the binos. Close one eye, open, then close/open the other eye. If the bricks and mortar lines "move" as you close/open your eyes, then the binos are out of collimation, and should not be purchased. Collimation is achieved when both halves of the binos are aimed at exactly the same place. If they are not, then your brain tries to compensate, and you end up with tired eyes and headaches as a result.

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"No laws, no matter how rigidly enforced, can protect a person from their own stupidity." -Me-

"Some people are like Slinkies..... They are not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." -Unknown-

DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

socal

This is clearly a case of you get what you pay for. I have this pair http://www.riflescopes.com/products/..._binocular.htm

I purchased them after a lot of research. these are 8.5x43. The pair they replaced was a 12x52 (pentax) I will take these any day due to the clarity. Some people think that if the magnification is greater and the objective is large enough (let more light in) then that is better. What it actually comes down to is the coating on the lenses and how much light they pass through.

As for research, I suggest you spend some time out on the hunting forums. Hunters take their optics very sceriously. You can spend a ton of money on optics, but I would try to find the best price point in a German manufactured lens. The Germans are known for their optical quality and no one can come close. The website above has all of the viable manufactures so it is a good source to compare...

Also, if you want light weight you will want a roof prism and not a poro prism. Big difference in weight and much less bulky. But they come at a cost.

One note on the wildlife thing. If this is what you will really be doing, spend the money and you will have a much better time. When I am out glassing, I have spotted a bobcat looking right at me from more than 100 yards in tall grass. All I could see was it's head from the nose up but I spotted it. With cheap binos, you will miss a lot, I would never have seen this critter with my previous pair of Pentax even with the better magnification.

Oh, one last note. One reason it is a good idea to get a good pair, is that some of the best time to look for wildlife is during first light or dusk. These low light conditions really require a good set if optics. You don't have to go crazy, but you will get what you pay for.

Mondak

Thanks for starting the thread frogza and everyone for the good information. SoCal and Push-Pull's information was especially helpful.

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