Anyone into Binoculars

FriendlyMan · 07-14-2009, 11:49 AM

Hi,

Anyone here into Binoculars? I know the higer the number the better, I'm not in the mood of reading up on the whole thing right now. But I was intrested in spending up to $100 unless you swear It dosnt pay to pay so little. I do understand it depends what I need it for. Well at the moment not really for anything much. I just want to have something that I can look in to and see really realy far and realy clear. like going to the park with the kids or alone and looking way up in trees, or going over the bridge while on the train and saying wow I can see that car in traffic so clear. While taking my kids on a boat ride and seeing buildings miles miles a way. Any one have any ideas?
I can buy online or go to http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ they are in NYC.
Or if anyone here has one tht they want to trade for cigars I might be intrested.

thanks,
FM

bigloo · 07-14-2009, 12:03 PM

There are several numbers. The first is the magnitifaction, the second is the final optics diameter. The larger the 1st number, the larger the 2nd number should be (more light capture) AND the harder is will be to hand-hold. My personal believe is that 10x magnification is the most anyone should do without tripod assistance (some withsteady hands can swing 12x). At 10x, I feel 50mm is optimal, at 8x I think 40mm is good. So I would recommend a 10x50 or a 8x40. This being said, for casual use $100 can definately buy you good quality. The Nikon action series are fantastic binoculars and for the price cannot be beaten IMHO. You would have to spend 2-3x more then this to get equal quality (these are much better then Bushnell costing 2x for sure).

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10...lars-7218.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-8x...lars-7216.html

Now, if you want to see the balls on a squirrel from across the valley, you will need a scope+tripod. A lot of people will see you can get 12x50 and even 15-20x50. I really recommend against these... at those magnifications it is impossible to hold them steady. I also am against zoom binoculars (zoom scopes is another story) but they tend to be much heavier and again zoom to the 20x levels which makes hand holding hard.

More then you ever wanted to know about binoculars?

The Poet · 07-14-2009, 01:29 PM

Lu covered it fairly well, so I'll just add my

here. Don't get all hung up on the highest power you can find. Remember, the greater the magnification, the harder it will be for you to hold it steady enough to avoid the shakes. Also, with a higher power comes a more narrow field of view, which will make it harder to keep a moving object in sight. If you want to follow a football play, f'instance, a wider field will better allow you not only to follow the play, but to see it develop both across and down field. And if you want to use the glasses in a low-light situation, you'll find that a lesser power and bigger objective lens works best - a 7X50 is ideal for night use, whereas if you were to go to a 10X pair you'd have to get a 10X80 to have a comparable low-light capability - and you ain't gonna find that for no 100 bucks. Finally, make sure you go somewhere you can actually look through the binocs before you purchase, especially to judge the sharpness and contrast of the design. The advantage of sharpness is obvious, and the more contrast will allow you to focus more easily and securely.

I speak from 40 years as an amateur astronomer, and with over 8 years working in a photo shop that sold binoculars, so I know a bit of which I advise - for a change.

larryinlc · 07-14-2009, 06:17 PM

One other factor that was important to me was eye relief. If you have longish lashes, you'll most certainly be annoyed if you have to bury your eyes into the glass and have lash rub. Long eye relief, while not essential to the view, can make or break the pleasure of a fine pair of binoculars.

My personal preference is 8 power. It give wide angle of view and is easily hand holdable. If you want more durable and perhaps water resistant, go with a roof prism. They'll cost a bit more than porro prism but you might like them best.

I use the fine Nikon 8x32 Superior E porros that are as good as they come. They're certainly not cheap though, but they will last a lifetime.

Here's a great site for reviews.

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/

Larry

FriendlyMan · 07-14-2009, 06:54 PM

Hi, Thank you all for your in put on this, I have most of the day off tomorow I can visit this store. From the link I'm giving you can u please suggest a little list which I start looking at when I get to the store please?

I don't have very big eye brows but I do wear glasses which I guess will need to be removed. And I do think you guys are right, I'd be more in trested in having a more wider/ more to see but at the same time I want it to be close up.

So what do you think?

Bigloo, I'm not sure I'd buy it for that but the Squirrel idea is a good place to start for beginners.

07-14-2009, 07:21 PM

I have the Nikon 10X42 ATB Binos. Mine are the camo model I paid around $300. They are worth the price. Very clear.

-Zach

Bruins Fan · 07-14-2009, 07:30 PM

I am happy with my Nikon Sports & Marine 7x50 Waterproof Binocular.

bigloo · 07-14-2009, 07:54 PM

I checked, bhp has the Nikon Action series. As I said, there are lot better binoculars for $300-1000, but sub-$100, the Nikon Action are great. They also make wide-angle versions for a little more. Go try them out, if you like them and the price is right, all done.

FriendlyMan · 07-19-2009, 12:48 PM

Ok, I went to Bandh today and checked out the Nikon action as you said. They had the 7x50 Nikon Action on the floor but not in stock but they had it on back order so shipping is free. I got it for 75.81 with tax should get it shipped any day. They did have another brand with the same specs in stock but the sales man talked me in to waiting. He said nikon is great when it come to exchange even if I drop it theyl replace it for me. So I paid for it and ill wait. I just wish it was a little smaller.

Ill keep you all posted.
FM

FriendlyMan · 07-21-2009, 06:37 AM

So this is what I did, I called them yesterday morning they said that it was on back order by Nikon so I asked how long can this take they had no date. So I asked to be connected to sales. I decided to go with the Nikon 7x50 action Extreme, it allmost the same but this one is water proof. it dose cost a little more. I ran there yesterday and picked it up. Its a little big but it pretty light for a thin like this and I love what I'm seeing wow weeeeeeeeeeee. thanks guys.

bigloo · 07-21-2009, 08:48 AM

Enjoy man. You will not be disappointed.

FriendlyMan · 07-21-2009, 09:16 AM

Amen

doctorcue · 07-21-2009, 01:31 PM

Let us know how that neighbor looks!

j/k

I need a setup for my self too.

The Poet · 07-21-2009, 01:35 PM

Goodie for you - Nikon makes good optics, and they should last you several lifetimes.

FriendlyMan · 07-21-2009, 01:37 PM

The neighbor just won't open those shades, I'm living there for ten years.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
'
"
'
"
"
Guess what, She's an old women her high 90's she bearly gets out of bed.

I'm not J/K

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctorcue

Let us know how that neighbor looks!

j/k

I need a setup for my self too.

07-14-2009, 11:49 AM	#1
FriendlyMan Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: JACK Location: NYC Posts: 212 Trading: (7)	Anyone into Binoculars Hi, Anyone here into Binoculars? I know the higer the number the better, I'm not in the mood of reading up on the whole thing right now. But I was intrested in spending up to $100 unless you swear It dosnt pay to pay so little. I do understand it depends what I need it for. Well at the moment not really for anything much. I just want to have something that I can look in to and see really realy far and realy clear. like going to the park with the kids or alone and looking way up in trees, or going over the bridge while on the train and saying wow I can see that car in traffic so clear. While taking my kids on a boat ride and seeing buildings miles miles a way. Any one have any ideas? I can buy online or go to http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ they are in NYC. Or if anyone here has one tht they want to trade for cigars I might be intrested. thanks, FM

07-14-2009, 12:03 PM	#2
bigloo Crazy like a fox Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Lu Location: Rose City Posts: 905 Trading: (27)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars There are several numbers. The first is the magnitifaction, the second is the final optics diameter. The larger the 1st number, the larger the 2nd number should be (more light capture) AND the harder is will be to hand-hold. My personal believe is that 10x magnification is the most anyone should do without tripod assistance (some withsteady hands can swing 12x). At 10x, I feel 50mm is optimal, at 8x I think 40mm is good. So I would recommend a 10x50 or a 8x40. This being said, for casual use $100 can definately buy you good quality. The Nikon action series are fantastic binoculars and for the price cannot be beaten IMHO. You would have to spend 2-3x more then this to get equal quality (these are much better then Bushnell costing 2x for sure). http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10...lars-7218.html http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-8x...lars-7216.html Now, if you want to see the balls on a squirrel from across the valley, you will need a scope+tripod. A lot of people will see you can get 12x50 and even 15-20x50. I really recommend against these... at those magnifications it is impossible to hold them steady. I also am against zoom binoculars (zoom scopes is another story) but they tend to be much heavier and again zoom to the 20x levels which makes hand holding hard. More then you ever wanted to know about binoculars?

07-14-2009, 01:29 PM	#3
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Lu covered it fairly well, so I'll just add my here. Don't get all hung up on the highest power you can find. Remember, the greater the magnification, the harder it will be for you to hold it steady enough to avoid the shakes. Also, with a higher power comes a more narrow field of view, which will make it harder to keep a moving object in sight. If you want to follow a football play, f'instance, a wider field will better allow you not only to follow the play, but to see it develop both across and down field. And if you want to use the glasses in a low-light situation, you'll find that a lesser power and bigger objective lens works best - a 7X50 is ideal for night use, whereas if you were to go to a 10X pair you'd have to get a 10X80 to have a comparable low-light capability - and you ain't gonna find that for no 100 bucks. Finally, make sure you go somewhere you can actually look through the binocs before you purchase, especially to judge the sharpness and contrast of the design. The advantage of sharpness is obvious, and the more contrast will allow you to focus more easily and securely. I speak from 40 years as an amateur astronomer, and with over 8 years working in a photo shop that sold binoculars, so I know a bit of which I advise - for a change.

07-14-2009, 06:17 PM	#4
larryinlc Angry Packer Fan Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Larry Location: Starvalley Posts: 325 Trading: (15)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars One other factor that was important to me was eye relief. If you have longish lashes, you'll most certainly be annoyed if you have to bury your eyes into the glass and have lash rub. Long eye relief, while not essential to the view, can make or break the pleasure of a fine pair of binoculars. My personal preference is 8 power. It give wide angle of view and is easily hand holdable. If you want more durable and perhaps water resistant, go with a roof prism. They'll cost a bit more than porro prism but you might like them best. I use the fine Nikon 8x32 Superior E porros that are as good as they come. They're certainly not cheap though, but they will last a lifetime. Here's a great site for reviews. http://www.betterviewdesired.com/ Larry

07-14-2009, 06:54 PM	#5
FriendlyMan Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: JACK Location: NYC Posts: 212 Trading: (7)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Hi, Thank you all for your in put on this, I have most of the day off tomorow I can visit this store. From the link I'm giving you can u please suggest a little list which I start looking at when I get to the store please? I don't have very big eye brows but I do wear glasses which I guess will need to be removed. And I do think you guys are right, I'd be more in trested in having a more wider/ more to see but at the same time I want it to be close up. So what do you think? Bigloo, I'm not sure I'd buy it for that but the Squirrel idea is a good place to start for beginners.

07-14-2009, 07:21 PM	#6
Diesel Kinevel Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Anyone into Binoculars I have the Nikon 10X42 ATB Binos. Mine are the camo model I paid around $300. They are worth the price. Very clear. -Zach

07-14-2009, 07:30 PM	#7
Bruins Fan Hooper drives the boat. Join Date: May 2009 First Name: John Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,359 Trading: (0)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars I am happy with my Nikon Sports & Marine 7x50 Waterproof Binocular. __________________ Here's to swimmin' with bow-legged women.

07-14-2009, 07:54 PM	#8
bigloo Crazy like a fox Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Lu Location: Rose City Posts: 905 Trading: (27)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars I checked, bhp has the Nikon Action series. As I said, there are lot better binoculars for $300-1000, but sub-$100, the Nikon Action are great. They also make wide-angle versions for a little more. Go try them out, if you like them and the price is right, all done.

07-19-2009, 12:48 PM	#9
FriendlyMan Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: JACK Location: NYC Posts: 212 Trading: (7)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Ok, I went to Bandh today and checked out the Nikon action as you said. They had the 7x50 Nikon Action on the floor but not in stock but they had it on back order so shipping is free. I got it for 75.81 with tax should get it shipped any day. They did have another brand with the same specs in stock but the sales man talked me in to waiting. He said nikon is great when it come to exchange even if I drop it theyl replace it for me. So I paid for it and ill wait. I just wish it was a little smaller. Ill keep you all posted. FM

07-21-2009, 06:37 AM	#10
FriendlyMan Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: JACK Location: NYC Posts: 212 Trading: (7)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars So this is what I did, I called them yesterday morning they said that it was on back order by Nikon so I asked how long can this take they had no date. So I asked to be connected to sales. I decided to go with the Nikon 7x50 action Extreme, it allmost the same but this one is water proof. it dose cost a little more. I ran there yesterday and picked it up. Its a little big but it pretty light for a thin like this and I love what I'm seeing wow weeeeeeeeeeee. thanks guys.

07-21-2009, 08:48 AM	#11
bigloo Crazy like a fox Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Lu Location: Rose City Posts: 905 Trading: (27)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Enjoy man. You will not be disappointed.

07-21-2009, 09:16 AM	#12
FriendlyMan Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2009 First Name: JACK Location: NYC Posts: 212 Trading: (7)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Amen

07-21-2009, 01:31 PM	#13
doctorcue BABOTL - VP of Drinking Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Danny Location: Rancho Cordova, CA Posts: 331 Trading: (2)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Let us know how that neighbor looks! j/k I need a setup for my self too. __________________ Raiders, A's, Warriors.

07-21-2009, 01:35 PM	#14
The Poet Il megglior fabbro Join Date: Jun 2009 First Name: Thomas Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 8,420 Trading: (2)	Re: Anyone into Binoculars Goodie for you - Nikon makes good optics, and they should last you several lifetimes.