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Binoculars!
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Author:  andrew692003 [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Binoculars!
Hi guyz,

I'm looking for a decent set for my dad for xmas. Probably would spend around £100 - £120. Anyone have any ideas as I have absolutely none other than I know he needs a pair!

He enjoys looking at boats etc. Smaller things like birds etc is not his thing, don't know if that matters or not!

I have seen ones with nightvision but he's not a dirtry old perv so I wouldn't think that would interest him......on second thoughts I could then borrow them! :D

Any help would be much appreciated

Cheers

Andrew
Author:  Sharkmouth [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Binoculars!
Something like this would be ideal

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-10x50-XCF-Binoculars-Case/dp/B00007IP4Y

There are also models from Nikon and Olympus. Bushnell is a good specialist brand but doesn't have the name of the camera companies.

10x50 means x10 magnification and 50mm lenses.

I paid about £50 for a pair of Soligor 10x50 over 20 years ago which I used for plane spotting and they're still going strong.

As long as you spend over £60/70, you'll be sure to get a decent pair.

Unless they absolutely have to fit in a pocket, I don't recommend the mini-bins (10x25 etc) as they aren't bright enough.

The optics on zooms are not as good as fixed focal length, just like with cameras.

I'd also avoid anything over x12 magnification as they wobble unless you rest them on something.

Hope this helps.
Author:  Roffensian [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 8:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Binoculars!
I love Bushnell.

I have a high end Bushnell spotting scope which is overkill for what you are looking for, but it's extremely well made and very good lenses.
Author:  MarkJnk [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Binoculars!
Pentax all the way if value is the goal. I did tons of research and tried dozens when I got into bird watching about 5 years ago. I ended up with the Pentax 8x42 DCF WP. I used these side by side with glass from Zeiss, Nikon, Canon, Swarovski, Bushnell, and none came close to the clarity, light gathering ability, and sharpness of the Pentax's. Swarovski came close, but the price tag was almost double. Bausch and Lomb were amazing but again at a much higher cost. The pentax DCF WP can be had for +/- usd$300 and I believe there is a model below the DCF with the same optics, and less waterproofing for more value, but I like the idea of being waterproof.

The Pentax's are a "best buy" in the full size category on http://www.betterviewdesired.com and excellent reference site.

I also suggest roof prism style vs. porro prism, or compactness and ease of use.
Author:  andrew692003 [ Sun Nov 22, 2009 5:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Binoculars!
Cheers for the help guyz. I decided just tobuy local instead of buying of the net (support you local shop and all that). There's only one retailer up here that sells these badboys and even tho he didn't have a massive range I picked up a Bushnell 8 x 42 set for £90 so I'm all set.

Cheers for the help.
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