Binocular Advice

[HAMMY]

I'm planning to treat myself to a new set of Bins, I currently work with a set of 8 x 21's but I have felt for some time (especially when on recon) they are not powerfull enough. I will use them for my Pigeon recon but I hope to get a light enough set that they can always be in my pocket so I can just look at nature when the oppertunity arises.

 

Any advice would be appreciated. I don't mind paying for quality, I see it as a long term investment.

 

 

Thanks

 

Hammy

[rjimmer]

I looked through a Schmitt & Bender 8x56 scope and then through a Swarovski 8x50. The Swarovski seemed in a different class.

If you don't mind paying for quality then a pair Swarovski glasses is what you want, from what I have seen.

Leica or Zeiss may be equally good, but I don't have any experience of them.

Others might!

[old rooster]

I use a pair of Zeiss and they seem fine to me.

[Fisherman Mike]

Hammy

 

This topic has been covered several times before. If you use the search engine ( Top right hand corner of Window) you will be able to access some sound advice.

 

I have a lot of experience of Binoculars and own several pairs.

 

I would advise you to stick to a maximum of 8 x Magnification unless you have a very steady poise inwhich case 10 x Mag. Above this and a slight shake will impare the viewing efficiency unless you use a tripod. Choose the largest objective lens you feel comfortable with.

 

Swarovski Binoculars are the best in the world IMO and in many others also

 

However top quality comes with a top price tag. The SLC 8 x 42, 8 x50 10 x 50 & 10 x56 would set you back between £750-800. However they are a sound investment. The Swars I bought in the early 90,s are worth more today than they were then. The optical quality of the Swarovski lens and Prism systems is unparalleled.

 

Cheers.

 

FM

[Devilishdave]

I have heard that when investing in an expensive set of optical equipment in the £1000 region you are better off geting on a plane and going to new york for the weekend geting said optics at much reduced price and a free trip to the US for somthing a little different.

 

£800 seams a lot for a pair of binos do you realy see 8 times better than with a £100 pair?

 

I would not encourage the robbers in the UK if I could avoid it.

 

Dave

[rjimmer]

you are better off geting on a plane and going to new york for the weekend geting said optics at much reduced price and a free trip to the US for somthing a little different.

As I don't have a passport and do not fly anywhere, it's not something I think about much.

 

As Hammy is in China, the equation is slightly different!

 

Does European stuff sell cheaper in the US than you can get it here, if you shop around?

[HAMMY]

Thanks for this, it looks like 8 x 42/50s then. I don't know if I can get the quality in China, but I'll have a look, quite interesting...I'll let you know how I get on.

 

 

Hammy

[Fisherman Mike]

Thanks for this, it looks like 8 x 42/50s then. I don't know if I can get the quality in China, but I'll have a look, quite interesting...I'll let you know how I get on.

 

 

Hammy

China produces some fantastic quality optical equipment for other major Binocular manufacturers Hammy so you should be able to pick up some quality bins at a knockdown price... Avoid any models with "super duper ruby coated lenses for twilight optical enhancement" and all that similar sales pitch... they are all a gimmick and completely contrary to the laws of Physics... best try and get some which have been Nitrogen Purged.

 

Let us know what you get.

 

Cheers

 

FM.

[Jason13]

Why don't you try ordering from one of the US websites.