Binoculars

Ha ha, I agree with John. I always take bins and a scope on hols but never use them. I always use a camera & lens as a scope then snap the pic. Mrs Cedric uses her Bushnell's to spot for me.

I bought a pair of Olympus 9x21 PCIII from Jessops some 8-10yrs ago, and they very light and pretty good for what they are - but that does not include airshows or anything with any sort of moving objects because the field of view is only 7 degrees and the focusing needs to be quite precise.

If I were to buy another pair I think I would look for a pair 10x50s (with centre focus and dioptre adjustment) but they would also still need to be relatively light and to have a good anti-flare coating.

Problem would then be how to carry them because most 10x50s are relatively large and awkward in shape and don't fit easily into any sort of photo rucksack/backpack (OTOH, the 9x21s fit nicely into the mesh side-pocket on my Lowepro 350AW - but then generally get forgotten about until I get home later , and, like John R, we take them on holiday but rarely remember to use them). All in all, I can't reconcile the cost and size of a decent pair of 10x50s against the lack of use they would probably get.

John

Only one way to do it, Mike. You have to go and try some pairs. What suits me or anyone else may not suit you and £150-£200 is a good bit of dosh to spend on anyone say so.

High magnification is always attractive but (a) high mag binoculars won't be small and (b) they will, unless you have very steady hands, be difficult to hold still. I'd suggest 10x magnification as the maximum. The more light binoculars gather the better so big objective lens are, in theory, the order of the day. However, big objectives mean big and heavy binoculars so, unless there is a specific need, there has to be a compromise. There are some useful pairs in the region of 8x32, 8x42 or 10x42 which are compact.

Dave

I highly recommend Opticron. Excellent quality and punch above their weight. You should be able to get a decent pair for around £200.

Jon

We all are anyway.

***waves to Mossad***

I have a pair of Pentax Papilio binoc's which I love. They aren't particularly expensive, come in two flavours, 6.5x21 & 8.5x21 of which I have the former. They are very small, discreet and lightweight and are unique in that they have a close focus ability of 1.6ft, which is great for nature watching of such as bugs and butterflies if you are interested in that sort of thing, or, just examining your toe nails without popping a disc. lol...

Seriously though, they are worth checking out...

Mike

FWIW WEX are having some August "deals" (maybe!) on binos and telescopes - might be worth a look??

John

Hi Mike

I got my Dad a set of Pentax binos a few years ago can't recall the exact model but looking at the SRS site they look very similar to the UCF type - not expensive but they work well and they keep my Dad happy

Regards


Stu

Thanks for the advice folks ... John, think I may have had the same email as you from Wex

These get very good reviews and not a bad price at all ... now to decide if I need 8x42 or 10x42

I got a pair of these about 25 years ago?? -excellent!! Was in normandy recently and visiting one of the D day landing museums noticed an identical pair on one of the German exhibits!

I'd still go for Opticron - wider field of view than the Vanguards and generally do just a little better in reviews, despite the latter having ED glass.