Educate me on binoculars, please.

[milehi]

Right now I have my dad's Sears and Roebuck binoculars he received at Christmas in the late 70's. They don't come close to what I need. I want to be able to Google Earth from my back porch. I belive you get what you pay for most of the time and respect the opinions and real world experience here.

[MNeagle]

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?38655-Optics&highlight=binoculars

maybe a starting point...

[zap]

Hey Milehi,

I can't educate you but I can tell you which ones I have, and I know they were studied on for price and quality before they were bought...... Bushnell and some big ones from here ......

http://www.barska.com/Products-Binoculars.html (http://www.barska.com/Products-Binoculars.html)

[Gaillo]

Optics, and binoculars in particular, are kind of an obsessive hobby of mine.

I have owned probably 20 pairs of high-end binoculars in my life, and more "cheap-o" pairs than I care to remember. If I had it all to do over again, I would skip many expensive mistakes, and stick to upper-end Nikon or Leica glass. Swarovski optics are very, very nice... but WAY overpriced for what you get (at least in my opinion).

My favorite 2 pairs of binoculars, which I still own after many, many others were traded or sold:

Nikon 8X32 Premier LX http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Premier-8x32-Binoculars-Black/dp/B001VZC6V4/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8

Leica 7X42 Ultravid http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Ultravid-Black-Armored-40292/dp/B00140JD0S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8

The Nikons run about $1,000, the Leica about $2,000. Spendy, yes... but I long ago grew tired of the disappointment that goes along with cheap binoculars, and refuse to play that game any more. I would not even CONSIDER paying less than $500 for a pair of binoculars at this point, optics are one of those things that you TRULY "get what you pay for" - in a big way!

Magnification: I personally VASTLY prefer 7X or 8X over anything 10X or higher in magnification... with 7X/8X you get a wider field of view, more relaxed viewing due to lower "image shake" effects, better performance in low light, and (at least to me) a more pleasing overall image. I have NEVER suffered from "lack of detail" that lower magnifications supposedly exhibit, I can see anything I need to see just as well through binoculars of 7X/8X magnification as I can through 10X, with less shake and longer viewing time at dusk. By the way, this is not unfounded bias, it is a well tested observation based on extensive solid experience. I've owned many pairs of 10X glass... and still have a few 10X binoculars I've kept around to this day... including a magnificent pair of Baush and Lomb 10X42 Discoverer roof prism (http://www.opticsplanet.com/bausch-and-lomb-10x42-discoverer1.html) glasses that are discontinued and no longer available. The 10X glass definitely has its "niche" uses (mostly astronomy), but for overall general-purpose viewing (or for a one-binocular only user) I HIGHLY recommend 7X or 8X instead of the 10's.

Aperture: x25 or x32 will be lighter weight and more compact, but will suffer in low light conditions. x50 works VERY well in low light, but is typically heavy as hell to lug around. x42 is a happy medium between the extremes, and seems to be the most popular overall configuration. I personally prefer x32 for MOST uses, but around dusk I'm really loving my Leica 7X42's. Aperture size also has a (minimal) effect on the level of detail/clarity of the image, but this is hardly noticable between aperture sizes in most high-end glass. Base this decision mainly on the time of day you plan on using your optics the most, and how much weight you want to lug around.

One other thing... do NOT make a buying decision by going to a sporting goods store and looking around at things inside the store, you MUST take them outside and look under SUNLIGHT at the real world and into the distance with them to get a true test of the optics. The store will most likely object at first, but stand firm on this... it's a high dollar purchase, and you will find that most salesmen will eventually accommodate you if you insist.

Final piece of advice for ANYONE who is shopping for a pair of binoculars, and this is quite honestly CRITICALLY ESSENTIAL: Take the time to LEARN what "diopter" adjustment is, and how to do it to pretty much any pair of binoculars you come across. Make this procedure something that is automatic and 2nd nature to you, or you'll be throwing your money and time away if you don't. Seriously.

Diopter Adjustment: http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/diopter_set.html

[k-os]

Get a telescope! :)

Seriously though, the Nikon ones are awesome. I have a pair that is much less than Gaillo's (more in the $600 range), and I can see as far as I possibly can with those, but I live where the land is flat.

[tater]

I've got a pair of Steiners that I really like.


http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/home

[Ponce]

I had a feeling that someone was looking at me the other day while I was changing my clothing....... looks like we have a peeping-thomas and her super scope......

Sure wish that I was rich like Gaillo.....$1,000 for a pair of binuculars?......the most that I have ever spended on a pair of those was $30.00.........

[hoarder]

In these mountains most men hunt, and you must have binoculars if you want to see game before it sees you. Lots of people including myself have bought several binoculars before finding one that we like. One guy told me he had a "binoculars drawer" in his bedroom full of binoculars he decided he didn't like.
Nearly every company that makes good binoculars makes cheap lousy ones too, so brand names wont save you. If you want to play "google earth" from your porch, you might want a spotting scope instead of binos. You could get some big clutsy 10x50 binos for the porch but you wont want to tote it around. 8x42 is about the biggest I would carry.
Gaillo made some good comments, but avoid cheaper Nikons. Avoid anything made in China. Japanese binos are sometimes OK. I agree that $400 to $500 is minimum. The older you are, the more you will need expensive glass.
Lots of good glass ends up in pawn shops. Look them up online and offer half of new.

[Gaillo]

...Lots of people including myself have bought several binoculars before finding one that we like...

Hoarder,
If you don't mind me asking, what is your current favorite pair(s) of binoculars that you've settled on?

[hoarder]

Hoarder,
If you don't mind me asking, what is your current favorite pair(s) of binoculars that you've settled on?I've got a Leopold Wind river Cascades 8x42. http://www.red-dot-scopes.com/leupold-cascade-8x42mm-binoculars.html
It has pop out eyecups which are kinda cheezy. I super glued mine in place. Excellent glass and very lightweight. I've had it for years and taken it everywhere. It has taken the abuse well. Eazy to focus with one hand. It's Japanese. The armor is quiet so you don't scare away critters when you bump it.

[skid]

I had Zeiss binoculars that I have had since the 70's when my father gave them to me. Excellent, and their top of the line is likely the best glass available. To bad some SOB stole them out my truck a few years ago.
For a cheaper binocular, I have Leupold's Wind River 10 x 50 that have pretty good glass in the $300 range (I bought them back in the late 90's, don't know what they are worth today). They are quite large though, and I wouldn't want to carry them far.
I got a bushnell 20 x 80 spotting scope with digital camera for a 20 year service award. Very poor optics...
If I was to buy another set, I would go top of the line German glass. Zeiss, Steiner, Swarovsky, etc... I would go with the straight through roof prism design instead of the porro prism offsets to save weight.

Here is a basic primer on binoc's http://www.chuckhawks.com/binocular_basics.htm

[Gaillo]

I've got a Leopold Wind river Cascades 8x42. http://www.red-dot-scopes.com/leupold-cascade-8x42mm-binoculars.html
It has pop out eyecups which are kinda cheezy. I super glued mine in place. Excellent glass and very lightweight. I've had it for years and taken it everywhere. It has taken the abuse well. Eazy to focus with one hand. It's Japanese. The armor is quiet so you don't scare away critters when you bump it.

Very nice. Noticed they're 8X... good man! ;)

[milehi]

Thanks for all the info including the search link. I don't know how I missed it. I like high end used for half price. I know a guy who has everything and I'll try him first, if that doesn't pan out I'll make my rounds to the pawn shop, Then Bass Pro. I don't have the time for ebay. Thanks again for the crash course.

[vacuum]

Thanks for all the info including the search link. I don't know how I missed it. I like high end used for half price. I know a guy who has everything and I'll try him first, if that doesn't pan out I'll make my rounds to the pawn shop, Then Bass Pro. I don't have the time for ebay. Thanks again for the crash course.
Let us know what you purchase. Btw, you could also try craigslist.

[milehi]

I'll let you guys know what I pick up. I don't think I'll do craigslist. Southern California is about 250 miles square, and I'm in the corner. I really don't have time to deal with flakes. My last two wouldbe tranactions had me drive over an hour just to be texted that they either sold to a neighbor or decided not to honor the orginal price. I'd like to have something in my hands by lunchtime tomorrow.

[Libertarian_Guard]

I'd like to have something in my hands by lunchtime tomorrow.

Haste makes waste.

[Gaillo]

Haste makes waste.

Indeed. Buying a pair of binoculars should take some time and careful research, at least if you want to buy the RIGHT pair for your needs! :)

[milehi]

Indeed. Buying a pair of binoculars should take some time and careful research, at least if you want to buy the RIGHT pair for your needs! :)

I have a situation at the homestead that commands constant surveillance. I'm by myself out in the hills and need to keep an eye out. When this clears we'll discuss shit you didn't expect at the BOL.

[Gaillo]

I have a situation at the homestead that commands constant surveillance. I'm by myself out in the hills and need to keep an eye out. When this clears we'll discuss shit you didn't expect at the BOL.

Constant surveillance? As in long periods of viewing in all lighting and weather conditions?

That should narrow your search considerably. Look for a pair of waterproof roof-prism (straight barrels) 7X42 or 8X42 configuration in the $400+ price range, depending on your budget. Avoid "off" brands, stick to German manufacturers, Pentax, or Nikon. Avoid ANYTHING made in China. Avoid "perma-focus", variable magnification, built-in cameras, image stabilization, and other gimmicks. When comparing models of roughly the same quality/price, choose the model with the larger/wider field of view spec. Buy a top of the line binocular harness to go with it... you'll grow tired of a single-wide strap like most binos come with in a REAL hurry.

[k-os]

I have a situation at the homestead that commands constant surveillance. I'm by myself out in the hills and need to keep an eye out. When this clears we'll discuss shit you didn't expect at the BOL.

I am intrigued. Good luck with the situation, can't wait to hear about it when you have time.

[ArgenteumTelum]

I have an older model of this: http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/binoculars/hunting/militarymarine-8x30. The exception is that a compass is mounted which can be viewed in the glass when in use. It appears the compass is now restricted to their marine models. View those on the Steiner site.
They were purchased in Berlin in 1982 and function perfectly to this day after many backpacking/hunting trips.
AT

[tater]

I have an older model of this: http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/binoculars/hunting/militarymarine-8x30. The exception is that a compass is mounted which can be viewed in the glass when in use. It appears the compass is now restricted to their marine models. View those on the Steiner site.
They were purchased in Berlin in 1982 and function perfectly to this day after many backpacking/hunting trips.
AT

I have the 8x30 Predator model. They're great in the woods, critters can't hardly hide in the shadows with the high contrast. Buddy of mine picked em up for me in Germany about 10 years ago...

[horseshoe3]

One thing to consider is exit pupil. This is the size of the image where all the light passes through an optic. In the dark, most human pupils only get up to 7mm when young and smaller when older. Having an exit pupil larger than the entrance pupil of the eye does no good - all that extra light gathered by an oversize objective lense is wasted. To find out if the objective is oversized, divide the objective lense by the power of the optic. ex, a 10x50 has an exit pupil of 5mm and is well suited to most low light conditions for older eyes, although someone with young, flexible eyes could use a larger objective or a lower power to see better in lower light.

Maximum objective lenses for any given power would be:
6x = 42
7x = 49
8x = 56
10x = 70

Note these are maximum useful, and are not generally necessary for anything but young eyes in extreme low light.

[milehi]

I got called into work this morning so I'm going to get some lunch and make my rounds. One last question. Should I bother going over to the Army surplus store?

[Gaillo]

I got called into work this morning so I'm going to get some lunch and make my rounds. One last question. Should I bother going over to the Army surplus store?

Only if you want crappy binoculars. I've never found optics worth looking through at an army surplus place.

[hoarder]

When comparing binoculars, aim them in a dark direction to assess the light gathering qualities. This is especially important with rifle scopes. I can't see well in the dark and a good scope enables me to see game at close range at dawn and dusk that I wouldn't see without a scope.

When looking for wildlife, you don't just use binos to get a better view of distant things you already found, you use it at close range to see parts of a deer like an antler of a leg that you wouldn't see with bare eyeballs.

[milehi]

I came up empty handed in my search today. I visited several pawnshops and there was only one. A Barska 12-36X70. They "felt cheap" so the search continues. I did find a Springfield XD in 9mm at one shop that felt good in the hand that I might be back for.

Ok, so the game I'm watching are brown skinned gardeners a half mile away, just on the other side of my fence. I was prospecting when I found their garden. The square yard holes tell the tale that I was there, and the only way to get to that spot without sneaking in from the highway is a road that starts well inside my property. So they know I know. Ironically, the canyon wall above them is the backstop for my 800 yard range. I had my brother come out and we hit it most of the day with my 8mm K98 and his 7.62X54 Mosin. It sounded like cannon fire throughout the valley. Harvest is over, but the irrigation system is elaborate, so they'll be back. Since this began, I've been picking EE's ear for advice, although I'm still not sure what to do about this since I'm not going anywhere and there's color in the wash they're in. Also, I don't call cops.

[Down1]

Woot got some binoculars on sale.
I don't know if they are good or not and of course are "bino expert" is "off the grid" and wont tell us.
http://sport.woot.com/plus/you-spy-with-your-little-eye-some-binocs

Also some batts on sale there.
http://www.woot.com/offers/ac-delco-alkaline-batteries

[Neuro]

I came up empty handed in my search today. I visited several pawnshops and there was only one. A Barska 12-36X70. They "felt cheap" so the search continues. I did find a Springfield XD in 9mm at one shop that felt good in the hand that I might be back for.

Ok, so the game I'm watching are brown skinned gardeners a half mile away, just on the other side of my fence. I was prospecting when I found their garden. The square yard holes tell the tale that I was there, and the only way to get to that spot without sneaking in from the highway is a road that starts well inside my property. So they know I know. Ironically, the canyon wall above them is the backstop for my 800 yard range. I had my brother come out and we hit it most of the day with my 8mm K98 and his 7.62X54 Mosin. It sounded like cannon fire throughout the valley. Harvest is over, but the irrigation system is elaborate, so they'll be back. Since this began, I've been picking EE's ear for advice, although I'm still not sure what to do about this since I'm not going anywhere and there's color in the wash they're in. Also, I don't call cops.
What were they farming? Any developments?