Binoculars

[lordsummerisle]

Can anyone recommend some for entry-level birding? Thinking under $300 or so.
Thanks...

[underpants]

1. We have a birders group?

That's awesome. I'm not a birder. DU is the best.

[PearliePoo2]

2. I have Swift Audubon binocs and I LOVE them. Oh man, they're great until...

you leave them on the tailgate of your truck and drive off down a bumpy dirt road at 35 mph. sniff.
But I did get them back though. An honest person put an ad in the paper to call and identify to claim! Yeah, really!
They have a small dent and the right eye cup needs to be fixed, but they still work! Amazing! I think I got them for a little over $300, but that was 15 years ago. I see they are more now. I suggest doing a Google search for reviews and prices. And check Ebay also.
http://www.optics4birding.com/audubon8.5x44-828hhs-binoculars-309.html?gclid=CPaD48aRndICFQeVfgodqaUHhw

[jpak]

5. I second the Swift Audubons

[flamin lib]

3. Ah, binoculars!

Just a few general remarks about nomenclature.

There are two numbers in the description like 7x35. The first number is the magnification, the second the diameter of the front lens. In general for birding the more magnification the better. There are limits tho; too much and it is hard to hold the glasses still. For most folks 10x is about the top end. The next number indicates how much light the glasses gather. For star gazing a big number is important but for birding in broad daylight not so much. That said the larger the front element the larger the 'exit pupil' is--that's the little bright spot you see when you hold the glasses up at arm's length and look at the eye piece. A larger exit pupil the easier it is to position the glasses in front of your eyes. That's important in situations where you're in motion like on a boat.

There are also two kinds of construction; porro prism and roof prism. Roof prism, aka compact style, are smaller and lighter making them easier to hold.

I'd suggest something in the 10x20 or 10x25 compact range.
http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_809959_-1?gclid=CJfU0a63ndICFQe1wAodd1wEMQ&kwid=productads-adid%5E98203015398-device%5Ec-plaid%5E18283950120-sku%5E024096554-adType%5EPLA There are also 10x42s if you want the larger exit pupil.

Prices range from $39.95 to $5,000. You can get really good optix with water proofing for under $100 (but not much under).

What do you get for more money? At the very top end the two 'tubes' are matched on a scientific table so the magnification is EXACTLY the same. They are then assembled and checked for alignmnent. These are also virtually bullet proof so they can fall off a pickup truck at 35 mph and survive with a few dents. Unless you look through the glasses for hours upon hours without a break this level of precision isn't necessary.

I'd stick with a name brand like Nikon, Cannon, Pentax or Olympus. They are camera makers and known for good optix even if they have the glasses private labeled. I have a pair of Olympus 9x25 roof prisms I bought for $70 on closeout (ebay).

Hope this helps.

on edit: When you get your glasses go out at night and find a bright star. Focus on it. If you only see one star everything is cool but if you see two stars send the glasses back as they are out of columation -- the two tubes aren't perfectly aligned with each other. You'd never notice looking at things like birds but it's an easy thing to check and it should be right.

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Well, I was going to refer you to binoculars.com, but they've been bought out by Orion ....

Last edited Mon Feb 20, 2017, 01:44 AM - Edit history (2)

and their helpful "binoculars of the year" reviews have vanished. You might find some generally useful info at the new site:
http://www.telescope.com/Binoculars/Birding-Binoculars/pc/5/71.uts
CORRECTION!! I was thinking of Binocularsplus.com ! See https://www.binocularsplus.com/pages/2016-binoculars-of-the-year-awards

Another source, possibly more objective, is http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-awards-2016.php . Notice the expensive ones are at top, scroll down to see "best value" and "best cheap binocs".

Their best "cheap birder" model is this $89 one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Helios-Mistral-WP3-10x42-Waterproof-Binoculars-/172298723822?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368
Their "best birder" is over $400: https://www.binostore.com/en/binoculars/classics/trophy-d-8x42-ed/?reffr=FRGL&utm_source=Froogle&utm_medium=catalog&ifrom=US&utm_campaign=Froogle-US&gclid=CKyhvYP7ndICFRc7gQod9y4F0A

I'm surprised to see that both pages are totally dominated by compact models this year -- perhaps w/ED glass they are able to get away with four relfections vs three for the more traditional "dogleg" design. Also, lots are waterproof, which used to mean separate focus, but apparently new designs get around that issue.
/CORRECTION

Some useful general info on binocs is in the book "Star Wares"; check your local library. The site associated with that book links to several sites for birders seeking binocs:
http://www.philharrington.net/swch04.htm (three Web links in mid-page)

Short version: go for fully coated BaK optics; avoid waterproof (separate focus) and compact WITHOUT ED GLASS (more reflections=dimmer view) binoculars. You should be able to find good binocs under $100; excellent ones for under $300. Don't get them too big or too high magnification unless you are willing to commit to carrying a tripod everywhere.

(In the listings, ED is for Extra-low Dispersion glass, the latest thing. Why they didn't call it ELD I don't know. I can't help but hear Bob Dole's voice each time I see ED ... )

Here's an interesting endorsement for a pair under $300 ... http://www.skynews.ca/binoculars/ And the current price seems to be even lower -- http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/astronomy-binoculars/skymaster-dx/skymaster-dx-8x56-binocular

[lordsummerisle]

6. Thanks for the replies! n/t