driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,970
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Post by driftwoody on Feb 12, 2022 15:14:35 GMT -8
I've been taking my $40 Celestron 10x25 monocular on local hikes in the woods, without much to look at. Birds have been sparse, and when I find one it flies away before I can focus on it. Not ready to take the plunge yet on a decent pair of binoculars but I think I can get interested in birding and I've been searching the choices quite a bit. Trade-offs and compromises are always part of the equation, with end use being the most important factor. And price; $300 is the upper limit of what I'm willing to spend. Right now if I took the plunge I'd go with the Opticron Discovery WP PC 8x32 Binoculars for $229. The review I linked to rates them very highly, and for 8x32 they are quite compact & light: The ultra close focus of 3.9' is a big plus, as I'd also like a more detailed look at small things close at hand. Feel free to weigh in with thoughts on Opticron in general and these binos in particular. ETA: The Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32 is also under consideration. It has similar specs though not quite as good close focus and weighs 15.9 ounces. However it has a lifetime warranty and is $209 at REI (minus 10% for my member rebate). If I make the purchase today I get a $20 bonus card for any purchase Feb 16-26, effectively reducing the price to $168.10 + tax.
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Post by trinity on Feb 13, 2022 15:05:23 GMT -8
I have no experience with the Opticron, but I'm sure they are a decent binocular. I'm surprised they are so lightweight. The Vortex Diamondback was what I was going to suggest, I haven't tried them, but they seem to be a very highly regarded mid-priced binocular from a good company. The fact that you can buy them from REI with their excellent return policy is a plus, in my book. The Nikon Prostaff might also be worth your consideration. If you want to consider venturing slightly out of your stated price range, the Zeiss Terra might be a good way to go. Honestly, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of these options, mid-range compacts have come a very long way in recent years.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,970
|
Post by driftwoody on Jan 8, 2023 9:32:33 GMT -8
I finally took the plunge and purchased what I hope will be quality binoculars I will enjoy for many years to come. Based on input from this thread and additional online research, my criteria was: - 8x32, low weight
- waterproof, nitrogen purged
- close focus <6'
- best optics for $300 or less
I found the BBR website very helpful. Though I began my search determined not to spend more than $300, I also viewed pricier options just to see what (presumably) made them worth so much more. That's when I came across the Snypex Knight D-ED 8x32 <-- link to review. It generally retails for $450. Amazon has it for $380, then I found it for $299.99 at B&H. Stats on the Snypex Knight D-ED 8x32: - 8x32, 13.4oz
- waterproof, nitrogen purged
- close focus 3.9'
- 351' FOV @1000 yards
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Roof prisms with BaK-4 glass & Dielectric coatings
- Apochromatic objective lens
- ED glass elements
- Water repellent coatings exterior lens surfaces
The low weight is achieved with a fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate body (instead of magnesium) but I don't expect that will be a problem. The biggest tradeoff perhaps is 351' FOV, but the 3.9' close focus is outstanding. These will be used for more than birding. I also want a better look at butterflies and other tiny details in our garden and elsewhere. I had never heard of Snypex before I came across the review at BBR, but I'm fairly new to all of this. Anyway, here's what they (it?) looks like:
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