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by **Birdie** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:09 pm

Try out before you buy! Make sure that it is easy to focus; the center of each binoc lens is center of your eyes; (I have a problem with that because the ocular distance center to center of my eyes is very small. Consequently, there are lots of binocs that I cannot use.)

These companies make good "glass" (bird talk for binocs and scopes): Swarovski, Pentax, Leica, Zeiss, Nikon Steiner, Kowa. Beware of cheap ones because they distort the view and are sometimes dark (bird talk for do not let in light for viewing).

I just looked through some Nikon Monarchs last weekend. They were really pretty nice binocs. I have friends that have Pentax something or other. I recently looked through some Kowa's and they were nice. Looked through some HOT Zeiss and Leica.

The first number is the magnification, 8, 8.5, 9, 10, 12 and higher.

The second number is the amount of light that enters the glass. 30, 32, 35, 40, 42, 50, etc.

Don't get anything greater than 8.5. The higher first numbers are more difficult to focus, and gives you less field of view. The 8 or 8.5 would be good for you.
The second number (lens size) is the light that the glass let's come into the viewer. The ultimate binoc for most people is 8 or 8.5 by 40 or 42. The 35s and the 30s are very useable but don't get as much light. The first pair of binocs for many, many birders is 7 x 35. A better pair is 8 x 40.

Having said all that mine primary pair is 10 x 42 (Swarovski). Next time I'd do the 8 or 8.5s for field of view. I wouldn't do Swarovski again. I'd look at the "new technology" offered by Leica - but you are looking at a whole lot of money. Since I no longer do that four letter word, W-O-R-K, I won't be getting any new binocs from Leica. My secondary pair are Nikon 7 x 35.

Price is all over the place. To try out, go to places like Sports Authority, Wild Birds Unlimited, REI, Cabellas (look in their Bat Cave for a used pair), Goose Mountain or whatever that is called. If you put them to your eyes and they don't feel comfortable don't buy them, keep looking. You need to purchase what will fit your eyes (first consideration) and your pocket book (second consideration). If they don't fit the eyes, keep looking as you will find a pair that will. If you find a pair that fit the eyes and not the pocket book, check the internet for pricing. Make sure there is a return guarantee with them if you go that route.

Also, don't even consider the digital camera/binocs as they don't work well. I have disposed of 3 sets of those.

Copied from Consumer Reports public site. Sorry don't remember the date.

Binoculars

How much do you need to spend? Ratings of models from $50 to more than $1,000

More than 46 million birdwatchers spend almost $500 million annually on binoculars and related equipment in the U.S., according to the federal Fish and Wildlife Service. Birdwatchers aren't the only ones looking to cozy up to their subjects--boaters, hunters, sports fans, and theater-goers all rely on binoculars.

But binoculars are about more than simple magnification. Depending on how you plan to use them, you'll want to think about varying combinations of weight, power, image quality, durability, field of view, and ease of use.

Of course, price is also a factor. But surprisingly, our tests showed that quality doesn't always come with price. More-expensive models do have more-effective coatings on their optics (lenses and prisms), which sharpen the image and keep stray light from bouncing around inside the binoculars. Overall, lens and prism quality have improved in binoculars. But some models in all price categories produced images that fell short in quality, with such problems as color fringes around objects and a tendency to make straight lines look bowed.

The biggest innovations in binoculars over the last several years are the addition of image-stability technologies and digital-camera capabilities. (Birdie's italics)
We tested 34 pairs of binoculars for image quality, ease-of-use, and durability (for which we devised a torture test, subjecting the binoculars to extremes of cold, heat, humidity and rain, and repeatedly hitting a table with them, swinging them from 3 feet away).

HOW TO CHOOSE

Choosing binoculars is a two-part process, based as much on what you plan to do with them as on your personal preferences.

Consider your main use for the binoculars. What you'll need from your binoculars varies a lot with how you'll use them. Take a look at our CR Quick Recommendations to determine the features that will best suit your purposes.

Choose between compact and full-sized models. Compact binoculars fit in the palm of your hand, and are a good solution to the bulky size and heavier weights characteristic of full-size binoculars. Both are equal in terms of magnification, image quality, and price. But some people find compacts harder to adjust than full-size binoculars, and if you wear glasses, they can be difficult to align. Other than that, you can choose from among narrow-set, wide-set, and in-line styles. None is better optically than the others; the style you choose is a matter of preference.

Decide on what power you need. Power represents the number of times an image is magnified by the binoculars. Most common for outdoor uses like bird-watching and hunting are 8x and 10x--the powers we rated for this report. Higher powers like 20x and beyond are preferred by astronomers, while 7x is probably sufficient for sports spectators and theater-goers.

Choose a lens size. You also need to know the diameter of the binoculars' objective lenses, represented in millimeters by the second number in binocular measurements (such as 8x42). Larger lenses allow more light to enter and provide a better image, but can also be heavier.

Consider the exit pupil. The exit pupil is the size of the disk of light formed near the eyepiece. Larger exit pupils provide more detail in dim light. An exit pupil of 5mm is optimal.

For use with glasses, note other considerations. Field of view represents the area visible through your binoculars. If you wear glasses, look for binoculars with a higher rating for field of view (with glasses). If you don't wear glasses, retractable eye cups are easier and faster to adjust than soft-rubber ones that fold back. (Birdie's italics - absolutely true!)

Check fit. Binoculars are two telescopes tied together; if not perfectly balanced, they may cause eyestrain or headaches. Check the alignment by focusing on a distant object, moving the binoculars away from your eyes while continuing to look through them. You should still be able to clearly see the images while the binoculars are held a foot or more away. Test the hinge that holds the two halves together to be sure you can easily adjust the size to fit your eyes.

Check the controls. To focus binoculars, you start with the main focus control, using your left eye. Then you fine-tune the focus with the diopter adjustment (usually found on the right lens) to bring the image for the right eye into focus
.
You should be able to easily turn the central focus control with one finger while holding the binoculars up to your eyes. Watch out for controls that seem stiff, are too small to operate with ease, or are in a clumsy location. The same applies to the diopter-adjustment dial. (Look for a diopter dial with markings so you can quickly go back to your optimal setting after loaning someone else the binoculars.) (Birdie's italics - Ask about the diopter and how it works before you buy)

It pays to try out binoculars in the store; if you're buying online, check that the dealer offers full refunds.

Consider other features.
Electronic circuitry gives some binoculars special capabilities. Binoculars with image stabilization use a battery-powered system you turn on and off to steady the image. (When you hold binoculars up to your eyes, even the slightest shakiness in your hands causes the image to jump. As a result, you see less detail in the image.) We tested two pairs, Canon 8x25 IS and Canon 10x30 IS. We found them to be effective and useful, as long as you don't mind the extra weight and size. (Birdie's italics - weight is a really big factor. Keep in mind you will normally be holding them up and looking up skywards or outward.)

Attempts to combine binoculars and imaging are less successful, according to our tests. A few manufacturers have added digital cameras to their binoculars, including Bushnell and Simmons. While it might be tempting to think you can get great pictures of that tiny warbler you're seeing up close, don't be fooled. We found that the image quality of photos taken with those cameras is low, with sharpness and color poorly reproduced. And the picture is not necessarily magnified as much as the image you're seeing through the binoculars, since the camera uses a separate lens. Oddly, those models did not include tripod sockets, so it was difficult to shoot sharp images. (Birdie's italics - save your money girls. If you want to digiscope, get the appropriate gear. This isn't it.)
End of Consumer Reports article.

I shall be happy to give my personal comments on binocular usage, but really can only talk 'expertly' (a have been {ex}, under pressure {spert}) about my two pair. Well, I have a third pair, but we certainly won't muddy the water with them. If you want to talk scopes, I can talk scopes too. I enourage you to look at some of the birding magazines. They have done many tests for binocs and have given reports on them. That would be Birders Digest, and then I just drew a blank. Audubon has some 'branded' releases but I am not sure if they have tested any others and reported. A really good way to test binocs is to go on the 'local Audubon' trips and view thru participants binocs. You can get a good feel for what you might like doing that.

by **mitch5252** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:06 pm

..

Birdie, what a great bunch of information! I always wanted to know what those two numbers meant! Very interesting and thank you for taking the time to educate us.

I went and checked - I have Nikon 10 x 50 6.5, whatever that last number means????

ON EDIT: Love your new avatar!

..

by **Marslet** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:12 pm

Hey Birdie,
I have the leupold Green Ring Wind River 12 x 50 and I LOVE them. They are waterproff, which I needed after falling overboard with my other binocs around my neck. :oops:

I paid a little over $400 for them and didn't think that was bad at all.

by **cpatinjones** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:34 pm

Wow! Great info. I have a binoc, but not sure what the magnifcation is. I will have to check it out. I used them when I owned a boat to spy on the fisherman who were catching fish, so I could hit on their spot when they left. :lol:

by **BirdbyBird** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 5:45 pm

Thanks for all the good info. I recently bought some watreproof ones to take out in the kayak with me. Somehow I thought it best to plan ahead for the inevitable.....

by **kdmac** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 6:34 pm

Yes, Thank you, Birdie, that is great information. Thanks for giving that to us.
I paid $250 for my waterproof Bushnell Excursion EX 10x42, they are about 4" x 6" so lightweight and comfortable; a I can't see hiking with 5 lbs of giant binocular hanging from your neck. Often times the $1000 ones have finer crystal lenses than the less expensive but you will not see further...just clearer. I quite honestly will sit and view wildlife for one or more hours with the binoculars afixed to my face. You will not see nearly as much natural behaviors and interaction of wildlife as you will with binoculars...There can be nesting falcons in basalt cliffs, or fawns coming nose to nose with badgers in their holes, watching bull elk and deer mating and fighting, or mountain climbers on glaciers, just endless things that I have see that I never would have without binocs.

Yes, your avatar photo is really nice. We should all make a pact that we will change ours every six months, or so, just for the fun of it.

by **Bethers** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 6:41 pm

Thanks, Birdie - I knew you'd have the info I needed! And I learned a lot. I've never quite understood those numbers before. I might not remember them all now, but I will just come back and reread.

Great info.

Oh, and love the avatar, too. Always like seeing your birds, but prefer seeing YOU in your avatar.

by **VickieP** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 7:59 pm

Thanks for the great info, Birdie.

But now for the burning question:

Marslet wrote:They are waterproff, which I needed after falling overboard with my other binocs around my neck.

Does anybody else think we need to hear this story?

by **avalen** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:14 pm

thank you so much for all that great info, I've wanted a pair of good binocs but didn't
know what constituted "a good pair"

now I know and can do some shopping around.
Love the new avatar

by **Liz** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:36 pm

Thanks Birdie. I got my pair of Pentax 8x42 today. Will have fun playing with them tomorrow. Your info & articles were very helpful.

Love the new avatar! good picture of you.

by **Birdie** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:38 pm

Charlotte, you didn't fall overboard with your glass on your neck!!! Someone snuck in and wrote that when you were logged in, I am sure. Don't have experience with Leupold so let us know what your experience is.

Many of the new binocs are waterproof for 6-8 feet or some such thing. I poured dishwater on mine today

as I was walking out side to water some wildflowers

. Brought them back in and dryed them off. My little crappy camera is waterproof too. Maybe the camera isn't crappy maybe it's the photographer. :oops:

I have used Bushnell in the past. They aren't very rugged.....if you drop them on the highway or concrete they will break :roll:

. Other than that folks, I say they are okay for birding.

Mitch, I think that I don't remember what the 6.5 is. It is gone away and most of my reference material is gone too.

Glad you guys are enjoying reading this information. Please feel free to make any comment that you want about binocs.

Charlotte what kind of Scope do you have? I have a Carl Zeiss that has a zoom eyepiece. Not any use when there is a lot of heat shimmer, but I find it can be used to digiscope fairly well.

Liz have fun with those puppies...you can tell everyone you had to sell your house to buy them. :lol:

Thanks all for the positive comments about the new avatar. That was when I was a curly headed cute kid last November

by **kdmac** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:46 pm

Suggestion: When I buy binoculars I try each one while I am still in the store..the stores that sell them have a target far off on a wall so you can check it out that way BUT!!! and it's a BIG BUT tht target won't be far enough away to see if the focus is working correctly or to show a crack if there is one. The last time I did this at a store just several months ago I looked at the target and (I like binocs that as soon as you put them to your face you see a full image, no squirrelling them around to get the full image) Anyway, after buying them I took them home and looked far off with them and saw they were cracked inside...the distance in the store wasn't enough of a focus to be able to see the crack...had to take them back..which was a hassle and an unplanned trip to that store. So, lesson learned to go outside with them and check them out before buying.

by **Marslet** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:52 pm

Yes, sad to say, but my binocs which I had gotten for Mother's day were around my neck when I went swimming without preparing for it. :oops:

Was fishing with DH and daughter. she was on front deck with DH and I was on back deck, well we both decided to get in the center of the boat at the same time. I, being older and wiser, knew the boat wobbled from side to side, so I stepped down carefully, while the younger version of myself, jumped down into the boat . :roll:

Well-- it did a great big wobble because we were both on the same side and I being older and heavier than her, just gracefully went over the side on my back. :lol:

We were beside a huge cypress tree and my body and head went into one of the curved areas where there were no cypress knees. I came up laughing my head off and yelling "OMG my binoculars are around my neck." They rescued me and the binocs, but they were full of water--thought they were ruined, but they dried out and were just as good as before. They also were a pair of Leupold, but much cheaper.
Birdie, I have an Eagle Optics Denali spotting scope, but neither of my cameras, Canon 30D or Canon G10 are useful for digiscoping. I spot them, then bring the 30D with the 100-400mm lens attached up and shoot.
I hated that boat because that was the second time I fell out of it. First time was in dead of winter, close to the bank. I lost a brand new hat on that one, but was under and up so quick that a paperback I had in the pocket of my lifevest didn't even get wet :lol:

I don't swim well, and I can remember thinking I needed to get out of that water before hypothermia set in. DH stills laughs about seeing me disappear and blink his eyes and when he opened them again, I am standing on the rocks at the water's edge. Another story is how the crotch of my sweatpants just kept getting closer and closer to the ground. :lol: