Second binocular purchase...

[MichelleOhio]

Hi, everyone. I have been using my ZRS 8x42 for a couple weeks and I really do like them so far. The thing is, my "other half" wants binos to look through and I'm kind of tired of loaning mine and having focus changed all the time. So, we're looking at a second pair, and since I think this will be a short lived hobby for the SO, any suggestions on my next size?

I think I would like a 7x36'ish. However, I don't want to spend almost $400 on the new Zen ED's. Is there anything worth looking at in the lower $100 price range?

Edited to add: I already have some 10x50's I purchased years ago to use for astronomy...Celestron Ultima's.

[spyglass2]

Ebay.....

[Kevin Purcell]

Nikon Action EX 7x36/8x40 porro demo from Cameraland for $100. Very nice bin (but not a roof).

If that's too heavy then consider a Leupold Yosemite 6x30 or 8x30. Very nice small porro with great view and lightweight too.

I wouldn't recommend any $100 roofs though a stretch to an "old" or secondhand Vortex Diamondback 8x42 would be a good option too and perhaps $140?

Or try the For Sale section here ... I could imagine a older cheap second hand roof for $50 and up being usable for a non-critical user (e.g. my wife had no problem with a used non-PC 8x32 7.5 degree roof ... perhaps the best bin she had ever used (though it star tested badly in one barrel) and very easy to find birds with too).

There are quite a few options. But a critical thing for marital harmony is one bin per person. Seriously.

[Tero]

Bushnell Legend porros, some 109 dollars. Bit heavy (some 30oz, most ads are wrong). Nice eye cyps, more comfortable than Nikon Action. Sharp optics.

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=bushnell+Legend+8x42&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g3

Other than that, the most deals are in 8x32.

[MichelleOhio]

There are quite a few options. But a critical thing for marital harmony is one bin per person. Seriously.

Oh, don't I know it, Kevin! o:)

Thanks for the suggestions so far, guys! Keep them coming.

[kristoffer]

what does second hand 8 42 monarchs cost atm? They are great girl bins since they are very light weight and relaxed view in. And waterproof too.

[dustyview]

If you're happy with your 10x Celestrons, the I second Kevin's recommendation of the Yosemite 6x. These would make a nice compliment to your ZRS 8xs. An even better option might be the new 6.5x32 EO Raven/Vortex Raptor that SteveC reviewed here:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=146500

The Yosemite is $80 and the Raven $120, both from Eagle Optics (and they have a liberal 30-day return policy). Both should perform better than most roof prism binoculars that cost 2-3x as much.

[FrankD]

I agree with many of the previous comments...Yosemites, Nikon Action EX, Bushnell Legend porros, older style Vortex Diamondbacks, etc.. You might also consider the Pentax DCF HS 8x36. They were on buydig.com for $136. They are very ergonomic, phase coated roof prism bins. Their only drawback is that they are water resistant as opposed to waterproof.

Also the Nikon Buckmaster 8x36 (Cameralandny has demos for $99). It is one of the better non-phase coated roofs out there.

[Kevin Purcell]

I agree with many of the previous comments...Yosemites, Nikon Action EX, Bushnell Legend porros, older style Vortex Diamondbacks, etc.. You might also consider the Pentax DCF HS 8x36. They were on buydig.com for $136. They are very ergonomic, phase coated roof prism bins. Their only drawback is that they are water resistant as opposed to waterproof.

On B&H for $99. A very good choice.

[blizdas]

If you're happy with your 10x Celestrons, the I second Kevin's recommendation of the Yosemite 6x. These would make a nice compliment to your ZRS 8xs. An even better option might be the new 6.5x32 EO Raven/Vortex Raptor that SteveC reviewed here:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=146500

The Yosemite is $80 and the Raven $120, both from Eagle Optics (and they have a liberal 30-day return policy). Both should perform better than most roof prism binoculars that cost 2-3x as much.

I've got a 6.5x32 Raven that we used as a demo/evaluation model that I can get for you at a favorable price. The demo unit is not available online so you'll have to call me to order it.
I've checked it out and it's in new condition, all accessories, etc...
Ben

Ben Lizdas
Sales Manger
Eagle Optics
www.eagleoptics.com (http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars)

[MichelleOhio]

what does second hand 8 42 monarchs cost atm? They are great girl bins since they are very light weight and relaxed view in.

Girl bins. :-O LOL. I've compared mine to the Monarchs, and they are just too similar, although the Monarchs are a bit brighter or crisper to me, to stay with the same size.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Ben, do I just call and ask for you?

[blizdas]

Michelle,
Feel free to. I'm generally available and would be glad to talk to you.
1-800-289-1132.
You still get the 30 day return period on any purchase.
I see you are from Ohio. Will you be going to the Midwest Birding Symposium?
Ben

Ben Lizdas
Sales Manager
Eagle Optics
www.eagleoptics.com (http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars)

[MichelleOhio]

Thanks, Ben. I'll probably get a chance to call tomorrow at some point! :)

I will be at the Symposium and I see EO has a booth. Will you be there?

[kristoffer]

Girl bins. :-O LOL. I've compared mine to the Monarchs, and they are just too similar, although the Monarchs are a bit brighter or crisper to me, to stay with the same size.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!



Sorry, I simply meant that they are light weight, that doesn't necessary mean that all females dislike a more heavy bin. I was just talking out of own experience, relaxed viewing and light weight are key factors for her. She hates when it easy blackouts. But it is more related to low interest in optics and less to the gender. Man dominated hobbys, or at least forums, can sometimes cause these conclusions without consideration. Relaxed viewing and low weight maybe can be considered keyfactors for the birding beginners? :)

[MichelleOhio]

I was just giving you a hard time, Kristoffer. I knew what you meant and all is well. ;)

[FrankD]

I have a feeling you will like those 6.5x32 Ravens Michelle. I sure did. ;)

[blizdas]

Thanks, Ben. I'll probably get a chance to call tomorrow at some point! :)

I will be at the Symposium and I see EO has a booth. Will you be there?

Hi Michelle,
Yes, I'll be there at the EO booth along with my wife. Please be sure to stop by and say Hi.
Ben

Ben Lizdas
Sales Manager
Eagle Optics
www.eagleoptics.com (http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars)

[MichelleOhio]

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Ben! I am going to call you this afternoon and take one of the Raven's and the Vortex we spoke of!

[MichelleOhio]

I've been checking out my new Ravens this evening. So far, I think I'm really going to enjoy them. :) Thanks again, Ben!

I do have one question. It seems that no matter what bino's I'm using, I can't get the barrels the correct distance apart and often see "two" circles. What am I doing wrong?

[henry link]

Michelle,

Binocular fields fuse into a single circle only at long distances. At shorter distances the field circles separate. The shorter the distance the greater the separation. This is especially true for Porros with widely spaced objectives. It's purely geometry, you're not doing anything wrong.

Henry

[MichelleOhio]

Ah ha! Thank you Henry. I thought maybe my brain was out of alignment. ;)

[Tero]

Michelle, if you like looking at things close up, the porros are not ideal for that, though close focus is better in smaller porros. I get some eye strain with porros, especially looking close. Reverse porros and roofs do not have this problem.

[MichelleOhio]

Thanks, Tero. Seems like there's a bunch of things I should know...is there a book that explains all of the ins and outs?

[Tero]

The Pete Dunne link is pretty good. The books have all kinds of stuff. The best is just a lot of shopping. Try to see all the ones worth seeing in a store. The best is only what seems best to you. We all have preferences. The only one I have not explored is IS. Stabilized electronic gismos.

Kevin found it, scroll down, no need to log in.
https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0004&L=IBN-L&D=1&P=14839

[MichelleOhio]

Thanks, Tero. I'm looking forward to the read.