Best binoculars-would you know?

[lvn600]

I've looked through assorted inexpensive binoculars-50-350 dolllars, one $500 pair of pentax, and through a pair of swarovski 10x42 binoculars. Certainly the swarovski give a nice view when I go eagle watching with my br-in-law but I don't know if i could pick out the most expensive binoculars just by the view. My question is this. Let's say 10 novice birders tried out 6 binoculars $75-$200, 6 pair $250-$700 and 6 pair $800 and up. Do you think without knowing the names that the most expensive binoculars would come out on top and the cheapest would come in last on average? I'm talking strictly by the view not by looking at the construction.

[AlanFrench]

Some of the less expensive binoculars today are quite good, and I think there is less difference in optics between the various price ranges than there used to be. On average, I expect you would, however, be able to see some difference in the three price ranges.

The real question is which pair in what price range would make you happy? It doesn't make a lot of difference where other folks find their "comfort" level. There is a lot more to binoculars than just the optics too. Fit and feel are extremely important, and vary greatly from person to person. A pair that many folks just loved was one I wanted absolutely nothing to do with, and I am sure some folks would take exception to my choices in binoculars.

Clear skies, Alan

[ranburr]

I think you could certainly tell a difference, especially if we are talking roofs. I would also say that you would tell a tremendous difference in low-light applications, and true color renditions. Remember, most optics look pretty good in a store or under ideal circumstances. But, you don't use binos in stores and it rarely seems to be ideal conditions in the real world.

ranburr

[lvn600]

I think you could certainly tell a difference, especially if we are talking roofs. I would also say that you would tell a tremendous difference in low-light applications, and true color renditions. Remember, most optics look pretty good in a store or under ideal circumstances. But, you don't use binos in stores and it rarely seems to be ideal conditions in the real world.

ranburr. I've noticed with the pair of binoculars I bought that they have a view that ranges from superb to fair depending on the viewing conditions. (swift roof ultra-lites 8x42)

[twitcher]

Ivan I agree with what has been said so I can only add one more comment its deffinatly true with most things in life you only get what you pay for, quaility is something applied in great measure were optics are involved ie: the couler spectrem is involved, however its knowing wht to train the eye to look for since the human brain filters out most of whats there which of course we know remains unless u have opted for the expencive ph couler corection that only come's with the top notch binos" I dont know much personally about binos so wont pretend I do" but I have fought hard an long with my search of the www. and well u know the rest ect research and research in search for the affordably best on offer and have now a pair of classics ziess 10 by 40 bgat *p* which I find are superb quaility a little heavy maybe, have over the past 30 yars looked through a few makes critically might I say after a few years with each to see subtle diferences and with the ziess classic I find the trade off not in there mechanical structure as some might say maybe on the true weather proofing not sure but again only going from my own research some say they are in fact weather proof I guess its to what degree they are anyhow all that said when i thought I was only for chipping in with a brief line I end up almost writing a essay sorry sorry sorry best regards Twitcher happy birding all....

[lvn600]

I've looked through assorted inexpensive binoculars-50-350 dolllars, one $500 pair of pentax, and through a pair of swarovski 10x42 binoculars. Certainly the swarovski give a nice view when I go eagle watching with my br-in-law but I don't know if i could pick out the most expensive binoculars just by the view. My question is this. Let's say 10 novice birders tried out 6 binoculars $75-$200, 6 pair $250-$700 and 6 pair $800 and up. Do you think without knowing the names that the most expensive binoculars would come out on top and the cheapest would come in last on average? I'm talking strictly by the view not by looking at the construction.I looked through the swarovski again yesteday and noticed more depth and resolution than my current $3oo pair. I will be looking forward trying them side by side out in the field.