Advice please.

[harry eales]

I am looking for a monocular or binoculars for looking at Dragonflies at ranges up to about 25m.

I have no experience whatsoever in optics and would appreciate some expert advice. Please bear in mind I am on a pension, so I don't have hundreds of pounds to throw around. Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanking you in advance.

Harry Eales.

[Robert Ellis]

The new Pentax Papilio is designed just for you. I would recommend the 6.5x version over the 8.5x by virtue of the wider view. The Papilio series is designed to focus as close as .5m for detailed views of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, etc. They seem to be high quality and are not bank busters either. There was an earlier thread about them in this forum.

[harry eales]

The new Pentax Papilio is designed just for you. I would recommend the 6.5x version over the 8.5x by virtue of the wider view. The Papilio series is designed to focus as close as .5m for detailed views of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, etc. They seem to be high quality and are not bank busters either. There was an earlier thread about them in this forum.

Many thanks Robert,

I will have a look for that thread.

cheers,

Harry

[Nigel G]

I will have a look for that thread.



Hi Harry

I confess to knowing nothing about Papilio series but I do use Pentax and everying is way cheaper if you import from the US. Did a quick search and you might try the links below for starters:

Pentax Website (http://www.pentaxcanada.ca/products/binos/papilio_series.php)

Optics planet (http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-85x21mm-papilio-butterfly-binoculars.html)

[harry eales]

Hi Harry

I confess to knowing nothing about Papilio series but I do use Pentax and everying is way cheaper if you import from the US. Did a quick search and you might try the links below for starters:

Pentax Website (http://www.pentaxcanada.ca/products/binos/papilio_series.php)

Optics planet (http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-85x21mm-papilio-butterfly-binoculars.html)

Hello Nigel,

Many thanks for the URLs. These do look very interesting and at a reasonable price (I'll only have to rob one bank). I'll check into prices on this side of the 'pond', past experience on buying from North America has made me a little wary.

Harry

[Gray C]

Look at the Opticron BGA 8x42 monocular, which can be got for just over £100

[harry eales]

Look at the Opticron BGA 8x42 monocular, which can be got for just over £100

Hello Gray,

Many thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at them.

Harry,

[WHIMBREL]

Dear Harry,

I don't know if you wear specs, but if you do make sure you try to buy a pair with good eye relief, and also, if at all possible try out as many pairs as possible at a good dealers, and preferably one that has the facilities to do so.

I have just gone mad and splashed out £379 for a pair of Nikon HG 8x32. (They were £849 RRP a year or two back before a new light version superceded them) I purchased very much for the superb close focus of 6 feet, primarily for close ID of Dragonflies, Butterflies, Moths etc as well as my beloved birds.

I doubt you would regret the initial investment because they could bring a whole new dimension to your 'passion' which we know is entomology in all it's fascinating forms, having said that I appreciate we all have budgeting factors to consider.....'but after the price is long forgotten the pleasure and quality remains' go on spoil yourself you deserve it !!

With Best Wishes,

Bill.