Considerations for eyeglass use?

[Sid Post]

As I read the various reviews and posts in these forums and elsewhere, I have become more concerned with proper eye relief. I wear relatively thick eyeglass lenses so, I don't want to mail order good binoculars only to find out I loose a lot of the field of view.

To further complicate things, a post like this one http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=43711 suggests that some manufacturers are more conservative then others in their eye relief measurements.

So after reading the thread posted above, I think I need to look at binoculars with a good Field of View and a good Depth of View. Then I need to figure how to determine if a given pair of binoculars is under or over reporting their effective eye relief.

Someday, I hope to travel to some place that has premium binoculars, even more then one manufacturer ;) and make some comparisons.

What insights do you have to share? I appreciate any help you can give to a novice like myself

[Keith Dickinson]

Hi Sid,
Its difficult to recommend a pair of 'bins' for a spectacle wearer. The optical power of your spectacle lenses will affect the performance of the 'bins'. I have only a small optical correction but was amazed at the performance differences between several makes of 'bins'.
The only way to choose is to get to a demonstration day so you can try severa; types. Or if you can ask other birders if you can have a quick look through theirs. I did this myself before I purchased my latest pair of 'bins', my old ones being no good when wearing my spectacles.
Keith

[AlanFrench]

There does indeed seem to be some variation in how various makers come up with their eye relief figures. I do think you can rely on them to give you a general idea of which models might meet your needs. I have also found that my newer, smaller eye glasses sit closer to my eyes, so I now can get away with less eye relief.

I fear the best way to find out what binoculars work for you, both in terms of eye relief and fit and feel, is to try them for yourself. I know this can be difficult. I live in an area that has very little binocular selection. If you spend some time with a birding group in the field, you can find some examples there, but it might well be worth your time to visit a "birding fair" or large dealer at some distance. It might be fun too.

Clear skies, Alan

[Swissboy]

As I read the various reviews and posts in these forums and elsewhere, I have become more concerned with proper eye relief. I wear relatively thick eyeglass lenses so, I don't want to mail order good binoculars only to find out I loose a lot of the field of view.

I think some of the independent reviews have eye relief figures that are not based on manufacturers' info. Though I am not absolutely sure, I think e.g. Kimmo's Alula reviews are like that. Maybe Kimmo can let you know.
http://www.alula.fi/GB/