Inexpensive Binoculars (less than $100)

[mudge]

I am a high school teacher, and late in Februrary 2006 I am running a special week-long introductory birding seminar for ten of my students. I am excited by the prospect of this hands-on educational opportunity. However, most of these young people will need binoculars (compact: most likely 8 X 42).
But--here's the catch--they have to cost under $100 each. I have no experience with this level of equipment. Any suggestions?

BTW, I use Zhumell - 8x42 Signature Waterproof. Again, my thanks.

[lucznik]

Bushnell Legend 8X42 Porros are the way I would go. They sell for $99 at eagleoptics.com

The porro prism design will give optimal image quality (better than roofs costing 3-4X as much) and they are still quite compact and light. They are also waterproof, fogproof, and have a lifetime warranty. I have not seen a better binocular at this price point. By the way, if some of your students don't like/want a full size binocular, the Bushnell Legend line also has a couple of compact inverted porros (8X26 and 10X26) that also can be had for under $100.

[Alexis Powell]

There are lots of good choices. In full-sized binos I like the Bushnell 8x42 Natureview for its wide field of view and excellent eye-relief (if any of your students wear glasses). I find that it has a very comfortable view and feel in the hand. The even cheaper "Birder" model (a popular choice in educational settings because of its sometimes $35 price tag) can be good optically, but it has very flimsy construction and its focus is rarely very smooth.

The Nikon 7x35 Action is good, but has inferior eye relief. The Nikon 7x35 Action Extreme is supposed to have better eye-relief and so is probably a good choice, but I haven't tried it myself. Likewise, the Zhumell long eye relief 8x42WA has good specs, but I haven't tried it myself. The ~$70-90 8x~25 compact models from Nikon, Pentax and others generally have excellent optics, but often have a very narrow FOV or poor eye-relief. Still, some of your students might prefer them for the way they fit in the hand. You might want to get a variety pack of 2 or 3 different models, including both full sized and compacts, rather than 10 of the same model. Any of the above can be had for ~$90 or less.

If I were you, I'd check out the choices on the Eagle Optics website. You could even call them for advice. In my experience, the optics of full and compact porros at this price point are excellent and can last a long time with good care, but a fair number of units have assembly errors (especially full-size models) and are out of allignment, have wonky diopter settings, or have see-saw ocular bridges. If you place your order with Eagle Optics, ask that they individually inspect each unit that they sell you to weed out the bad ones BEFORE shipping them to you--this step will almost certainly save you the trouble of having to send 1 or 2 (or 3!) of them back for a replacement. Last I knew, Eagle Optics was happy to do this sort of a check.

--AP

[Beverlybaynes]

And if you place an order with Eagle Optics, be sure to mention that you're buying for students in an educational setting. Maybe you'd get some sort of educator's discount. Doesn't hurt to ask!

[JeffMoh]

A few months ago, I started looking for binoculars under $100, to replace a pair of less expensive Bushnells that I'd had for several years. After a lot of research, I chose Minolta Classic Sport 8 X 42 WP at about $80 from a company on the web. I've been delighted with them. They are optically incomparably better than my Bushnells; and they are also tough and waterproof. I would recommend that you consider them.

Jeff

[AlanFrench]

The Minolta Classic Sport 8 X 42 WP have a minimum IPD of 59mm, which might be too wide for some students. I was unable to find the IPD range for the 8 x42 Bushnell Natureview - not even on the Bushnell web page.

Clear skies, Alan

[Pileatus]

I am a high school teacher, and late in Februrary 2006 I am running a special week-long introductory birding seminar for ten of my students. I am excited by the prospect of this hands-on educational opportunity. However, most of these young people will need binoculars (compact: most likely 8 X 42).
But--here's the catch--they have to cost under $100 each. I have no experience with this level of equipment. Any suggestions?

BTW, I use Zhumell - 8x42 Signature Waterproof. Again, my thanks.
You must read:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/winter2005/Age_Binos.html
See the section on Budget Bins.

and then call Eagle Optics. They DO have experience with this level of equipment and they WILL take care of you!

As Alan mentioned, the age group is important in selecting the right model(s). Again, Eagle Optics will help you out.

Have fun!

John

[mudge]

You must read:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/winter2005/Age_Binos.html
See the section on Budget Bins.

and then call Eagle Optics. They DO have experience with this level of equipment and they WILL take care of you!

As Alan mentioned, the age group is important in selecting the right model(s). Again, Eagle Optics will help you out.

Have fun!

John This is all great information. Thanks. I'm all over it now.