Selection vs. Collection

[Sailcat]

I don't know if this question has been asked here before, but I am interested in the opinions of the assembled experts on this forum regarding the distinctions that separate these two terms. In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? What are the functional differences between a selection and collection, how does one know when one's plurality of binoculars passes from one plane to the next, and which is preferable? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this subject!

[Pinewood]

You have a collection when you buy binoculars to own rather to use. The reason may be fascination with industrial design and its history or it may be just plain acquisitiveness. Acquiring binoculars in search of the perfect glass may not necessarily be collecting. Since there is very little in the way of collector organizations, this particular affliction does not seem to be about investment or financial speculation.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :egghead:

[Otto McDiesel]

I don't know if this question has been asked here before, but I am interested in the opinions of the assembled experts on this forum regarding the distinctions that separate these two terms. In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? What are the functional differences between a selection and collection, how does one know when one's plurality of binoculars passes from one plane to the next, and which is preferable? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this subject!

It takes more than one to have a collection. If you have more than one pair of binoculars, you collect binoculars.

[Pinewood]

It takes more than one to have a collection. If you have more than one pair of binoculars, you collect binoculars.
Otto,

I beg to differ. If someone has an 8x20, for the theatre or for the road, an 8x40 for general bird watching, and a 12x50 for the shore, he has a selection of binoculars, suited for different purposes. Owning an 8x32 might be good for many applications but it is not the best for all situations.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood

[lucznik]

I agree with Pinewood here; I would think that the frequency of use (or the use for a specific purpose) for each model you have would be a primary factor in determining the difference between a collection and a selection.

If you actually use each of your binoculars either frequently or for a specific predetermined purpose than you probably have a selection. If on the other hand, you have a lot of binoculars because of a "fascination with industrial design and its history or it may be just plain acquisitiveness." as Pinewood stated or if you have so many binoculars that you cannot possibly (or just do not) use each of them on a regular basis, you probably have a collection.

I would disagree however in that if you have a ever-increasing inventory of binoculars because you are "acquiring binoculars in search of the perfect glass," I would in most cases, still qualify this as a collection.

[AlanFrench]

I don't know if this question has been asked here before, but I am interested in the opinions of the assembled experts on this forum regarding the distinctions that separate these two terms. In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? What are the functional differences between a selection and collection, how does one know when one's plurality of binoculars passes from one plane to the next, and which is preferable? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this subject!

This is something I have often thought about, concerning both binoculars and telescopes. I am far more familiar with telescope owners, and there are a few who seem more interested in acquiring telescopes than in using them. I'd call them collectors. I knew a gentleman who had a very early Questar. He didn't use it - he showed it to friends. His collection was a single telescope.

People who use binoculars or telescopes regularly can also become collectors by accumulating more than are really necessary. There are certainly good arguments for owning more than one binocular, but some folks really go overboard, IMHO.

There is certainly nothing wrong with being a collector, but I find I'd rather get rid of things I am not using. Of course, there is still some of that New England tendency toward being a pack rat in my personality, so I am not as successful as I'd like (actually, I think it a more universal leftover from a time when we did need to save everything because it might be needed). Fortunately, I've gotten good at not buying new things that I don't really need.

If you have a binocular that has been tucked away somewhere for months or years without use, you've probably moved to being a collector. The preferable approach is the one you are content with. There is not right or wrong approach to owning binoculars, and no reason to fret about the approach other people take.

Clear skies, Alan

[Otto McDiesel]

I agree with Pinewood here; I would think that the frequency of use (or the use for a specific purpose) for each model you have would be a primary factor in determining the difference between a collection and a selection.

If you actually use each of your binoculars either frequently or for a specific predetermined purpose than you probably have a selection. If on the other hand, you have a lot of binoculars because of a "fascination with industrial design and its history or it may be just plain acquisitiveness." as Pinewood stated or if you have so many binoculars that you cannot possibly (or just do not) use each of them on a regular basis, you probably have a collection.

I would disagree however in that if you have a ever-increasing inventory of binoculars because you are "acquiring binoculars in search of the perfect glass," I would in most cases, still qualify this as a collection.

You nailed it perfectly. I agree.
It is tempting, however, to cross the line between selection and collection, ever finding new uses for a new pair.

[Otto McDiesel]

no reason to fret about the approach other people take.

Clear skies, Alan

Who, me? Neah, never.

[Curtis Croulet]

If you have a binocular that has been tucked away somewhere for months or years without use, you've probably moved to being a collector.

Clear skies, Alan

Well, I have one tucked away in a cupboard that frankly isn't very good (a Minolta 8x40 porro). I bought it a number of years ago when I was fairly ignorant about what constitutes a "good" binocular. But, I agree -- this thing is a garage-sale candidate.

I tend to be a packrat. "I might need it someday." But sometimes I'll find something and say to myself, "Yes, this is very interesting; but until now I'd forgotten that I had it or ever wanted it?" At that point it's discardable.

Astronomical telescopes: Years ago, when there were not many good telescopes commercially available, many people made their own. I saw a divide between builders and observers. A builder would make a fantastic scope, look at the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and M13, and move on to the next project.

[FrankD]

I would tend to agree with the others. Amount of usage would dictate whether one has a collection or a selection of bins.

[baillieswells]

I don't know if this question has been asked here before, but I am interested in the opinions of the assembled experts on this forum regarding the distinctions that separate these two terms. In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? What are the functional differences between a selection and collection, how does one know when one's plurality of binoculars passes from one plane to the next, and which is preferable? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this subject!

In my opinion a selection is when one has a number of items which are all in use, which one being used depending upon the particular situation at the time.
A collection can be divided into two different types. Firstly there is the collection built up by a collector, who is primarily interested in the item for its own sake. Collecting cameras or telescopes or binoculars is no different from collecting stamps or inmpressionists or Rembrandts.

The second type of collection, which is more an accumulation, is where one has a number of items, which have been used but have been superceded by a newer item, but which one still keeps. Eventuallythese wil become a collection.

I consider that I have a collection of cameras of this second type. I first became interested in photography when I joined my prep school photographic society when I was about ten, and I used my parents' old Kodak folding camera (which I still have). This lasted right through school until I went to university, by which time I was mountain walking and took many photos with it. My parents gave me my first 35mm camera (an Agfa Solinette) for a 21st birthday present. I was still into black and white and doing my own processing. Whilst I was at university I bought a 6 x 6cm
Agiflex single lens reflex. By the time I was a graduate student I was earning extra money by teaching photography at the local art college.

I went to live in the USA for a couple of years and bought a Contax D 35mm single lens reflex with a CZ Biotar lens, in New York. This camera is interestingly inscribed on the back "Germany USSR Occupied".By this time I was into colour photography.This camera with additional lenses lasted into the 1970's when I bought a Canon FTBn, this was followed a few years later by a Canon A1, then when the EOS cameras appeared a EOS 600, then a EOS 5, and only this year a Canon EOS 350D, my first foray into Canon digital. As I still have all these cameras, lenses and accessories, I consider I have a collection of cameras, but I don't consider my a collector. (Only my opinion)

[lucznik]

Collecting cameras or telescopes or binoculars is no different from collecting stamps or inmpressionists or Rembrandts.




Except that (hopefully) your stamps, impressionists, and/or Rembrandts are increasing in their value - whereas your cameras, telescopes, and/or binoculars are probably not.

[baillieswells]

Except that (hopefully) your stamps, impressionists, and/or Rembrandts are increasing in their value - whereas your cameras, telescopes, and/or binoculars are probably not.

Collectors who collect for profit are investors! However, some early telescopes of past centuries are now quite valuble. OK my stamp collections have increased considerably in value, but I didn't collect them for that reason. My Matissse has increased in value, but I wouldn't sell it; unfortunately I don't have any Rembrandts.

[Curtis Croulet]

However, some early telescopes of past centuries are now quite valuble.

Alvan Clark refractors are still highly prized.

[orbitaljump]

Alvan Clark refractors are still highly prized.

They are dynamite! :smoke:

I have a great and growing selection/collection of binoculars. Though I tend to use only a very few. Interestingly some of the more expensive binos I own get used less....Nikon Prostar 7x50's. But some get used alot......Fujinon Polaris 10x70's.

I just took a pair of great quality old Japanese 9x35 porros to Africa. And left my excellent old B&L 9x35 Zephyrs at home. Curious, no?

So I have a selection of binos and I also have a collection of binos.

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

OK... I have over a dozen pair of high-end binoculars, and I find myself using almost all of them on a regular basis in a semi-random rotation. Do I actually need that many? Absolutely not - I could probably get by with only 3 carefully chosen binoculars for every conceivable birding situation. Do I own any of them just to "have" them or for historic/engineering/industrial arts admiration? Not really... they all get used and I appreciate the differing features, etc. of each binocular.

Do I have a selection, or a collection? I personally can't tell...

Best wishes,
Bawko

[elkcub]

... In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? ...


Give me ambiguity or give me something else.
(Anon.)

[Swissboy]

In my opinion a selection is when one has a number of items which are all in use, which one being used depending upon the particular situation at the time.
A collection can be divided into two different types. Firstly there is the collection built up by a collector, who is primarily interested in the item for its own sake. Collecting cameras or telescopes or binoculars is no different from collecting stamps or inmpressionists or Rembrandts.

The second type of collection, which is more an accumulation, is where one has a number of items, which have been used but have been superceded by a newer item, but which one still keeps. Eventuallythese wil become a collection. ....

I also think, as Pinewood has said before, that just the fact that one owns and uses a number of binoculars, one is not a collector. My own situation is like baillieswells' I tend to keep my old models as I acquire a newer one, so they accumulate (being mostly positioned at the various windows). A true collector should make sure that his collection remains in pristine condition. So the glasses are best kept away from dust etc, preferably in an enclosed display case or in the original box. Also, all the items that come with the item, including the box should be kept as well. That would ensure the highest resale value.

[Jaeger01]

I don't know if this question has been asked here before, but I am interested in the opinions of the assembled experts on this forum regarding the distinctions that separate these two terms. In other words, at what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection? What are the functional differences between a selection and collection, how does one know when one's plurality of binoculars passes from one plane to the next, and which is preferable? Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this subject!

Well, number 1, I am not an expert so you can delete my thoughts if you prefer. Number 2, I don't consider myself a collector in spite of having several pair of binoculars. I have never sold a pair and have owned close to 50 pair over the last 50 years. I give my old ones away when I no longer have a particular use for them, to new young birders, new old birders and Bird Exchange for use in countries where there are folks (young and old) who can't afford them, but need for birding. I can't afford nor could I afford them when I bought them, but better then than now that I am retired, but always figured there were those who were worse off than I. I don't beleive there should be collectors of something that many in the world need but don't have the means to obtain. Give your excess to someone who needs/wants them.

Jaeger near Chicago

[Sancho]

I give my old ones away when I no longer have a particular use for them, to new young birders, new old birders and Bird Exchange for use in countries where there are folks (young and old) who can't afford them, but need for birding. Jaeger near Chicago

Great idea, Jaeger. I suppose the original question, whether a multiple of items is a collection or a selection, is semantic. My wife would call both excessive (but not her shoe/handbag selection/collection!). I culled my selection/collection, sold a few, gave two pairs away, and kept my three favourites. But now I'm thinking of my own three kids....what if they want bins....Hmmmmmmm.......

[ceasar]

A true collector will tell you that if you know how many binoculars you own, then you don't have enough of them!

Cordially,
Bob
(Collector of Fly Rods and Reels.)

[Swissboy]

A true collector will tell you that if you know how many binoculars you own, then you don't have enough of them!

Cordially,
Bob
(Collector of Fly Rods and Reels.)

So, as a collector of model train rolling stock, does that mean I have enough since I have no idea how many I have? ;)
I admit in cutting down, in part for lack of space, though.

[ceasar]

So, as a collector of model train rolling stock, does that mean I have enough since I have no idea how many I have? ;)
I admit in cutting down, in part for lack of space, though.

You'll never be sure. Be like the little engine that could and keep on chugging, er-that is, collecting. B (:

Bob

[Pinewood]

I confess that I own...This is not a twelve step program so I do not have to make a public statement. In the past year, I sold two, bought two, and traded another, which may mean I am on the road to a cure, or just moderation.

Happy bird watching,
Arthur Pinewood :scribe:

[Sailcat]

Alas, I have seven...or eight...binoculars. Whether it is a collection/selection is immaterial. The point is, I enjoy them as a means to an end. I love walking and watching. Binoculars only help me reach my destination...

[Tero]

Greetings!

OK... I have over a dozen pair of high-end binoculars, and I find myself using almost all of them on a regular basis in a semi-random rotation. Do I actually need that many? Absolutely not - I could probably get by with only 3 carefully chosen binoculars for every conceivable birding situation. Do I own any of them just to "have" them or for historic/engineering/industrial arts admiration? Not really... they all get used and I appreciate the differing features, etc. of each binocular.

Do I have a selection, or a collection? I personally can't tell...

Best wishes,
Bawko

Also, when you have that many, and are bored, you can always take out two similar pairs and compare the view. I now seem to have three 10x roof prisms. One is a 10x Bushnell only sold at Wal Mart. They are in the trunk of my car at all times, and I have not suffered with them even when they were the only pair on hand.

When the birding is only so so, you can "reaearch" your bins.

Take care, go see some birds.
T.

[ksbird/foxranch]

First of all I guess we don't know how many xoculars we have out here on the ranch/in the car/etc. My wife and I do use 5 binoculars all the time for our personal viewing at the three feeder stations near our house/deck and the activities in the back forest and fruit trees. But this is all facing to the west, so we have other binoculars for a north facing window that looks out at our main horse pasture and another to have handy when rushing out the front door to see something interesting to the east. I also have a pair in the car for viewing down by the Missouri River (saw a very large crane or possibly a migrating heron yesterday.

I carry a monocular all the time (just to read street signs from 2 blocks away if need be). None of this counts the 10 rental binoculars for visitors or the loaners I have for young extended family members. In fact I have a pair of 7x50 camo finish bins to give to the neighbor boy who checks the horses when we ask. Counting spare rental units and one pair of military M19 bins that are sort of collector bins, this all comes to about 25 xoculars at any given time. Of course this doesn't count bins that were once excellent but now aren't worth the cost of getting cleaned or re-alignment/collimation from being dropped, dunked or rained-on. These will eventually be sold on ebay to someone who can clean or repair bins.

Oops, I almost forgot...this doesn't count the 5 pairs of giant binoculars that are usually used for astronomy but can be used for birding on a tripod. So let's say 30 units that get regular use and 7-8 that are headed for ebay. This isn't just a selection or collection. It's an arsenal to be used for my wife and I, plus family and visitors, for every type of use. If I could afford all waterproof models, I'd have them, but currently only about 10 items getting regular use are waterproof. In 10 more years perhaps all 30 will be waterproof and many will have departed to ebay. Is it a selection or collection .... or is it real-l-l-l-ly an OBSESSION. Only the Shadow (and my accountant) knows.

PS can someone tell me how to get the USA flag listed next to our posting name? Thanks

Alas, I have seven...or eight...binoculars. Whether it is a collection/selection is immaterial. The point is, I enjoy them as a means to an end. I love walking and watching. Binoculars only help me reach my destination...

[Swedpat]

"At what point does one's selection of binoculars become a collection?"

This is a very interesting question. I have 5 binoculars in my collection. Or is it a selection?...
If I ask myself the question: do I really need all of them? the answer has to be: NO.
If I ask myself: do I want all of them? the answer is: I want even more binoculars.

I love binoculars and don't hesitate to confess that my selection to a curtain extent is a collection. It's a collection but also a selection. I have had many binoculars during the years and have sold many of them. I don't want to have a binocular I never want to use, - then I will sell it. Surely I will sell one or two of my present binoculars and exchange them to better models.

I think that a deciding factor of the difference between a selection and a collection is: a selection is what you really make use of, and a collection is what is fun to have for it's own sake. Then we have the combination between these two alternatives. The reality is seldom black and white...

Patric

[xenophobe]

If you own more than a couple pairs, or you find yourself inventing new uses for a new pair, you are probably collecting.

I only see a need for three binoculars... compact portable, general viewing, long distance/stargazing... Then again, this is my opinion and what works for me. lol

[Simon S]

Well I have a touch of obsessive disorder I think.(>60 pairs)
I love older binoculars, and have great joy restoring old Japanese, British and German binoculars.
EBay is making easy for me to buy all manner of binoculars.
It is such a great feeling to look through a pair of Kershaw olympics with missing objective covers and worn coating to see a bright sharp wide image, far better than my Bushnel Trophys.
These old binoculars are works of art to me. I own an old pair of Tento 7X35's that are stunningly sharp over 90% of the FOV.
Buying a good pair of binoculars that need there internals cleaning is a real buzz for me.

[Sancho]

When the birding is only so so, you can "reaearch" your bins.

Take care, go see some birds.
T.

Hi Tero...having thought recently that I was "cured" and that it was safe to walk past a camera store again, I find that I´ve succumbed, like an alcoholic falling off the wagon. Went and bought myself a pair of Canon IS 12x36 bins. I used to be a 10x fan (like yourself, I think), then I found myself using 8x more, but now with this IS feature, even 12x is possible, and the stability feature is incredible. Ever used a pair? Best Wishes, Éanna

[Tero]

I seem to have misspelled research. No, IS is for wimps. You buy 7x, 8x or 10x, whichevet you think you can hold steady. When I get old, I will be leaning on trees a lot to get my 10x to work.

Almost my favorite now is my 8x32 that really isn't the best, but it is sharp in the middle. I use it for most casual birding, though I have switched to 10x in the middle of the day. I need variety.

[Sancho]

No, IS is for wimps. You buy 7x, 8x or 10x, whichevet you think you can hold steady.

Go on, Tero, try an IS pair, I dare you!!!;)

[Tero]

I think I prefer no batteries.

[Sancho]

I think I prefer no batteries.
The Luddite in me was always suspicious of any extra technology....more stuff to break. It would be nice if the IS bins were solar-powered....they don´t use much power, only two AA batteries that apparently last 6 hours or so. I am blown away by the IS feature, though...it makes everything steady as a rock. (Maybe I just have wimpy hands).

[BobinKy]

Recently, Kevin Purcell shared this link in another thread. I think this thread is a classic. Thanks Kevin!

. . .

I have 12 binoculars. Before reading this thread I called what is in my optical case a "collection." Now I know better. I have a "selection."

...Bob
Kentucky, USA

Improve your life with optics.

[ronh]

In a way I envy the impressive bunches, whatever you call them, of binos that may of you forum members have. I would love to go out with you some time and go nuts comparing each and every one.

I own and use four binoculars, three for astronomy, which is one too many, and one for daytime. Daytime usage, a broader test of a binocular and observer, is a relatively new and absorbing pursuit.

But for me, multiplicity is not the road to go down right now. I think it unlikely that anyone could thrill to the aided view more than myself. But, to me it seems that any binocular will to some degree require the devoted user to subjugate some of his own instincts in order to extract the best performance. At best it is a very unnatural act. A binocular is very much not a pushbutton device (IS excepted!). Quality notwithstanding, it takes time and effort, getting used to its foibles, learning how to position your eyes to best suppress stray light, and to minimize lateral color. Only much repetition can make the user familiar with the mechanics and accessories, so that all the little mess of strap, lens guards, gripping, focusing, and eyecup operation becomes second nature and dispensed with in a thoughtless flash.

I just don't see how you can really master a whole pile of instruments. For me, the thrill is in owning one of good quality, and sticking with it, getting better with it, and seeing where it takes me, rather than buying another every time something about it irritates me, buying another when something about that one irritates me, etc.

The more I use my 8x42 Trinovid, the happier I get. I am learning how to use it better. Thoughts that occurred earlier, that I also needed a 10x32, 8x56, etc, etc, etc, are vanishing in the mist. This "compromise size" is working for me. And, I never have to decide what to take.
Ron

[Steve C]

Well this thread made me do a count. 15 binoculars currently in hand and probably at least 4 more to cycle through my hands in the coming weeks. I wonder what will happen to my tax refund. How many of the next few I will buy remains a question. At least 4 of the current crop should go to ebay.

[postcardcv]

The Luddite in me was always suspicious of any extra technology....more stuff to break. It would be nice if the IS bins were solar-powered....they don´t use much power, only two AA batteries that apparently last 6 hours or so. I am blown away by the IS feature, though...it makes everything steady as a rock. (Maybe I just have wimpy hands).

The IS in those Canon bins is extremely impressive, it certainly makes higher mgas very useable. I've ne resolutely resisting looking through a pair of the 10-42 L IS bins as I fear the effect that they'd have on my bank account!

I used to think that I had a selection of bins, just a few different pairs all getting semi-regular use. However in honesty I have a collection of bins all of which see at least sporadic use.

[FrankD]

Well, I am down to 7 bins that I use quite regularly with one more dedicated strictly to the backyard feeder (7x35 Nikon E). Of course there are a few others that are sitting around untouched for some time...and that Legend ED due in a few days and that......

;)