which ones should i get

[rkulla]

i want to use binoculars strictly for birding and im wondering which ones of these binoculars i should get that fall within my $100 budget (the type of birding ill be doing is watching birds in my backyard to out in wide open fields and tall trees, while wearing sun glasses):

Nikon 10x50 Action Binoculars 7218 - $99
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10x50-action-binoculars-7218.html

Pentax 8x25 UCF X II - $89
http://www.opticsplanet.net/pen8xucfxbin.html

Pentax 8x40 XCF - $80
http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-8x40-xcf.html

Eagle Optics 8x42 Triumph Binocular - $69.99
http://www.opticsplanet.net/eagle-optics-binoculars-triumph.html

Bushnell 8x42 Natureview Plus - $96
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-8x42-natureview.html

I'm confused on those nikon action bino's because opticsplanet says they're worth $215 but amazon says they're only worth $89 and are selling them for $79

[Chris Oates]

In that price range you should look at the Nikon Sporter 8x36 or 10x36 - highly regarded for a budget bin.
That price for a Nikon action at $79 is correct - all bins were once new and commanded a premium price but it soon falls (some more than others).

[ceasar]

If you wear glasses get binoculars that have at least 17mm eye relief or more. Then get the ones with the widest field. From your list the ones with the best resolution (assuming they have no manufacturing flaws) will be the Nikon 10 x 50's They will also be the heaviest of the one's you have listed and they will also be the brightest ones under overcast skies and twilight conditions. Also, a 10 x 50 binocular is a good binocular for casual astronomy. The Nikon's are the most versatile of the one's you have listed. Heavy but good. They will also be the best for hawk watching and on distant shore birds. Their 342 FOV isn't too bad for a 10 power bin. The 8x's you have listed will likely have wider FOV and better depth of field and will be lighter and easier to lug around. Try as many as you can before you decide. It's largely a personal thing in the long run.
Good Birding,
Bob

[lucznik]

I would suggest the Bushnell Legend porros series. The 8X42 would be my first choice. It can be found at Eagle Optics for under $100. It is waterproof, fogproof, gauranteed for life and all things considered, is really quite a compact package. It also sports very good optics.

[Tero]

They will all work, except
Nikon 10x50 Action Binoculars 7218 - $99
the close focus is limited...you will end up in situations where a few birds are too close, Pentax 8x40 XCF Binoculars was not much better in numbers.

Actions come in two versions. EX are waterproof and have different eye cups. Slightly better eye cups.

[Tero]

I looked at two 10x50s, one was the Nikon Action, one was a similar Pentax. The close focus was a tiny bit closer for the Nikon than the Pentax, so I think the 23ft close focus listed in several places may be more like 18-20ft. But my vision may affect the close focus, and I am not 20/20.

[Swedpat]

I'm confused on those nikon action bino's because opticsplanet says they're worth $215 but amazon says they're only worth $89 and are selling them for $79


I guess the binoculars claimed to be worth $215 has to be the better and more expensive ACTION EXTREME model. Actually not the same binocular.

Patric

[Tero]

I have a pair of 10x50s, could not refuse the price. FOV is good too, 367ft at 1000yds. The close focus is around 20ft. These are fine, unless you look at humming birds or your feeder is closer than that. Not so good with glasses or sun glasses. Except the Action EX 10x50 works with glasses.

Take the sunglasses off, by the way!

[Swedpat]

Tero,

I understand the Action Extreme works better with eyeglasses, but I am personally not satisfied with the ER. Minolta Activa 10x50 WP FP are superior in this respect.

Regards, Patric

[Tero]

Sure, eye relief may not be ideal, and all the Actions are better at 8x. I did not expect a superb view even at 8x, but they are bright and FOV is good for the 8x. Most of the 10x mid price porros are marketed for hunters, so close focus is not important.

I am not sure which of my two pairs of bins I prefer with glasses. I tend to take the glasses off if I am looking at something for more than ten minutes. The glasses are easiest to carry on your face, for one who needs them.

[rkulla]

Yesterday I got the Bushnell Legend 8x42 porro's that lucznik recommended. And they're great and were only $108 (including shipping) from eagleoptics.com, every other site had them for $115-$150. EO even shipped them the same day i ordered them and they showed up quick :)

I couldn't find any other decent brand 8x42 waterproof/fogproof, 15mm eye relief, etc binoculars for $99 anywhere. So thanks a ton :king: