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Binocular question for young kids (1 Viewer)

Super Dave

Well-known member
Aloha,

This is my first post. I found the forum because I'm looking for some binos for my girls (age 3 and 5).

After reading all the threads on binoculars and kids I decided to get the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for me and the girls can grow into them ;)

But, I still want to get something that the 3 year old can enjoy. They are going to the Nutcracker in December and my wife thinks they will need some magnification since they are in the nose bleed section.

So, here's what I came up with. They were recommended on some Binocular review sites but I get the feeling that they were more of a promotional review.

Bresser Junior 6x21 $15 range
http://www.bresseroptics.co.uk/product/Bresser Junior 6x21 Compact Binoculars

Educational Insights / Geo Vision / 5269 6 x 20mm Prismatic $20 range
http://www.educationalinsights.com/...-+binoculars/6+x+20mm+prismatic+binoculars.do

Would I be wasting my money on these cheaper binos?

Are there other binos I should consider on the low cost side? Maybe there's some decent inexpensive theater glasses that would be a better option?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks,
Dave
 
Aloha,

This is my first post. I found the forum because I'm looking for some binos for my girls (age 3 and 5).

After reading all the threads on binoculars and kids I decided to get the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for me and the girls can grow into them ;)

But, I still want to get something that the 3 year old can enjoy. They are going to the Nutcracker in December and my wife thinks they will need some magnification since they are in the nose bleed section.

So, here's what I came up with. They were recommended on some Binocular review sites but I get the feeling that they were more of a promotional review.

Bresser Junior 6x21 $15 range
http://www.bresseroptics.co.uk/product/Bresser Junior 6x21 Compact Binoculars

Educational Insights / Geo Vision / 5269 6 x 20mm Prismatic $20 range
http://www.educationalinsights.com/...-+binoculars/6+x+20mm+prismatic+binoculars.do

Would I be wasting my money on these cheaper binos?

Are there other binos I should consider on the low cost side? Maybe there's some decent inexpensive theater glasses that would be a better option?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks,
Dave

Dave:

Welcome to Birdforum. You have been given good advice, the Leupold 6x30
is well recommended for the younger set, as the "IPD" Interpupillary distance
can be adjusted to fit children, as it narrows very well. I have a pair and they
also fit adults.
I would not even attempt to try to fit a 3 yr. old with a binocular. First off
they are not mature enough, and I surely would not want to be attending
a theatre event with such things going on, disruption guaranteed. I am a parent, so just trying to offer you my opinion. The 5 yr. old maybe, but practice binocular use beforehand.

Jerry
 
Last edited:
Probably a good idea to have a spare glass, to foreclose squabbles over who gets the binocs.
That said, it is hard enough for a small person to get it right with binoculars. It may be a bridge to far to have the little one start out on something optically marginal. It is also not clear that either of these options can fold tightly enough to fit a small face. One is recommended for age 6+, the other for grade 3 and up.
Maybe have the little one share yours and hope the Nutcracker is enough of an attraction to keep their attention.
 
Thanks for the replies.

They just drove off to see Cirque du Soleil. The older one has a West Marine 7 x 32 and the younger has some awful compacts.

I'm going to enjoy the downtime and I'll be curious to hear about the disturbances.

Take care,
Dave
 
One thing that bugs me about giving very little kids a bino is, how do you impress upon them the danger of looking at the sun? Have fun but be careful.
Ron
 
If you can find it in the US, the Eschenbach 6x16 is worth considering.

http://www.eschenbach-optik.com/en/...l?&L=2&cHash=756eb321f8&tt_products=841618211

specs.

http://www.eschenbach-optik.com/fileadmin/mandanten/001/fernoptikuebersicht/TechnischeDaten.htm

They should be in the $45-60 range I would guess. My wife picked these for a special theater event and is delighted with them... as are her friends. At 4oz, small enough for a shirt pocket, and respectable opticics (for the price), they can be taken places where even most compacts woud seem obtrusive.

The cautionary note. You would need to check if the 57-72mm IPD is OK, and the eye relief is very short. Those with long eye lashes beware.

Regards,

David
 
When my boy was 3, I made him binoculars from 2 toilet rolls and some tape. He totally enjoyed them.
Now he is 5 and I bought the Yosemites 6x30. Still a little early I think, he does not really use them yet, and his hands are still too small to use the focuser correctly... But he's very proud on his bins.
 
Dalat's got the right idea.

If you want something better make them out of PVC pipe... just make sure to file the edges smooth. Spray paint them pink and you'll be a hero.

Cheers
 
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