best mid-size binocular (1 Viewer)

A

AlexZin

New member

• Sep 23, 2007

• #1

I am interested to buy a pare of binoculars for wildlife/bird watching, trips, hiking, etc. I like a qaulity binocular, relatively small size and light. I thought 8x32 will fit me fine. My price range is up to $ 350. Could anyone recommend the best set in this range !

I read good reviews on Celestron Noble 8x12 and Leupold Katmai 8x32. Any particular comments on these models. Are they good ? Would you recommend it and which one should I choose then?

Your input is very much appreciated.

thanks and regards

Alex

 

Tero

Retired

• Sep 23, 2007

• #2

Bushnell Legend 8x32.

 

D

[email protected]

Well-known member

Supporter

• Sep 23, 2007

• #3

In that price range. The Nikon Monarch 8x42 is the best I have experienced. I prefer them over the Katmai's. Really check the quality on them though. It can vary.

Dennis

 

L

Lilybeans

Member

• Sep 23, 2007

• #4

Second on the Bushnell Legend 8x32.

 

Paskman

Well-known member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #5

Alex,

In Europe the best within that price range are; the Nikon 8X36 Monarch, Minox 8X32 BL, Opticron 8X32 Traveller (very small) and the Helios 8X32 AM-6. If I had to chose I would go for the Minox - very classy, especially the Mk2 which I am waiting to have a look at.

Paul

 

Tero

Retired

• Sep 24, 2007

• #6

Not sure where you will be shopping, but one of the best 8x42s is Bushnell Discoverer. Sells for 330 pounds at Warehouse Express, and quite a lot less in US.

Here are more UK Bushnell prices
http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Bushnell_Legend.html
Legend 8x32 is 240 pounds.

 

Last edited: Sep 24, 2007

A

AlexZin

New member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #7

Dear Paul,

Thanks fro detail input. What is the difference between Minox BL line and BD line ? I can not find any reference on MK2 ?

Thanks

Alex

 

A

AlexZin

New member

• Sep 24, 2007

• #8

Dear Paul,

Thanks for detail input. What is the difference between Minox BL line and BD line ? I can not find any reference on MK2 ?

Thanks

Alex

 

Tero

Retired

• Sep 25, 2007

• #9

BL refers to a light weight man made material
http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4640
BDs have reinforced aluminum

 

Paskman

Well-known member

• Sep 25, 2007

• #10

Alex,

The Mk2's have a metal focussing wheel, I do't think that there are any other differences between them and the Mk1's, it just makes them look the business - if you like that sort of thing!!

Tero answered the bit about the difference between the BL's and BD's.

Paul

 

T

ThoLa

Registered User

• Sep 25, 2007

• #11

AlexZin said:

I am interested to buy a pare of binoculars for wildlife/bird watching, trips, hiking, etc. I like a qaulity binocular, relatively small size and light. I thought 8x32 will fit me fine. My price range is up to $ 350. Could anyone recommend the best set in this range !

I read good reviews on Celestron Noble 8x12 and Leupold Katmai 8x32. Any particular comments on these models. Are they good ? Would you recommend it and which one should I choose then?

Your input is very much appreciated.

thanks and regards

Alex

Click to expand...

Hello Alex!

As you are from the Netherlands, you will have little difficulties to understand German.
For this reason, an independent test that has been carried out in 2006 could be interesting for you.
You may download it from here:

http://www.leica-camera.de/service/..._nature_observation/ultravid_25_br/index.html

Go for Stiftung Warentest 9/2006.
It should give you some interesting information.

Cheers, Thomas