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New Binoculars £400 - £500 (1 Viewer)

ClarkWGriswold

Carpe Carpum
Supporter
Wales
Hi all. Probably a common question but any recommendations in the 400 to 500 pounds would be much appreciated. I've read a couple of decent reviews on Avian F products along with the new Bushnell Elites. Will be looking at 8x42/43's. Will need to purchase a pair prior to a short trip to the west coast of Scotland in June.

Cheers,

Richard
Original and Best South Wales
 
Hi Richard, I got an open box special Minox 8x43 mig Hg for just over 500 and they are an excellent binocular weight,view and handle. You will probably get more answers if you post the question in the binocular forum or maybe the mods will move it. Ger.
 
the RSPB's HD 8x42 are good for the price. think they are about £499. I sometimes work at an RSPB visitor centre which sells them and they seem to be quite popular.
 
Have a look in the binoculars forum, lots of advice there. But currently the best sub-500 quid deal on the planet, for possibly the best binos in existence (okay, one of the best;)), is Nikon SE 10x42 for 399 quid from Clifton Cameras UK. Or have a look at the "Classifieds" forum here on BF, where gentleman BF member Blincodave has a pair of Nikon SE 8x32 for sale. The Nikon SE binoculars are comparable (some would say better) optically than the highest-priced binoculars out there.
 
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I agree that RSPB HD bins are really good value. I've tested them on the reserves and I found it really good. If you have an RSPB shop near you then it's worth a try. Remember, always try before you buy :)
 
I would opt for a second hand pair, you can pick up Nikon HGLs, Leica Trinovids etc for your price range on Ebay and if you're careful and ask the right questions of the seller you shouldn't have any problems. I recently bought a pair of Leicas which were not as described and received a full refund after involving Ebay's Customer Services so the risks are fairly low. Obviously you can't try before you buy.
 
Hi Richard,
I agree with the general drift of AlexB's post, except that I would also try looking in the secondhand sections of the specialist optics sellers' websites. They have their reputation to consider and represent good value.
In addition you will have some consumer protection if they are not as described.
My advice would be that you should look at buying a pair of secondhand 'Alpha' bins.
I have recently bought a pair of Leica Trinovid BN for a little over your budget, and from just such a source.
They were rated almost mint, and had obviously belonged to a very careful owner, who had lovingly looked after them.
IMO this will give you the best value for money; in addition you will have top quality optics, with hardly any compromise.
Robin
 
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Leica Trinovids

Hi Alex. Decided to try to take you up on your advice and have just put a bid on a pair of Leica Trinovids. Hopefully will be trying them out at The Pass of the Cattle in June.

Cheers,

Rich



I would opt for a second hand pair, you can pick up Nikon HGLs, Leica Trinovids etc for your price range on Ebay and if you're careful and ask the right questions of the seller you shouldn't have any problems. I recently bought a pair of Leicas which were not as described and received a full refund after involving Ebay's Customer Services so the risks are fairly low. Obviously you can't try before you buy.
 
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