[alex cook]

Hi
I'm new to this website and am just starting to take an interest in bird watching. I'm looking to buy a pair of roof prism binoculars at around £300-£400 and am considering the RSPB FG 8x42. Can anyone advise if this is a good choice or make another recommendation.
Alex

[IanF]

Hi Alex,

My experience is that it's better to buy the best pair possible. I have had several pairs over the years, but none remotely compared to the Leicas that I have now. A top pair should last a lifetime, anything less and you will find yourself replacing them every few years and spending a great deal more money !

[Camberley red]

What ever you do try before you buy (on a wet/grey day to get a feel for light gathering potential, especially if you are spending £300plus.

Try a really good pair Swaro 8.5 x 42's or Lieica - just to get an idea if the best then work down the price scale. The Opticron BGA PC AG 8x42 is a very good choice as they are nitogen filled (Water proof) and have a fantastic close focus (under 6ft) and have a 30 year guarantee, I think they are in your price range.

Good hunting

Paul

[Colin]

Alex,
As Camberley says, choose a grey day to test out some binnies, that sorts out the good ones from the not so good. On bright days, there will be not so much difference.
Whatever you do, don't go to a high street shop in the first instance, they do not have the viewing facilities to look thru lots in a short time (so you don't forget what the image is like on the last pair tried). Go to a specialist shop to get a good selection and then once having decided what you want, look around for the best prices.
There is some info in this forum (Optics and equipment) which relates to someone about to get a new scope and some of the tips relate to binnies as well. It's the thread "first scope?" started by Reg. You probably will have read the threads here.
With that amount of cash you should get a great set of binnies. It's all to do with personal preference and your own eyesight. Personally I wouldn't go for the RSPB pair you mentioned but that is just my preference.


Colin

[marcus]

Hello
I am very much considering buying a new pair of binoculars. There is a camera store near my job that carries those Nikon Sporters. They only have 10x36 and I really wanted 8x36, but I'll be able to survive. I sent a message to Kevin thanking him for giving me the idea of waiting until after Christmas to see if they'll be on sale.
I really wish I had a choice of bincoculars to choose from like you UK birders seem to have. At least right here in Maryland, there is not much. I have to get what I can.
I do have those new porro Audubons from Swift (you've heard of them, right?), and they have super optical ability, but their just too big. And I have a pair of 10x42 roofs that I got from EagleOptics. They're not bad while it's sunny, but once it's starting to get dark, they are the main reason I need something new.
Marcus

[alex cook]

Hi
Thanks to all re the advise on purchasing my first pair of binoculars. I eventually opted for the RSPB FG 8x42 before Christmas, although I appreciate the advise to hang on until the New Year sales. I am very pleased with their performance and hopefuly they will help me to develop an interest in birding.
Alex

[Steve Gross]

Marcus:

You might check out ABA sales <www.americanbirding.org>. I believe that American Birding Association members can have two different models of binocs sent to them for comparison purposes, and you'll only have to pay for the one you keep (plus shipping, of course). It might be the way to go.

I only go into camera stores to try what they have, not to buy. I share your consternation with the lack of easy comparisons between models of binoculars. It would be best to try all of the possibilities at once, but that's not usually possible around here. Prices are much better on the net, and there are reputable online dealers that will also give good service. Email me off-forum if you'd like a list of dealers I've had good experience with.

A good binoc/scope review site is <www.betterviewdesired.com> I've used this site's information and ratings in my own buying, and have been very pleased.

[marcus]

I've already bought the Nikons Sporter I. They're...not bad. I'm sure the're not equal with Leicas or Swaroski, but considering that I never go anywhere to do any good birding, they're certainly good enough. Especially since they were not too expensive.
It is true that I have gone to a few places on the net after I bought them to see if I can read some things about them. I did see one place where they cost about $60.00 less than what I paid for them.
I have been visiting www.betterviewdesired.com for a few years now. I really wish that I could email that guy. I like to ask him if had ever tried out those Nikon Sporter's.
Hey, Steve, have you ever tried out those Brunton Epoch's? How many binos do you have now. And I suppose you have a few spotting scopes too? That's something I'll never get, since I never go anywhere.
Marcus