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zardozrdr · Tuesday 27th October 2009, 17:10

First off, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to binoculars. I've have a plastic bushnell that I got for free from test driving a Nissan a couple years back and am looking to upgrade.

We're going to South Africa next year during the World Cup. Yay! and want to bring a pair of binoculars to the soccer matches (night games) and also to kruger park for a safari trip.

I've tried out a few binoculars at Bass Pro Shop with different magnifications 8x, 10x, and 12x and was wondering which magnification would be best suited for my needs? To be honest, I don't see a big difference between an 8x vs 10x. I did notice that it took a tad bit longer to locate my subject with a higher 10x, plus it was harder to keep still with the higher magnification.

What would you suggest?

Also, I'm curious about image stabilization from Canon since it was hard for me to keep my image stable. I haven't looked thru one yet but the reviews I've read have all been positive. Your comments?

TIA

RJM · Tuesday 27th October 2009, 22:05

Get a good center focus 7x50 porro prism. The Vixen Foresta is nice. It will serve you well in a variety of scenarios. Low mag for steady views and a big bright exit pupil for easy eye placement and low light views on the African savannah. Just make sure the exit pupil disks are perfectly round, not oval and no flat edges.

cheers,
Rick

CLRobles · Thursday 29th October 2009, 16:16

I would recommend a 30-32mm bin in either 7 or 8 power. You are going to want something that is not large or cumbersome with both pursuits. When out in Kruger most of the safari trips will be daylight expeditions and there will be no need for a larger objective bin. If night viewing is on the menu then look for a 10x42 to help with low light resolution. A 10x will out resolve a lower power bin in low light but the 7x or 8x is going to give a wider field of view that will be more comfortable/enjoyable at both the soccer matches and while on safari..... JM2C's

Kevin Conville · Thursday 29th October 2009, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLRobles

I would recommend a 30-32mm bin in either 7 or 8 power. You are going to want something that is not large or cumbersome with both pursuits.

+1

It's hard to beat an 8x32 (or thereabouts) for general usefulness and convenience.

Tuesday 27th October 2009, 17:10	#1
zardozrdr Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 5	What magnification suit my needs? First off, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to binoculars. I've have a plastic bushnell that I got for free from test driving a Nissan a couple years back and am looking to upgrade. We're going to South Africa next year during the World Cup. Yay! and want to bring a pair of binoculars to the soccer matches (night games) and also to kruger park for a safari trip. I've tried out a few binoculars at Bass Pro Shop with different magnifications 8x, 10x, and 12x and was wondering which magnification would be best suited for my needs? To be honest, I don't see a big difference between an 8x vs 10x. I did notice that it took a tad bit longer to locate my subject with a higher 10x, plus it was harder to keep still with the higher magnification. What would you suggest? Also, I'm curious about image stabilization from Canon since it was hard for me to keep my image stable. I haven't looked thru one yet but the reviews I've read have all been positive. Your comments? TIA

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Tuesday 27th October 2009, 22:05	#2
RJM Don't Worry, Be Happy! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tokyo Posts: 2,359	Get a good center focus 7x50 porro prism. The Vixen Foresta is nice. It will serve you well in a variety of scenarios. Low mag for steady views and a big bright exit pupil for easy eye placement and low light views on the African savannah. Just make sure the exit pupil disks are perfectly round, not oval and no flat edges. cheers, Rick

Thursday 29th October 2009, 16:16	#3
CLRobles Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, Co Posts: 254	I would recommend a 30-32mm bin in either 7 or 8 power. You are going to want something that is not large or cumbersome with both pursuits. When out in Kruger most of the safari trips will be daylight expeditions and there will be no need for a larger objective bin. If night viewing is on the menu then look for a 10x42 to help with low light resolution. A 10x will out resolve a lower power bin in low light but the 7x or 8x is going to give a wider field of view that will be more comfortable/enjoyable at both the soccer matches and while on safari..... JM2C's

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