[johnnybegood]

Hi i mostly photograph birds but i would like to get a pair of bins for when i am out and about,
can some recommend a pair budget around £150 ,
regards john.

[johnnybegood]

Originally Posted by johnnybegood

Hi i mostly photograph birds but i would like to get a pair of bins for when i am out and about,
can some recommend a pair budget around £150 ,
regards john.

Anyone please,.

[Andrew Gibson]

Opticron have a range at that price that are good alround, but as with anything you get what you payfor.

[Veracocha]

Originally Posted by johnnybegood

Anyone please,.

Infocus are at Upton Warren tomorrow with a huge selection of binoculars. It might be worth a visit as you are on the doorstep so to speak. they have the Opticron range to sample.

[Perry Grin]

Originally Posted by johnnybegood

Anyone please,.

Take a look through the Bushnell Natureview Roof Prisms if you can. Great value for money IMHO.

But as has already been suggested - try before you buy!

Perry

[johnnybegood]

Originally Posted by Veracocha

Infocus are at Upton Warren tomorrow with a huge selection of binoculars. It might be worth a visit as you are on the doorstep so to speak. they have the Opticron range to sample.

Hi Thanks for letting me know about that,and thanks for all the advice from everyone,
regards,
john.

[Martin Fagg]

Hi John,

try the latest small porro prism offerings:

Leupold Yosemite 6x30 & 8x30

Vortex Raptor 6.5x32 & 8.5x32

I recently tried Raptor 8.5x32s and was very impressed (I don't consider my self easily impressed by the way as I normally use much better bins than these). My Dad bought a pair and is very happy with them.

You can get them for around £100 or so. They are very lightweight (about 550g from memory) which I'm guessing would suit you as it sounds like you will be carrying camera equipment as well. Also waterproof.

If weight isn't an issue try:

Bushnell Legend 8x42 porros. Tried these myself and was very impressed with the view.
Nikon Action EX 7x35 or 8x40
All waterproof and are highly thought of but all weigh 800g or more

Also Bushnell Natureview porros 8x42 (not waterproof but a bit lighter and the view is as good as the Legends)

At your price point it is widely accepted that you will get a better quality view with porro prism bins rather than roofs as they are easier (cheaper) to make. It is often said that cheap porros will match or even out perform roofs that are 2-3 times more expensive.

Do you wear glasses? If so it's really important to try before you buy because eyerelief will be very important. I found that wearing glasses really cut down my options and it took a lot of trying out to find a pair that really fit me. This is the case even if you don't wear specs as to be comfortable the bins have to fit your face shape, match how deep set your eyes are, etc.

Any way, there's a few to consider. I mention these ones particularly because I have read good things about all of them and they represent really good value for money.

Hope you find something that suits you soon but the trick is to take your time and try as many a you can before you decide.

Martin

[James Bean]

John, On UK eBay currently there's a Pentax 8x36 DCF HS for £135 with 20 days to go. I have one of these and can thoroughly recommend it. It's so good that I'd be content if it were my only binocular (happily, I have lots of others!); but seriously, its handling and quality feel are of much more expensive binoculars and the optics are also impressive; it is quite compact, lightweight but durable, and a pleasure to use. Its field of view is not as wide as some, but I find it excellent for birdwatching. Just another option to add to Martin's sound advice, especially 'try before you buy' if possible, to see if it suits YOU.

[johnnybegood]

Originally Posted by Martin Fagg

Hi John,

try the latest small porro prism offerings:

Leupold Yosemite 6x30 & 8x30

Vortex Raptor 6.5x32 & 8.5x32

I recently tried Raptor 8.5x32s and was very impressed (I don't consider my self easily impressed by the way as I normally use much better bins than these). My Dad bought a pair and is very happy with them.

You can get them for around £100 or so. They are very lightweight (about 550g from memory) which I'm guessing would suit you as it sounds like you will be carrying camera equipment as well. Also waterproof.

If weight isn't an issue try:

Bushnell Legend 8x42 porros. Tried these myself and was very impressed with the view.
Nikon Action EX 7x35 or 8x40
All waterproof and are highly thought of but all weigh 800g or more

Also Bushnell Natureview porros 8x42 (not waterproof but a bit lighter and the view is as good as the Legends)

At your price point it is widely accepted that you will get a better quality view with porro prism bins rather than roofs as they are easier (cheaper) to make. It is often said that cheap porros will match or even out perform roofs that are 2-3 times more expensive.

Do you wear glasses? If so it's really important to try before you buy because eyerelief will be very important. I found that wearing glasses really cut down my options and it took a lot of trying out to find a pair that really fit me. This is the case even if you don't wear specs as to be comfortable the bins have to fit your face shape, match how deep set your eyes are, etc.

Any way, there's a few to consider. I mention these ones particularly because I have read good things about all of them and they represent really good value for money.

Hope you find something that suits you soon but the trick is to take your time and try as many a you can before you decide.

Martin

Hi Martin,a big thank you for all the options you have listed,i really appreciate the trouble you took to advise me,i will certainly look up all the brands and try before i buy,
once again thank you very much,
regards,
john.

[Martin Fagg]

You're more than welcome. Most of what I know comes from tips picked up here on BF- so what comes around goes around :)

When you've made your pick let us know what you chose and how you're getting on with it.

[Martin Fagg]

Originally Posted by James Bean

John, On UK eBay currently there's a Pentax 8x36 DCF HS for £135 with 20 days to go. I have one of these and can thoroughly recommend it. It's so good that I'd be content if it were my only binocular (happily, I have lots of others!); but seriously, its handling and quality feel are of much more expensive binoculars and the optics are also impressive; it is quite compact, lightweight but durable, and a pleasure to use. Its field of view is not as wide as some, but I find it excellent for birdwatching. Just another option to add to Martin's sound advice, especially 'try before you buy' if possible, to see if it suits YOU.

Hi James and John,

Microglobe are advertising these for £134 new so Ebay not such a bargain this time around.

Always worth checking.

Best wishes
Martin