[philthejuggler]

Hi all,

I'm more interested in photographic lenses that binoculars, but it might be useful to have some binoculars handy to help develop my birdwatching skills and spot birds I subsequently wish to photograph.

I was thinking I ought to be able to get something reasonably ok entry-level ish for £100.

Is that a reasonable budget & which models would you recommend I try? I'd happily spend a little more if that gave me a much better pair, but only up to £130-150 max.

I don't want anything too specialised - might be gawping out of my window at home to birds in neighbour's gardens, more likely used nature reserves.

Couldn't care less about weight - used to lugging around lots of camera equipment. I want to use them handheld rather than on a tripod though.

Many thanks in anticipation,

Phil

[Martin Fagg]

Hi Phil,

have a look at this previous thread:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=161207


Post number 7 is from me and lists a few pairs that are good for around £100.

Good luck with finding something that suits.
Martin

[Fozzybear]

I use these Bushnell Excursion 8x42s and find them very good - waterproof so I don't worry about taking them out in heavy rain and nice and clear, although I've not tried others to compare them. They've dropped in price since I bought mine, are £120 at the moment:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-...ulars/p1019072

[philthejuggler]

Many thanks - much appreciated!

Phil

[dogbreath]

If you are prepared to consider the pre-loved route you would do better than new. I have just bought (for my daughter) a pair of Opticron Imagic 8x42 in excellent condition from Focus Optics http://www.focusoptics.eu for £90 (incl p&p). You might care to have a chat with them. I would recommend Focus Optics as a satisfied customer.

Another good route would be Infocus Optics who have branches in the WWT reserves (and perhaps elsewhere). I found them very helpful when I bought my own bins and again would recommend them.

Edited to say For £90 the OPticrons are astonishingly good value.

[philthejuggler]

Originally Posted by dogbreath

If you are prepared to consider the pre-loved route you would do better than new. I have just bought (for my daughter) a pair of Opticron Imagic 8x42 in excellent condition from Focus Optics http://www.focusoptics.eu for £90 (incl p&p). You might care to have a chat with them. I would recommend Focus Optics as a satisfied customer.

Another good route would be Infocus Optics who have branches in the WWT reserves (and perhaps elsewhere). I found them very helpful when I bought my own bins and again would recommend them.

Edited to say For £90 the OPticrons are astonishingly good value.

Thanks - I'd definitely consider secondhand if they were in good condition.

Phil