Broke college student looking for binocular recommendations ( less than £100) UK (1 Viewer)

[ButchP]

Hi,

Im a broke college student studying conservation. I really want some good quality binoculars to help me take surveys and improve on ID but buying seems very daunting for someone who knows practically nothing about them.

Im looking for something less than £100 and something I could maybe buy second hand too? Even good brands would help.

Any help? (sorry you probably get this question often lol)

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Hopefully someone will be able to help.

 

[Binocollector]

Often recommended for low budget - Opticron Adventurer T WP porro or Nikon Action EX.

 

[Mike Crawley]

Try your very hardest to find a local binocular shop. You will be able to make sure that they fit your hands and face - very important.
If you live near an RSPB reserve you will be able to get unbiased information about their own brand binoculars and no pushy sales. You will almost certainly be able to take a step out of the shop area (accompanied of course) for a decent view of the reserve

I volunteer for the RSPB in Cheshire
Puffin binoculars are good value for money but they are not fully waterproof but they’re £85

RSPB Puffin® 8 x 42 binoculars - Dynamic Promo exclusion assignment

RSPB Puffin® 8 x 42 binoculars

shopping.rspb.org.uk

RSPB Avocet binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled BUT 8x42 are £150

RSPB Avocet® 8 x 42 binoculars - RSPB binoculars

RSPB Avocet® 8 x 42 binoculars - <p>The flagship RSPB Avocet® range are great value, mid-level, high-quality binoculars that are amazing quality compared to other binoculars in their price range.</p>

shopping.rspb.org.uk

 

[mwhogue]

Butch,

For 100 Sterling, I recommend you look at buying new. Lower priced bins often go on sale new/open box for 1/2 or even less than the original MSRP. Buying "used" at this price point can be dodgy. Belay the used option until after you have some field experience with your first bin and are able/inclined to upgrade. Unless you have a reasonable opportunity to test several candidates in person, as others recommend, buy from a vendor with a good return policy. Many good optics merchants in the UK of course. If you haven't, take a look at the Opticron website. I have several and IME they reliably offer good value for the money and have a number of lower priced bins usually including practical straps, lens covers and cases, which lowers the cost of getting started. Northern Optics (UK) has a an informative enjoyable YouTube channel and stocks a number of bins in your range.

No affiliation with any retailer or manufacturers . Good luck with the Quest.

Mike

 

[dwatsonbirder]

Hi Butch,

Welcome to the forum, hopefully you will find it useful.

I think Phillipp's suggestion is a good one for starters, here are two new options from Opticron, which is a good company providing good value for money kit:

https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-binoculars/adventurer-t-wp-8x32

https://www.opticron.co.uk/our-products/binoculars/adventurer-ii-wp-pc-binoculars/adventurer-ii-wp-pc-8x32

As you are on a tight budget, I'd strongly recommend a used bit of kit from a reputable dealer/supplier which will give you better value for money. Here are some really good options:
Bushnell Natureview 8x42 (well under budget!)
Opticron Savannah 6x30 (low power but good optics and solid build quality)
RSPB 8x32 WPG (ideal compact mid size with good optics, and were about £250ish new)
Minox 10x42 (full size and quite good value)
Hilkinson 8 X 36 (ED glass and mid size - good combination!)
Opticron Discovery Wp PC 8X42 (full size and good value)

If you could stretch your budget a tiny bit, these Opticron DBA 10x42 would probably be the best option: they were Opticron's highest spec model about 15 years ago, and have very good optics and a 30 year guarantee should anything go wrong.

 

[Binocollector]

Another good cheap porro is the Kowa YF in 6x30 or 8x30. Might be slightly above budget though.

 

[Richard D]

Another good cheap porro is the Kowa YF in 6x30 or 8x30. Might be slightly above budget though.

Yes a good option at the price, but I think the cheapest is around £135.

 

[GreenRooky]

Ex demo version of the opticrons mentioned above with plenty of change
Opticron Adventurer II WP 8x32 Binoculars (Ex-Display) The Birders Store

Ex demo model of the next model up for bang on the money
https://groversoptics.com/oregon-4-pc-oasis-8x32/

 

[Richard D]

Ex demo version of the opticrons mentioned above with plenty of change
Opticron Adventurer II WP 8x32 Binoculars (Ex-Display) The Birders Store

Ex demo model of the next model up for bang on the money
https://groversoptics.com/oregon-4-pc-oasis-8x32/

Good options at that price - ex-demo with decent warranties from reliable stores are solid choices if you're on a budget and limits risk.

 

[dipped]

Going new, this Nikon with a 10 year warranty, wide field and focusing clockwise to infinity is worth a look.
I've had a look through and the optics are decent, my sample had a smooth focuser and good close focus.
Available at £99 from Jessops and maybe else where.

Buy Nikon Prostaff P3 8x30 Binoculars

Buy Nikon Prostaff P3 8x30 binoculars. Nikon Prostaff P7 8x30 are compact, rubber armoured waterproof binoculars that feature multilayer coated lenses and prisms for super sharp resolution. Shop at jessops.com. free delivery.

www.jessops.com

 

[Swedpat]

Vortex Bantam 6,5x32 is a neat and lightweight binocular with good optics available under $100 on some places.

 

[ButchP]

Try your very hardest to find a local binocular shop. You will be able to make sure that they fit your hands and face - very important.
If you live near an RSPB reserve you will be able to get unbiased information about their own brand binoculars and no pushy sales. You will almost certainly be able to take a step out of the shop area (accompanied of course) for a decent view of the reserve

I volunteer for the RSPB in Cheshire
Puffin binoculars are good value for money but they are not fully waterproof but they’re £85

RSPB Puffin® 8 x 42 binoculars - Dynamic Promo exclusion assignment

RSPB Puffin® 8 x 42 binoculars

shopping.rspb.org.uk

RSPB Avocet binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled BUT 8x42 are £150

RSPB Avocet® 8 x 42 binoculars - RSPB binoculars

RSPB Avocet® 8 x 42 binoculars - <p>The flagship RSPB Avocet® range are great value, mid-level, high-quality binoculars that are amazing quality compared to other binoculars in their price range.</p>

shopping.rspb.org.uk

Hi!

Thank you so much for your advice, this was really helpful since there was one nearby that helped me loads.
Ended up buying ESKER BG-1 8X42 since they felt the best to me. Hope I picked well!

 

[Mike Crawley]

Congratulations, can’t complain with that price or the warranty