I am from the North West of England and I want to buy a new pair of binoculars. I had a Pentax model 8 x 42 and want something bigger and better for under a £100. Any recommendations ?
It would be helpful if you could let everyone know which model you currently have, what magnification/size you are considering, whether you want roofs versus porros, and if you wear glasses. You will get more meaningful recommendations if these are known.
tom
How do you plan to use them. In what ways do you want them to be bigger. A pair of 25 x 100 would meet your bigness criteria but they are probably less than optimal for chasing birds in the bush.
I would suggest that you look at the Nikon Action series for starters. It's going to be difficult to find new binoculars of better quality than the Pentax at your low maximum price.
I would have thought it unlikely to better your Pentax for less than £100.
Have you considered the weight and handling characteristics of a pair of 25x100, not to mention the support required?
I would recommend joining an RSPB local group and talk to fellow birders to increase your general birding knowledge.
Reading some of the threads on BF should increase your overall knowledge of what are "good buys" for £100
Finally buying a 8x32 (30) is always a good choice and they are cheaper than the manufacturers equivalent 8x42 model.
Three web pages here explaining some of terms :
http://www.monkoptics.co.uk/binoculars-explained.html
The 8x42 specification of your (ex) Pentax sounds a good choice for a birding binocular.
If you wish to go to a retailer for advice, in North West the following have good reputation providing for birders :
www.at-infocus.co.uk
www.pennineonline.com
Local Wildlife trust might have optics days at nature reserves enabling you to try stuff.
Could also consider LCEgroup or Jessops but these might be best if you already know which model you want.
Do you intend birding in inclement weather? I read somewhere once that it rains sometimes in North West England ||
Depending on where you live the Stockport Binocular and Telescope Centre appears to have quite a wide choice in your price range including some Chinese brands which might offer good value.
http://www.telescopesandbinoculars.co.uk/acatalog/Binoculars.html
It's always best to try a few for comparison. Generally the porro prism type will give you a better quality view for your money.
Looking at one of your older posts I think you said it was the Pentax 8x40 XCF porro you had. I'm not sure what you mean by "bigger and better". I wouldn't want a larger/heavier pair for birding myself, and 8x is a good general purpose magnification. Above 10x most would need a tripod or something to hold it steady. I personally think the Nikon Action EX 8x40 might be a shade better than the Pentax and just in your budget if you hunt around. Like here:
http://www.uttings.co.uk/Product/507/101293/nikon-action-ex-8x40-cf-baa661aa/
The Bushnell Legend 8x42 is probably worth a look as well.
http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog...ushnell-binoculars-bushnell-legend-binoculars
Do try to test them for yourself.
David
It should help me both with range and in the bush.
Why would a 25 x 100 not be good for the bush?
I wonder if you're really talking about spotting scope magnification here.Ideally i would want a pair which I could carry around my neck and is not too heavy. I think a pair suited to estuaries and other distant environments would be the one I am looking for.
Ideally i would want a pair which I could carry around my neck and is not too heavy. I think a pair suited to estuaries and other distant environments would be the one I am looking for.
Don't think they have the offer all the time nor am sure if it's nationwide when it is :Do LIDL put 10x50 binoculars on sale in the UK ?