42za;3876068 the more you have the more you keep looking for that non-existant "perfect" binocular. Cheers.[/QUOTE said:Is this really true of folks with multiple binos? Aren't they more likely to be like you (and me) and enjoy the differences of a variety of binos and select the one most suitable for a particular field trip?
I suggest it is more likely that folks with one binocular are driven to find the one perfect bino.
Lee
Exactly. Furthermore, I suspect that this is a broad trait, probably doing likewise with many other things in life. Wanting to have and choose just the right tool for each task, rather than making one serve all somehow, as someone else would be glad to do.Is this really true of folks with multiple binos? Aren't they more likely to be like you (and me) and enjoy the differences of a variety of binos and select the one most suitable for a particular field trip?
On the other hand, a variety of binos increases the likelihood of experiencing binos with different capabilities and learning more about what binos can do and how they work. You might discover the joy of a wide field of view, or the fascination of using ultra-short close focusing, or how a change in the balance or handling can make extended observation more comfortable, or how a better placement of the focus wheel can get you views of close and fast-flying birds.
There are risks associated with extra binos but there are also the possibilities of new insights, new experiences, new pleasures.
Lee
Exactly. Furthermore, I suspect that this is a broad trait, probably doing likewise with many other things in life. Wanting to have and choose just the right tool for each task, rather than making one serve all somehow, as someone else would be glad to do.
Of course there is a danger of acquiring more gear than necessary, for all the possible scenarios. The urge can be hard to resist, especially without curiosity as to what it's about.
Where's Chuck?
Hey I agree!
For me at least, there are a couple of things going on to own more than one binocular. For one as tenex mentioned, it's owning the correct tool for the job at hand. Just as there are shovels, hammers, screwdrivers, etc for different jobs some binoculars are better in some situations and circumstances than others. One binocular will DO it all but it won't be the best. Two extremes would be an 8X25 for travel and a 15X56 for astronomy. Neither would be good binoculars at all for the others use yet they are very good at their intended task. So lets's add ONE more, say a 8X42. For the most part that fills the gap pretty good. Only thing is say you like to do a lot of birding along the coast or in some of the western states so you add a 10X42....and so on. So that's how it kinda starts.
I also feel ownership and use in the field is the best way to speak at least half-way intelligently about a binoculars particular characteristics. In this day of "internet specialists," I'm not about to take anyones opinion about anything that hasn't owned it. Too often some take others findings and consider it their own. I'm just not that person. So if I'm curious about something of course I read about it best I can and then if the binocular appeals to me I'll buy it. So now I can form an opinion about it's focus adjustment, FOV, weight, handling, image characteristics, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've read both negative and positive opinions about optics and I had a completely different opinion after ownership. I can't tell you how many times I've taken a binocular out of the box and had one opinion immediately and changed my opinion with use in the field.
So I have to admit...one binocular is by FAR the most economic way to go BUT the knowledge and experience gained by owning and using several binoculars is certainly a fun way to go!
I once heard an apparently old Chinese expression:
'A man with one watch knows the time - a man with two often doesn't'
Great thread.
To respond to the OP, I like to have a pair with me whenever possible so this makes my choice of "you can only have one" easy - the Zeiss pocket 8x25.
I agree with others that an equally interesting question is how to most efficiently cover the broadest range of uses with two or three. My three picks of the bins I own would be:
1. 8x25 Victory Pocket as the pocket/compact;
2. UV HD+ 7x42, or EDG 7x42, or SV 8.5x42 as the general use (really hard to pick one in this category);
3. Canon 12x36 IS III for the magnification and stable image without need for a tripod.
If two is the limit I would eliminate category 2 as the Canon could reasonably serve the general use category as well.
Mike