Recently I was lent a telescope (an RSPB AG80 with 20-45x eyepiece) for a week's birdwatching. That was great, but I cannot afford to buy a scope myself.
So I thought I'd try these very inexpensive 20x50 binoculars instead. From www.amazon.co.uk for 22.45, with free delivery. At this price, I wasn't expecting much. But the Amazon reviews give them 4.5/5 stars, so I thought I'd give them a go.
I was very impressed. The image is clear, the focus and diopter adjustment work well. They feel rugged and well-made.
I took them to the RSPB's "Glaslyn Ospreys" site in North Wales and compared them to one of the Swarovski scopes in the hide, on a sunny day. I set the scope eyepiece to 20x magnification, the same at these bins. At this magnification and in bright conditions, I could see absolutely no practical difference between the Swarovski scope and these binoculars for observing the Osprey nest - and everything else in view, near and far. Well, just one thing - the lack of a tripod mounting thread on the bins means they must be braced against the woodwork of the hide.
Since Swarovski scopes appear to cost 1000 upwards, this must merit a 10 star rating for these humble binoculars. I highly recommend them to anyone who can't afford a telescope.
I have also used them for watching Tawny Owls at night, with the moon behind clouds. In low light they work very well too.
I don't know how long they will last, or whether I can return them. But at this price, who cares?
So I thought I'd try these very inexpensive 20x50 binoculars instead. From www.amazon.co.uk for 22.45, with free delivery. At this price, I wasn't expecting much. But the Amazon reviews give them 4.5/5 stars, so I thought I'd give them a go.
I was very impressed. The image is clear, the focus and diopter adjustment work well. They feel rugged and well-made.
I took them to the RSPB's "Glaslyn Ospreys" site in North Wales and compared them to one of the Swarovski scopes in the hide, on a sunny day. I set the scope eyepiece to 20x magnification, the same at these bins. At this magnification and in bright conditions, I could see absolutely no practical difference between the Swarovski scope and these binoculars for observing the Osprey nest - and everything else in view, near and far. Well, just one thing - the lack of a tripod mounting thread on the bins means they must be braced against the woodwork of the hide.
Since Swarovski scopes appear to cost 1000 upwards, this must merit a 10 star rating for these humble binoculars. I highly recommend them to anyone who can't afford a telescope.
I have also used them for watching Tawny Owls at night, with the moon behind clouds. In low light they work very well too.
I don't know how long they will last, or whether I can return them. But at this price, who cares?