Newbie here looking for some advice for my first (good) pair of binoculars out of the Opticron models. I can see using them for many purposes: birding, wildlife viewing, stargazing, sporting events, concerts, etc. I realize there won't be one pair that's perfect for every use, but wondering what would be a good choice for multipurpose use and a first pair.
I've been doing some research the past week or so to learn some of the basics so I can compare specs. Initially, I was leaning toward 8x42 models, which seem to be a popular choice for general use and a first pair of binoculars. However, it occurred to me more recently that I may be better off with 8x32 for portability. I'd probably be more likely to take them with me if I can fit them in a small backpack when I'm moving around town or fit them in my camera backpack when I go hiking. Then again, maybe some of the 8x42 models aren't *that* much bigger to make a significant difference.
Other notes: I'm a guy with a medium-size face. I have glasses, but generally only wear them in low light.
Looking at the 8x32 options from Opticron, these are some of the differences I notice based mostly on specs:
Discovery - Pros: Price. Seems to be a popular model. Smallest close focus. Cons: Not made in Japan. No tripod adapter (but not sure if I really need it). Plastic body. No ED glass.
Traveller MG - Pros: Made in Japan. Smallest of the three. Cons: Smallest field of view. No ED glass.
Traveller ED - Pros: Widest field of view. ED glass. Cons: Significantly more expensive. Not made in Japan. Largest close focus. Slightly heavier than the others.
And for the 8x42 models I was considering:
Natura - Pros: New model just released. Made in Japan. ED glass. Cons: Largest close focus. Smaller field of view. Largest of the three.
Explorer - Pros: Price. ED glass. Cons: Not made in Japan.
Countryman - Pros: Made in Japan. Smallest of the three (barely). Cons: Most expensive.
Discovery - Pros: Price. Smallest close focus. Cons: Not made in Japan. No ED glass. Plastic body.
Of course, noticing all these differences "on paper" only makes it more difficult to decide which one to choose. For instance, not sure if I'll really *need* close focus in general use. Not sure if I'll really notice a difference optical quality if I get one without ED glass. Not sure if being made in Japan will mean they'll have a noticeably better build quality. And how much will the differences in field of view matter?
Will the benefits of an 8x42 pair for everyday use outweigh the negative of a slightly larger size over 8x32? Do you find 8x42 to be even that much bigger or are they still fairly portable?
Is 8x42 going to offer significantly better low light performance for using them for things like stargazing or on overcast days?
Any other thoughts either on deciding between 8x32 vs 8x42 or on other differences I should consider between the pairs I listed above. Appreciate any advice or specific model recommendations you can offer!
I'll also throw out there that the only non-Opticron model I'm considering is the new Olympus Pro 8x42, in case anyone likes that model. But the fact that it's made in China and doesn't offer the 5-year accidental damage protection like Opticron does is steering me more toward Opticron.
I've been doing some research the past week or so to learn some of the basics so I can compare specs. Initially, I was leaning toward 8x42 models, which seem to be a popular choice for general use and a first pair of binoculars. However, it occurred to me more recently that I may be better off with 8x32 for portability. I'd probably be more likely to take them with me if I can fit them in a small backpack when I'm moving around town or fit them in my camera backpack when I go hiking. Then again, maybe some of the 8x42 models aren't *that* much bigger to make a significant difference.
Other notes: I'm a guy with a medium-size face. I have glasses, but generally only wear them in low light.
Looking at the 8x32 options from Opticron, these are some of the differences I notice based mostly on specs:
Discovery - Pros: Price. Seems to be a popular model. Smallest close focus. Cons: Not made in Japan. No tripod adapter (but not sure if I really need it). Plastic body. No ED glass.
Traveller MG - Pros: Made in Japan. Smallest of the three. Cons: Smallest field of view. No ED glass.
Traveller ED - Pros: Widest field of view. ED glass. Cons: Significantly more expensive. Not made in Japan. Largest close focus. Slightly heavier than the others.
And for the 8x42 models I was considering:
Natura - Pros: New model just released. Made in Japan. ED glass. Cons: Largest close focus. Smaller field of view. Largest of the three.
Explorer - Pros: Price. ED glass. Cons: Not made in Japan.
Countryman - Pros: Made in Japan. Smallest of the three (barely). Cons: Most expensive.
Discovery - Pros: Price. Smallest close focus. Cons: Not made in Japan. No ED glass. Plastic body.
Of course, noticing all these differences "on paper" only makes it more difficult to decide which one to choose. For instance, not sure if I'll really *need* close focus in general use. Not sure if I'll really notice a difference optical quality if I get one without ED glass. Not sure if being made in Japan will mean they'll have a noticeably better build quality. And how much will the differences in field of view matter?
Will the benefits of an 8x42 pair for everyday use outweigh the negative of a slightly larger size over 8x32? Do you find 8x42 to be even that much bigger or are they still fairly portable?
Is 8x42 going to offer significantly better low light performance for using them for things like stargazing or on overcast days?
Any other thoughts either on deciding between 8x32 vs 8x42 or on other differences I should consider between the pairs I listed above. Appreciate any advice or specific model recommendations you can offer!
I'll also throw out there that the only non-Opticron model I'm considering is the new Olympus Pro 8x42, in case anyone likes that model. But the fact that it's made in China and doesn't offer the 5-year accidental damage protection like Opticron does is steering me more toward Opticron.
