advice on new binoculars (1 Viewer)

F

frogmouth71

Member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #1

Hello

I also posted this in the Australia forum but am adding it in here to try and broaden the net a bit.

I need a new pair of binoculars. My old ones have snapped. I don't have a lot of cash to spend - $AU200 to $AU300.

Initially I was going to go for a pair of Bushnell H20 8x42 waterproofs.

Then I googled around and saw that a few people prefer the Nikon Sporter 8x36 (is it only 8x42 now?).

And from the Sporter I discovered that I simply must upgrade to a Nikon Monarch 8x42... which is a bit costlier.

So, by now I am thoroughly confused. I only want these for general birding - in the bush, rainforest, and sometimes out on the sea/creek in the kayak.

My old binos were Celestron Outlands 10x42 which I really liked -until they died on me.

Anyone got any opinions on what I should be going for?

Cheers

Ben

 

C

ceasar

Well-known member

• Aug 28, 2010

• #2

You will probably find that Nikons will give you the most choices and maybe the most dealers there down under. Here is a list of all their current models listed top to bottom by quality and price(from ridiculously expensive down to very reasonable.) You will have to do some research on which ones you will find suitable. Most of the porro prism binoculars won't be water proof. The ATB's (all terrain binoculars) are rugged, water proof and reasonably priced.

http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/binoculars/spec.htm#edg

Bob

 

F

frogmouth71

Member

• Aug 30, 2010

• #3

Bob

Thanks for the chart. Food for thought. As usual the problem is too much choice, not enough cash ...

Thanks again

Ben

 

Tiger1

Well-known member

• Aug 31, 2010

• #4

Hi Ben,
before you make a decision try to go with other birders, some of whom will be using bins in your price range. Try them out. Do not rely on going into a shop, focusing on a box and saying they will do--you could end up very disappointed.

good luck,

Tiger1

 

cassowary

Well-known member

• Sep 2, 2010

• #5

Ben IMO in your price range I think the Nikon Monarchs are hard to beat - especially if you need them to be waterproof.

this article and chart although a little outdated you might find helpful

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html

 

carjug

Well-known member

• Sep 3, 2010

• #6

I second the Nikon's opinion. A friend and I both have a pair, they are selling well because of a good reputation.
I bought mine in a birding store, and focused on a box. I consider myself lucky and indebted to an honorable shopkeeper.

 

Mike Jarvis

Well-known member

• Sep 7, 2010

• #7

Hello Ben,

I went birding with a couple from Queensland a few weeks ago. The lady had Bushnell Natureview Binoculars which cost her $300. The view through them was amazing and good focus very easy to get. Would be worth checking out.

Mike

 

F

frogmouth71

Member

• Sep 8, 2010

• #8

Thanks everyone for the input. In the end I went for a pair of the Monarchs. They arrived yesterday and I'm really happy with them. Easy to focus with a bright, sharp image. Should be able to take them into the bush for a proper hit-out in the next few days.

Ben

 

F

frogmouth71

Member

• Sep 11, 2010

• #9

Update: The binoculars are great. Sharper than the old ones and easier to focus. I've had them out and about in Brisbane Forest Park the last two days and spotted Jacanas, Purple Swamp-Hens, Striated Pardalote, Intermediate Egret, to name a few, as well as lorikeet-watching duties in the front yard. Very happy with them.

 

mooreorless

Well-known member

• Sep 12, 2010

• #10

Hi Ben, Welcome to BF, also Tiger 1 and carjug. I am glad you like the Monarch, my brother has a 8x42 Monarch and dropped it out of a tree stand, still using it.
Regards,Steve