Hello everyone.
Let’s say you have about 3.500$ to spend on a binocular, the main objective being birding (no camera, photos, etc) in pelagic environments, but also deep woods from time to time; well, how would you spend those money?
Which bino would you buy? Which format?
This would be the only one binocular you’ll carry with you, no other formats as a backup.
You are 35 years old (with no major handshake issues), not wearing glasses.
Thanks a lot for your answers!
M
Do you really want or need to spend that much?
If so, does it really have to be (only) on one?
If I were to spend that much on binoculars, and more so to be used in different environments, I would probably buy 2 alpha’s, or 3 or even more if considering second hand (if with good warranty like Swarovski). E.g. Swarovski EL 10x50 and some alpha 8x32 of your preference.
Different size and weight as well as different magnification and light for different situations, still having a great one if the other needs servicing, and having the possibility even to lend one when watching with friends or family...
Maybe difficult to find both new for that budget, but buying one new and one second hand should be possible.
(In addition to a compact 8x20/25mm, that is what I envision for the moment as probably an ideal setup for me, also around the same age, no major handshake issue and no eyeglasses.
I’m only very rarely birding at the sea though. Thus other might give better, other advice considering that. Actually, a combination of binoculars and spotting scope is worth considering, for that budget.)
This is all of course under the assumption that this is not to complement some binoculars you already have. If you already have some other binoculars, it might be worth telling which ones and what you like or don’t like about them in order to orient the search.
This is also assuming you are birding from the shore. (Referring to ‘pelagic zone’ makes me wonder if you also mean from a ship? If so, people with experience in such condition might give you other advice, considering e.g. stabilty etc. E.g. lower magnification or stabilisation.)
I am not trying to talk you out of buying a Swarovski NL or similarly expensive binoculars! I would love to try them! (Very curious about the hype around über-alphas
) But even if I could afford them, I wouldn’t spend all my optics budget on only one optical device, and not all at once, at least not without being 1000% sure of what I(!) need/want/enjoy/feel comfortable with etc. But that is a personal choice of course.
