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Binoculars / Monocular / Scope under $25 :( (1 Viewer)

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canon_and_birds

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Yup... need something in that range... mainly for birdwatching! does anyone have any suggestions?

Some things I looked at:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/208807-REG/Bushnell_133410_7x35_Falcon_Binocular.html

http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-AV1025-Aqua-Binocular-Black/dp/B003ODH4DQ

http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-CS850-50-Binocular-Black/dp/B00351VXJ8

http://www.amazon.com/Tasco-Essentials-10x25-Compact-Monocular/dp/B0001DZ38U/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...CO11500_15_40x50_Colorado_Spotting_Scope.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/757104-USA/Vivitar_VIV_GS_10_10x25_Classic_Monocular.html

I would love a tripod mount / mount ability, would love to get the scope if it is passable at lowest magnification, I prefer the best / good optical quality.

Would be grateful for any tips!
 
. I would go with the first one the 7×35 binocular.
The main problem I think would be the focusing toggle switch. You may have to hold it with both forefingers to hold focus.
It should be of passable quality.
I didn't notice if postage is included.

To get a higher quality instrument in England I would seek it out in the numerous charity shops, but you need experience and optical knowledge to get a good deal.

$25 for a top quality instrument is asking a lot but I have achieved this occasionally.
 
That's going to be tough, at that price point you should rule out ANY roof prism and focus on smaller porros (e.g. 6x30, 8x30 or 7x35) specifically on the USED market. There are just tons of old porros floating around that you can probably get for 20 bucks or less used.

For example, I don't know what part of Michigan you are in but I found these on Detroit craigslist, if you tell us what your closest MI metro area is for craigslist we can scope it out:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/for/3934930271.html
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/sgd/3945952318.html

Or you can find stuff on eBay like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TASCO-Model-308-BINOCULARS-8-x-30-/181199678108

If you can possibly stretch to 40-50 bucks then you can acquire one of the many Leupold Yosemite clones (6x30 or 8x30) which will probably be MUCH better than anything else you could find. For example, you can get this Barska version 8x30 for $46 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crossover-B...Clear-B004Z1RJCM-BRK372-AB11432-/380699711787

Or the Celestron Nature 8x30 version for $50 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Celestron-71319-Nature-8x30-Porro-Binocular-Black-/321174501390

Find that extra $21-25 lying around you will be set with something that actually has pretty excellent optics!
 
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You can occassionally find the Olympus Roamer 8x21s or the Dakota Elite 7x28s around that price point though closer to $30-$35 more often than not.
 
As for, http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-CS850-50-Binocular-Black/dp/B00351VXJ8
I've seen very similar ones to these in real life (won them) and I wouldn't recommend.


The suggestions by Eitan & Frank look good, if you can afford them.

If you could somehow get $100, I'd get these while you can if you prefer an 8x: http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/general-use-binoculars/8x42ed.cfm?RNtt=8x42 nova

Have you ever looked through binoculars to know what you would like as far as magnification or compatibility with glasses, etc?
 
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Guys, thank you all for the really helpful suggestions!!!

The Dakota Elite 7x28s... Frank, can they be mounted on a tripod?

Can anyone recommend a cheap monocular? I kind of find binoculars a bit odd for long term use (something about my brain/eyes) but its no big deal.

Re: Have you ever looked through binoculars to know what you would like as far as magnification or compatibility with glasses, etc?

Yes... had a pair earlier and used a friend's ones... I am not sure what is ideal but I want it for birding mostly :)

edit: how about these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rokinon-8-x-32-Fully-Coated-Roof-Prism-Binocular-/150956049411
 
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Just checked. Yes, they do have a tripod mounting hole.

Plenty of eye relief for eyeglass wearers as well.

Wish I could help with Monoculars but the only ones I have familiarity with are over $100.
 
It will probably be OK. Celestron is a quality optics company and has some solid products at low price points (e.g. the Celestron Nature 8x30 I linked for you above). But a monocular is somewhat of an odd choice for birding. I would strongly suggest spending the extra 20 bucks and getting the full porro binocular 8x30 version. Or at minimum the Dakota Elite if you truly can't spend 50 bucks.

Is it possible that the discomfort you described with long term use is a product of the quality level of the binoculars you were using? A poorly aligned optic or one with a lot of aberrations can cause eye strain quickly.
 
thanks... actually the problem is my brain gets weirded out by the zoomed in view if both eyes are used (!) but is fine if one eye is used (for example, with my camera). Isn't a very serious problem though. Guess I could cover one eye with binoculars?
 
canon_and_birds said:
thanks... actually the problem is my brain gets weirded out by the zoomed in view if both eyes are used (!) but is fine if one eye is used (for example, with my camera). Isn't a very serious problem though. Guess I could cover one eye with binoculars?
Click to expand...

Couldn't that be because you've used uncollimated binoculars?
 
vop said:
Couldn't that be because you've used uncollimated binoculars?
Click to expand...

Possible :) but my eyes are naturally weird...

Last quick question are these any good? I am wondering because 10X50 may be better for birding? Also 7x35 may let more light in?
I am not so worried about shake as my hands are quite steady.

If either of these will outperform the Dakota Elite 7x28 let me know, otherwise that's the one to buy :)

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Falcon-10x50-Angle-Binoculars/dp/B000051ZOA

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Falcon-7x35-Binoculars-Case/dp/B00004TBLW
 
Like we said above, for the ultra cheap binoculars a solid porro will easily outperform a cheap roof. Most would actually say 7x35 is superior for birding, the binoculars will be lighter, offer a wider field of view, and have greater depth of field and ease of use.

That 10x50 is quite a bit larger and heavier than the 7x35 and also offers relatively short eye relief, only 9mm vs a more palatable 12mm on the 7x35. The 7x35 also has better close focus ability (20ft vs. 25ft) although neither is great for birding (a common issue with cheaper porros).
 
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