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Best binoculars for £200 (1 Viewer)

R

Retrodaz

Well-known member
I'm looking at spending my birthday money on some binoculars. Can anyone recommend a pair for someone who does plenty of walking but also uses a camera. I like the idea of being able to sea watch with them, but it is not essential. I have found older threads, but the bins in question are obviously really old now.
 
I'm a bit of a stuck record when it comes to bins in this price range but I am a huge fan of Bushnell Legend Ultra HDs. My 10x42s were under £200 on a certain auction site (but not bought via auction) a few months back.
 
We could do with some help narrowing down the options a bit. Have you tried binoculars before and have some idea of the magnification, size and weight you have in mind? It really be best if you try a few for yourself first. Something small like an 8x25 might be fine for a summer walk, but a 8x32 may still be small and light and offer more versatility. An 8x42 is good for all seasons. A 10x would have a bit more reach for sea watching but may not be steady enough in your hands to give a real advantage.

I see Castle Cameras in Bournemouth offers a reasonable selection of Opticron, Nikon and others which would be a good place to start looking. Perhaps once you have some idea what works for you we could suggest altenatives to consider.

David
 
I've used bins before but not for a while. I wear glasses, but i can't see that being an issue. I think 8x42 would be good for me and had already been viewing the endeavors as the mark 2s are going to be out of my price range.
 
Your glasses will be an issue if you want to see the entire field of view. You should look into getting a binocular with with long eye relief. 17mm or 18mm if possible. Try them out with your glasses on before you buy them.

Bob
 
Retrodaz said:
I'm looking at spending my birthday money on some binoculars. Can anyone recommend a pair for someone who does plenty of walking but also uses a camera. I like the idea of being able to sea watch with them, but it is not essential. I have found older threads, but the bins in question are obviously really old now.
Click to expand...

I haven't personally used the Endeavor ED model but it's likely a good buy. The ED II's are excellent. I've also heard really good things about the Vortex Diamondback series. They have a lot of models to choose from.

This might be a good choice for your sea watching:

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-8x42-binocular

I was going to also recommend the Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 model but it's AFOV is pretty narrow. Probably not the best choice.
 
You would get more for your money if you went the 2nd hand porro prism route. Nikon SE, E11 etc. But you would need to check for eye relief
 
Get down to your local supplier, or, look for a dealer doing a demonstration at a local reserve. There is so much variation and personal likes and dislikes with binoculars that it is always very valuable to a) try them in the hand and b) look through them. What someone finds ideal may not be the same for someone else. This is especially important when wearing glasses. Dealers often have 2nd hand ones for sale and you can make great savings with these (as another poster has said), but, try them first. There are often some really good 2nd hand ones for sale on this forum.
Have a good look around the t'internet at the big dealers to see the availability within your price range, read the reviews, ask questions about specific brands on here. Its very likely someone will have experience of any of the brands. Hawke are definitely very good value for the quality of vision if they suit you. Don't discount if just outside your price range, wait and save a bit more to get what really suit you.

Good luck.

Phil
 
For a dedicated sea-watching bin in bright weather there is little or nothing to beat either of the Byfield Optics current models, I have both, however they are not widely available here and a bit beyond budget.
 
Ramps said:
You would get more for your money if you went the 2nd hand porro prism route. Nikon SE, E11 etc. But you would need to check for eye relief
Click to expand...

Or even brand new.

The Bushnell 8x42 NatureView Porro is super sharp and high contrast.
It's this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...o_waterproof_fogproof_fully_multi_coated.html

....not the other 4 variants at about 8x40.
)


Like the great 8x40 Audubon circa 1990 I have, but better.


Second-hand SEs are still a lot of money now...lol.

Another great porro...
For a smaller excellent pair, due to the exchange rate, I believe the
7x26 Elite fits the budget, too:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542196-REG/Bushnell_620726_7x26_Elite_e2_Custom.html
Less field width, though.

Even though it's not that expensive, the 8x40 is very nice.
At the Kittery Trading Post, which has binos from $25 to $2000,
they sell the 8x40 NatureView w/the BAK-4 at $120, when most of their stock
sells at more of a discount.


The Vortex Raptor 6.5x and Leupold BX1s (6x and 8x) are impressive, too.
The Raptor would be a bit finer.
 
I would endorse Optic_Nuts comments in respect of the Bushnell Elite 7x26.
Japanese made and a quality pair of bins, with a great view.
I got mine from Microglobe in London for £193 ( £201 next day delivery)
 
If you're doing a lot of walking, and dragging camera gear around I'd suggest looking at Opticrons 8x32 Discovery WP PC. Small, light and I manage alright without taking off my glasses. The only downfall I've found is the lack of any real depth of field ( which just means you have to focus a bit more often ).
 
Thanks for everyone's advice :)
I ended up going with a pair of Vanguard Endeavor's Samandag pointed out. I'd been doing some research and they seemed to be getting great reviews. I took them for a spin today with MSA and there were great. Added five new lifers including Yellow Wagtail, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sparrowhawk and Blackcap.
 
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