Binocular Recommendations (1 Viewer)

[jdok]

I live on a beach and with all the fuzzy animals about I feel I am not getting the most out of my nature experience. I'm also brand new to bird watching so I'm a bit cautious about a hefty investment. Thus I want binoculars, but deciding upon an adequate pair is so bloody complicated given the insane selection. So I ask for opinions here.

I at least am pretty sure I want 8x42 power for the wider field of view and less shakiness. Durability, size, and weight are all important but I'm a stickler for value most of all.

I wear glasses so eye relief is important. There not a huge selection in town so I won't be able to physically handle most of these before buying.

My max budget is 450 Canadian, but I don't really want to spend that much so my main picks so far are:

Pentax DCF CS 8x42 ($200ish) - Can't find many reviews but the specs are really good
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673561-USA/Pentax_62555_DCF_CS_8x42_Binocular.html

Monarch ATB 8x42 ($265ish) - Super highly praised, widely reviewed, a reliable choice
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671382-REG/Nikon_7294_Monarch_ATB_8x42_Binocular.html

Bushnell Natureview 8x42 ($120ish) - Praised for cheapness, but probably too cheap
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/339135-REG/Bushnell_220842_8x42_NatureView_Binocular.html

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for the more expensive that I'm not sure are worth it:

Vanguard Spirit ED ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._SPIRIT_ED_8420_8x42_Spirit_ED_Binocular.html

Minox BV 8x42 ($320ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/696958-USA/Minox_62028_BV_8x42_BRW_Binocular.html

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598315-REG/Bushnell_198042_8x42_Legend_Ultra_HD.html

Vanguard Endeavor ED ($450ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ENDEAVOR_ED_8545_Endeavor_ED_8545_8_5x45.html

Thoughts?

 

[etudiant]

Hi jdok,
The best value in binoculars are the older style porro designs such as the Nikon Action Extreme, which is fully waterproof and sells for about $ 125 here in the US, probably $150-175 in Canada.
The ATB and the Pentax are roof prism designs, which are optically more complex and consequently materially more costly for a comparable optical performance.
The incremental benefits from a more costly pair of binocs are modest, mostly slightly wider field of view and a few percent better light transmission. Save the rest of your money for something more substantial, perhaps a decent scope or camera.

 

[egyptiangoose]

I've used the Monarch, and really liked it (although my PI seemed to think it was a piece of crap). However, it looks like the Nikon Action that etudiant recommended is a really good deal.

 

[typo]

I would go with the guys above and suggest the Nikon Action Extreme would be a good choice, particularly if portability isn't critical. (Given your outlook a scope sounds worthwhile.) You will probably need to spend over your budget to match the view in a roof design.

From your list, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD would be my choice. I think you should be able to get a much better price from across the border. FrankD posted a review recently that pretty much mirrors my views.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=213464

David

 

[ericbowles]

I've got the Nikon Monarch 8x42. They are great for birding and other uses - light weight, bright, clear, and good close focusing. They are much better for general use than the 10x models.

 

[anssile]

Like everybody else, I can only recommend a binocular which I like the best and that is a Swarovski SLC 8x42 HD. It fullfills all my criteria, a wide FOW (field of view 7,8 degrees), very bright with a great contrast being the most important.
I also recommend to test as many binos as possible especially in a not sunny day (the characteristic differences of the optical quality between different binoculars is more obvious) and off course check some threads on this forum, critically.
Choosing the right binocular might not be an easy task so,
be patient!!

Anssi

 

[A2GG]

jdok,
what did you wind up purchasing ? I'm curious...I hope you are happy
with whatever you picked up

I used inexpensive Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for a few years.
It was my first binocular for birding. I still use them. I can't let go of them
for sentimental reasons I guess...plus it's nice to have 6x power.

I discovered after a few years of birdwatching that 7x42 is the optimal binocular for me.