Budget 16x binoculars or straight scope? (2 Viewers)

[Peregrine Took]

Thinking about having a pair of high power budget (sub-£300) bins for casual viewing from the car - for more reach when I don't have my scope and tripod with me.

What would you recommend? Kowa SVP, Nikon 16x50?

Or should I buy a straight scope like the Kowa TSN-502 or Opticron MM3 50mm?

What would / do you do?

Thanks.

 

[Peregrine Took]

Come on guys - someone must have an opinion on this...no?

 

[Richard D]

The only sub-£1000 high powered binoculars I've tried have been to my eyes awful. I'd pick up something like the straight ED50 which is pretty decent.

 

[PYRTLE]

The only sub-£1000 high powered binoculars I've tried have been to my eyes awful. I'd pick up something like the straight ED50 which is pretty decent.

A Nikon ED50 with eyepiece for under £300? Show me.
I personally would opt for a second hand Opticron with low magnification lens for watching from a car....with a bean bag, rather than a x 16 binocular.

 

[Richard D]

A Nikon ED50 with eyepiece for under £300? Show me.
I personally would opt for a second hand Opticron with low magnification lens for watching from a car....with a bean bag, rather than a x 16 binocular.

Used they're often under £300 e.g. Sold example but a used MM3 is another good option

 

[GreenRooky]

Good option for the budget - this is the earlier ED version
Opticron MM3 50ED c/w 12-36x HDF Eyepiece and Stay On Case - Used | Viking Optical Centres

Clifton had the angled version body only for 200 yesterday but looks like it's gone

 

[Peregrine Took]

Thanks folks. Confirmation of my thoughts, that a small (straight) scope will be better than high powered but low quality bins. An Opticron MM3 body would make most sense, as I have the 60mm MM4, angled.
.

 

[Patudo]

It really depends what you want to see IMO. If trying to nail down ID features of static birds at long distances nothing will beat a scope; if trying to watch action (eg. hobbies hunting martins over wetland areas) binoculars are far preferable, although I personally wouldn't go too high in magnification (definitely not 16x) as wobble and small FOV work against you. Also, the higher the magnification the more difficult it is to make an optical device (which means expensive).