How much time do you spend looking *for* binoculars? (1 Viewer)

[Patudo]

The "do you dream of binoculars" thread prompted me to wonder how much time us optic-nerds spend looking for (as opposed to through!) binoculars? It'd be interesting to know how much time certain BFers spend on ebay and like websites, or poking through pawnshops and car boot sales...

Speaking for myself, I try not to look for binoculars any more - I probably have too many binoculars (and definitely have too little disposable income). With what's available out there it's all too easy to find something that looks really tempting when one goes looking. I'll look through the classifieds every now and then, but fortunately haven't had anything jump out at me for some time!

 

[Maljunulo]

I just buy the best one I can afford and just use it, so I guess I don't fit the mold, since I really don't "look for" them.

 

[[email protected]]

I always keep my eye open for a bargain. I check eBay, Astromart, the Binocular Bargain thread and the classifieds on Bird Forum every day. You never know what might pop up for sale. That is how you get good deals.

 

[Pinewood]

Hello Patudo,

As a bird watcher and as collector of binoculars, I sometimes get a the idea of pursuing a binocular. The pandemic has limited my ability to shop in person for new binoculars but the SF 8x32 has been occupying my thoughts. Even with its wider FOV, the SF 8x32 is still so much bigger than my Zeiss FL 8x32. Although last year I bought just two old binoculars, there are still two which are of interest to me. Like you, nothing has grabbed my fancy, of late.

Stay safe,
Arthur

 

[edwincjones]

How much time--too much, when I should be observing

edj

 

[A2GG]

Occasionally. I used to look often, but my choices are much smaller now. Wearing glasses cuts out a lot of bins. Also, I buy higher quality these days which cuts out a lot of the cheaper clone type of binoculars I used to buy. After selling the Ultravid 42 (due to weight mainly) I've been through a few binos trying to get it right. I'm not sure if I'm done yet, but I do want to have my last one for good or at least a good amount of years.

 

[tenex]

I'm not "looking for" at all, being very well served by what I have now (including large SLCs that finally scratched that itch, acquired just a couple of years ago). I admit I still investigate various models people mention, ponder the 7x mystique, and remain curious to see the NL, and SF 32... but idly, not in a shopping mode. And I'm really enjoying this.

 

[Sancho]

Hi Patudo. I used to spend unhealthy amounts of time 'looking for' binos, and reading about them, buying and selling, changing my mind, etc. Now I'm older and wiser and look on them as tools. The ones I have do the jobs I need doing satisfactorily. If there are 'better' ones out there, it doesn' t bother me. I still have five pairs, and that's too many for a non-collector. (I don't understand the stupid dream I had...except that I wasn't pleased to be given the weird binoculars, and didn't know what use I had for them...hang on, now I understand)

 

[Maljunulo]

Sometime around 2000 to 2002 I bought a pair of Nikon Venturer LX 10X42, which I used up until 2014 when I bought my EL SV 10X42 and used them until last December, when I got my 8X32 SF.

i don't spend any significant time looking for binoculars, I buy them and use them.

The 10X42s have been given to our #1 and #2 granddaughters.

 

[Maljunulo]

Hello Patudo,

As a bird watcher and as collector of binoculars, I sometimes get a the idea of pursuing a binocular. The pandemic has limited my ability to shop in person for new binoculars but the SF 8x32 has been occupying my thoughts. Even with its wider FOV, the SF 8x32 is still so much bigger than my Zeiss FL 8x32. Although last year I bought just two old binoculars, there are still two which are of interest to me. Like you, nothing has grabbed my fancy, of late.

Stay safe,
Arthur

Why does it bother you that it is bigger?

Just curious.

 

[Pinewood]

Hello Maljunulo,

I have been known to carry two binoculars, like the 8 and 10x32 FL. I would think that two relatively small binoculars is easier to carry. The SF 8x32 poses the question: is the added bulk worth the larger FOV?

Stay safe,
Arthur

 

[Maljunulo]

Thank you Arthur, for the response.

I can see why size matters in your case.

Take care,
Richard

 

[dorubird]

I try to have a balance between: "looking for binoculars" and "observing with binoculars". They are often inversely proportional! I'm looking to tip the scales more and more on the observation side. We must fight hard against GAS (Gear acquisition Syndrome) because it is one of the enemies of nature observation!
Rather than having a high-performance binoculars (which I will read on the web every day and every hour how good it is, and how glad I am to have one of the best binoculars in the world), better a middle level one but worn-out and used very intensely on the field...
I like this famous example: This is a beautiful Chan Robbins worn-out binoculars example! This guy was a professional who cares more about observing wildlife than to be in binoculars shops/web !

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[Tringa45]

What's even worse is finding a binocular that appeals to you and then looking for an application to justify its purchase.
If I'm honest with myself, I think I've been down that road!

John

 

[dries1]

Depending on how much time and $$ one has, they can do both (procurement and observation).

 

[Mikewander]

I'm looking to spend around £1k in the next few months on a 10x42 so am reading everything i can at the moment.

 

[GeorgeL]

I like tinkering with cheap, old pairs of bins.

 

[tenex]

I like this famous example: This is a beautiful Chan Robbins worn-out binoculars example!

The ring around the objective reads BUSHNELL FEATHERLIGHT 10x50. Does anyone know this model? It must have been robust!

 

[dorubird]

Here is a discussion of the Bushnell's of Chandler Robbins.

Chandler S. Robbins amazing bins

This actually started on this thread but I think it's worth hoisting to the top (for a couple of reasons!). http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1508068 Many thanks Fugolman for IDing these as Chandler Robbins' bins. That's Chandler S. "Golden Guide" Robbins for those that forgot. Like...

www.birdforum.net

 

[edwincjones]

...........I probably have too many binoculars (and definitely have too little disposable income). ...........

and too little time to use them

edj