I would consider 10x42 vortex diamondback , better if you can swing the Viper, a more serious glass. Also don’t overlook the Oberwerk ED (aka SE).yeah... the whole thing is very frustrating. I never thought i would have to research for days to find a passable bino that is better than mine and under 200euros, what is esentialy 4 time more than what the 8x25 cost me.
I had one day out with the above mentioned 10x42. When i was able to focus it i got a lot more info from things far away. The birds i struggle with are birds of prey and water birds that are too far away. I think a 10x can give me an edge there but it needs to be sharp.
What would you guys get for 200Euros or less, regardless of magnification or lens size?
8x42 would be my personal recommendationWhat would you guys get for 200Euros or less, regardless of magnification or lens size?
We recently had an optics event hosted by Viking. The Viking staff were recommending 8x42 as the current, preferred birding set-up.
Are they good? There is one pair on amazon for 140. I cant find good reviews of them. How is the sharpness and the CA?Shame you are not in the UK. We have been clearing the discontinued version of the Viking Azura 10x42 for a similar price to the badger
I can recommend Opticron. A number of years ago I added a pair of their 7x42's to my kit to complement my Swarovski EL10x42, I do a lot of close bush and forest birding in my area (New Zealand and Australia) and the 10x magnification of the Swarovski is just too long. The Opticrons are equally as sharp and the contrast and colour fidelity no different from the Swarovski, which are fantastic binos. The Opticrons are a fraction of the price, excellent value for money. I always carry the two different magnification binos, if I'm birding over pasture, pond, estuary etc I use the 10x and the Opticron 7x for close forest and bush. I assume that 10x42 Opticron will be as good a buy as my 7x have been.I have been birdwatching for 5 years and i have a nikon acculon 8x25 which i got as a recommendation for 50 euros. I never really got the fuss about expensive binos as whenever i had the chance to try them the only difference was the field of view. The sharpness on my binos is amazing and there are no abberations. Now my gf is also into birdwatching and i want to upgrade and give her the acculon. I ordered and returned 2 binos. A bushnell 10x42 for 90 euros that was SOO BAD optics and everything and a bresser wave 10x42 that i really want to like. The build quality is amazing i like how it feels but its just not as sharp as the nikon. Maybe its that pair. But its just strenuous to look through and doesnt feel like an upgrade in the optics. I want to spend between 100 and 200 euros and would like to get a sharp 10x bino with roof prism. I can get the roof prism one to sit much more steady in my hands and the birds i struggle the most with are mostly far away and i think a 10x can help. I live in germany and it would be great if i can get it on amazon as i can return it there if its not up to paar.
I will be very grateful for your suggestions on brands and pairs!
In your opinion, right.I can recommend Opticron. A number of years ago I added a pair of their 7x42's to my kit to complement my Swarovski EL10x42, I do a lot of close bush and forest birding in my area (New Zealand and Australia) and the 10x magnification of the Swarovski is just too long. The Opticrons are equally as sharp and the contrast and colour fidelity no different from the Swarovski,
which are fantastic binos. The Opticrons are a fraction of the price, excellent value for money. I always carry the two different magnification binos, if I'm birding over pasture, pond, estuary etc I use the 10x and the Opticron 7x for close forest and bush. I assume that 10x42 Opticron will be as good a buy as my 7x have been.