Why do peoply buy $2500 binoculars ? (1 Viewer)

[bh46118]

Won't happen, I still can't believe I actually bought the ones I have.:eek!: I got to leave some money for guns, stereo gear, and good food.:t:

Nah, you will have moved on to the next new bestest by then. 3

 

[etudiant]

Why do people buy a $2500 binocular when for $1267.13 Amazon will sell them a Canon 10x42ISL, an instrument with alpha level optics, much better resolution and no phase issues because it is a porro.

Because different people have different priorities and tastes, I guess.

 

[troysufus]

If you have the money and want the best (roof prism) why not?

 

[elkcub]

Why do people buy a $2500 binocular when for $1267.13 Amazon will sell them a Canon 10x42ISL, an instrument with alpha level optics, much better resolution and no phase issues because it is a porro.

Because different people have different priorities and tastes, I guess.

People also differ in their eyesight, and many like myself simply can't get along with 16mm eye relief. In addition, there are other ways to deal with hand tremble such as this [Fismo] I've been using for the last 10 years. Fismo stands for FInn Stick MOnopod, and note that the binoculars (usually a roof like the 10x42SLC shown) simply perch on the cradle/saddle. In either mode, Finn-stick or monopod, I guesstimate an order of magnitude improvement in comfort, duration, and aided acuity (so-called 'resolution'). I also have an effective walking stick that has saved me from breaking my neck several times. 3

Regards,
Ed

 

[cnick6]

An instrument of quality is a joy forever (was that Shakespeare or Gijs van Ginkel??)

Sounds similar to the expression I heard growing up: Buy the best you can afford because you'll always be happy with it.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Sounds similar to the expression I heard growing up: Buy the best you can afford because you'll always be happy with it.

For many people, it ends up at the pawn shop.
'can afford' is very much in the present tense for even many professionals now.
A layoff...cancer, scholarship drop, heck, even a kidneystone,
and you can't wait 6 months for the best deal.
No biggie at $200....different story at $2500.

 

[etudiant]

People also differ in their eyesight, and many like myself simply can't get along with 16mm eye relief. In addition, there are other ways to deal with hand tremble such as this [Fismo] I've been using for the last 10 years. Fismo stands for FInn Stick MOnopod, and note that the binoculars (usually a roof like the 10x42SLC shown) simply perch on the cradle/saddle. In either mode, Finn-stick or monopod, I guesstimate an order of magnitude improvement in comfort, duration, and aided acuity (so-called 'resolution'). I also have an effective walking stick that has saved me from breaking my neck several times. 3

Regards,
Ed

Hi Elkcub,

It would be wonderful if you could post the specifics of your unit, who made it especially. The concept makes great sense and the idea of a V rest seems compelling for a scope as well.
Tracking down the FISMO thread you gave, unfortunately Bohn Distributing seems very low profile, although there is still a BBB file on them, but the ebay item number now seems defunct. However, there are lots of shooting sticks, but none reach 72 inches, so not sure of the right model.

 

[ceasar]

Ed,

That "Fismo" looks like a "Stoney Point" Polecat monopod. I don't know if they exist anymore. I have one. It is a very useful monopod. I ran across this Primos Polecat monopod on Amazon if anyone is interested. Read the reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Primos-Pole-6...20342936&sr=1-1&keywords=stoney+point+polecat

Bob

 

[bh46118]

When you into look into your crystal ball, what does the next statement model from Swarovski look and measure like ?

 

[Inquisitor]

Hi Elkcub,

It would be wonderful if you could post the specifics of your unit, who made it especially. The concept makes great sense and the idea of a V rest seems compelling for a scope as well.
Tracking down the FISMO thread you gave, unfortunately Bohn Distributing seems very low profile, although there is still a BBB file on them, but the ebay item number now seems defunct. However, there are lots of shooting sticks, but none reach 72 inches, so not sure of the right model.

He mostly sells knives in Oregon (moved from OK a few years ago). He is the owner of http://www.knivesshipfree.com/contact-us/

 

[ronh]

I have been a fool for the magnified view ever since my grade school buddy invited me over to look through his Gilbert microscope. I soon had a 3x Cub Scout Galilean field glass and was on my merry way. Things have spiraled downward ever since. Way more than a birding tool to me, it's like magic.

Ron

 

[ceasar]

I have been a fool for the magnified view ever since my grade school buddy invited me over to look through his Gilbert microscope. I soon had a 3x Cub Scout Galilean field glass and was on my merry way. Things have spiraled downward ever since. Way more than a birding tool to me, it's like magic.

Ron

As Elkcub says:

"Understanding optics is child's play compared to understanding child's play.":king:

Bob

 

[Maljunulo]

Way more than a birding tool to me, it's like magic.

Ron

Well said!

 

[perterra]

I have been a fool for the magnified view ever since my grade school buddy invited me over to look through his Gilbert microscope. I soon had a 3x Cub Scout Galilean field glass and was on my merry way. Things have spiraled downward ever since. Way more than a birding tool to me, it's like magic.

Ron

And thats a perfect example of why some folks pay $2,500 for a binocular, they see the magic. Others of us dont see the magic, just a tool to do whats needed.

I do understand the "magic" though. For those who see it, it's a fine purchase. But for me, not really.

Off to work, gonna be a busy month.

 

[bh46118]

Like the people who use the home made electronic devices to detect spirits. Does anyone on here ever wear a tinfoil hat while looking through your binoculars ? I believe mine helps to clarify the image,:-O

they see the magic. Others of us dont see the magic

 

[WJC]

And thats a perfect example of why some folks pay $2,500 for a binocular, they see the magic. Others of us dont see the magic, just a tool to do whats needed.

I do understand the "magic" though. For those who see it, it's a fine purchase. But for me, not really.

Off to work, gonna be a busy month.

Having been surrounded so long by the word's best binoculars, I was not prone to getting weak in the knees. Still, there were just some I looked through for no reason other than their performance kept calling to me. Do I need that performance to enjoy birding and nature. Absolutely not; I just wanted to make the admission! 'Kinda makes you feel human. Well, almost . . . kinda sorta.
Bill

 

[bh46118]

:t: Yes, but the question then becomes will I pay the price to own that performance. For many the answer is no, and that's probably the most sensible choice. A lot of the time though, nonsense = more fun.:king:

Still, there were just some I looked through for no reason other than their performance kept calling to me.
Bill

 

[bh46118]

Judging by the sale of this used pair last night for $2176.00 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swarovski-B...rpLJpAd9GxxsRX%2Bxmic%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc , I'm fairly comfortable with $1900 for my brand new warrantied pair. The ocular lenses on the eBay pair were smudged all to hell to boot.

Why stop at $2500, Why do people buy $1900 binoculars or is $1900 ok?

 

[Swedpat]

I also understand this may have to do a lot with eyesight. Some persons are lucky to have an eyesight above average. They experience a bigger difference between an alpha and a mid priced model than people with average(or below) eyesight. If so, it's not hard to understand that persons who experience only a very small difference between a $700 and a $2500 binocular don't consider it worth getting the more expensive.
It's also very relative what different persons consider as a small or big difference. This is not something measurable.

Apart from that it much has to do with priorities. I may find it enough to get a $1000 binocular because I am satisfied with the performance. Yes, I notice that the more expensive models are better, but for the difference I can get a cycle for $1500. So instead of having the very best available binocular and a bad cycle, I can have a still high quality binocular and a high quality cycle. Just an example.
Surely, some day I will get a Swarovision or an SF(or their successors) but at this moment I am satisfied with what I have.

 

[etudiant]

Unfortunately, the consumer has very little idea of what makes a good binocular and neither the producers nor the various publications provide much useful guidance on the topic.
So in desperation, people buy on price and established reputation, with the idea that bad quality high priced models are few and that a brand name such as Nikon is unlikely to be selling junk at the low end. That leaves the middle ground wide open.

It would be a real contribution to the birding community if instead of discussing motivations, the experts on this forum were to put together a cheat sheet for binocular appraisal, something that a novice could use to tell the wheat from the chaff in this field.