Binoculars / monocular

[dttomcat]

With regards to price, less than USD3000.oo

Thanks.

Whatever you like. Swarovski, Leica, Ziess. It doesn't seem like you have any budget at all.

 

[Pilot1]

I have a pair of 10x50 IOR Valdada, Romanian binoculars with Schott glass that are magnificent. I bought them many years ago when they were well priced. They've gone up since then.

http://www.thefind.com/sports/info-ga-binocular

 

[UffDa]

Thanks for all the replies! Sorry I went away for s while after posting this thread. I'll try to look at the largest field of view, vs smallest size - noted.

With regards to price, less than USD3000.oo

Thanks.

USD $3000.00??? Are you sure that you didn't mean $300.00?

Take a look at the Leupold Katmai binoculars. They are a bit larger then compact binoculars, but are smaller the standard 8X32.

As others have said, do not buy anything over 8X.

Here is a very good source for information on binoculars.

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/

 

[wintermute]

USD $3000.00??? Are you sure that you didn't mean $300.00?

Take a look at the Leupold Katmai binoculars. They are a bit larger then compact binoculars, but are smaller the standard 8X32.

$3000? Wow. Here's a resource I like to use regarding binocular comparisons by price range http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html

I've been lusting after a pair of Leupold Katmais for years, but I don't think it's in the cards. Although my Nikon Action EXs are great, because they're so heavy, they're often "forgotten" at home.

 

[VA27]

...with the higher mag glasses (10 and higher) stable hands are a requirement...
Lenny

If you have stablehands do you have to buy them binoculars too, or do you make them provide their own?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Zero_Time]

If $3000, there's practically no compact you can't get. I personally have a set of compact 8x20 Nikons- HG? Their top of the line. Terrific product. However, if you can, test out each binocular to see which you like the best. Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, (and I say) Nikon. You can buy a couple, even all of them if you buy in the right places, for $3000.

For $300, I think you might be able to score a Nikon HG or whatever or a Zeiss Victory, if you know where to look.

Personally, I'm actually looking into getting a minquick, as I want a glass to use WHILE moving.

Zero

 

[Alberta Ed]

Check out binoculars.com. Good service, prices, lots of reviews and advice on optics.

 

[Scott Free]

Personally, I'm actually looking into getting a minquick, as I want a glass to use WHILE moving.

You might imagine that the Miniquick would work while moving because it's only 5X. The problem (as far as movement goes) is that it only weighs 3/4 ounce. There's no mass to help steady it. If you're you looking for light weight and an easy to carry form, the Miniquick is perfect. Don't count on it being extra steady, though.

 

[Kermit]

Id suggest you dont waste your money or time on the Barska 10x25 mono ocular. Its feeble focus and next to zero eye relief makes it painful to use.

 

[pvicenzi]

Lot's of good information here. Remember, as you go up in magnification, any shaking of the body is also magnified. Therefore the choosing of a binocular power, depends a lot on the activety for which they'll be used. If you are doing vigours hiking, a pair of 10X minis will difficult to stabilize and you'll actually see les detail than you would with a lower power bino. If you are sitting still, you may be able to stabilize a slightly more powerfull optic..

 

[stormbird]

Addressing a couple of previous post... Guys that posted above me have good advice regarding magnification vs steadiness. I did own the Canon 12x36 IS II for about a year. IS worked as advertised, optical quality not the best. I also owned a Zeiss Mini Quick for a couple days (I returned mine). Very narrow field of view, not worth the $100+.

So, my 2 cents... the ONLY set of zoom binoculars you should consider is the out of production Nikon XL 8-16x40. Expect to pay $600 for an excellent used example. Mine are as sharp as any binocular I've owned. For small, high power, look at the Nikon LXL 10x25. Very sharp, true color fidelity, excellent edge to edge on a some what narrow field of view. A couple of weeks ago I picked up a Zen HD 10x42 monocular. Well built and great optics for $125. As an aside, if you want a very small 5x15 pair of binoculars that are a work of art, look at the Titanium bodied Nikons. Outstanding optics and build quality.