I'm in the market for a decent set of binoculars to take to the sandbox with me.
I probably spend between 200-300, but of course, less would be preferred. wouild that ne enough for quality optics?
ideally, these would be reasonably compact and resilient to shock, dust, etc.
Probably it's best to gain more knowledge of binoculars -
as the difference between an average pair and a good pair can be quite significant.
First there is power eg: 8x -
this is pretty easy to understand the higher the number the higher magnifying power -
BUT the problem is that they become harder to hold and the field of view narrower -
10x is normally the max, but most experienced users opt for 8x.
Another thing about power is that the higher the power the dimmer the view with the same sized objective (lens).
exit pupil = Objective lens diameter/magnifying power
relative brightness = (exit pupil)squared
so an 8x binocular is actually (10/8)squared = 1.56x (or 56%) brighter than a 10x.
So if compact is a requirement then that normally means the object lens diameter is probably going to be in the range 20-25mm so one has to keep the exit pupil larger by using a lower magnification.
Anyway that's the bare basics and these figures
don't tell anywhere near the whole story -
probably it's best to start with
ConsumerSearch on Binoculars
where thay claim to be reviewing the reviews - that is survey all the reviews rank them and come to some concensus.
Kind of the logical way to do research if we had the resources.
Their pick for compact binoculars was -
Pentax Papilio 6.5x21
but they are
NOT waterproof.....
The budget choice was -
Nikon Action 7x35
these are considered mid-sized - but I think they're
BIG (and heavy) when compared to compacts...... they do NOT claim any water-resistance - but they have an "armored" body.
Best value mid-sized was -
Nikon Action EX Extreme ATB 7x35
as the name suggests it is waterproof etc.......
Personally I like the site that used to be called Better View Desired
now
Simpson Optics - there are criticisms, but I like the way the guy writes and the (old) section on
compact binoculars was very educational....
I am a fan of compact binoculars (with all their DISadvantages)
and personally like Nikon binoculars (I own the Nikon 8x23 Venturer II that Stephen Ingraham wrote about on that
Compact Binoculars page, and bought them under very similar circumstances)
Of the current binos I like
Nikon Travelite V 8x25
but again these are
NOT waterproof.
This is what they say on that Compact Binoculars page:
"
Inexpensive Porro Prism Compacts:
Inexpensive ($75-$125) porro prism compacts, on the other hand, provide some of the best values in today's optical market. Because they are small, and require less material to make, they can be quite inexpensive while still employing high quality materials and workmanship. Nikon Travelites, for example, feature a smooth plastic exterior with finger grips sculpted in. If the sculpting fits your hands (it does mine) they are very secure and comfortable to hold. The Travelites, despite their 25mm objectives, have excellent resolution, thanks to the use of advanced aspheric optics. It is common to find inexpensive porro prism compacts with BAK-4 prisms (the best), at least partial (and sometimes full) multicoatings, aspheric optics, and sturdy light-weight housings with sometimes exceptionally close focusing (for example the Pentax Papilio series that focus as close as 26 inches!) - all in a binocular often selling for less than $100. The result is a truly bird-worth view - a view that can only be improved upon by investing in one of a handful of exceptionally well designed $250 porro prism glasses or $1000 roof prisms."
--
Vincent
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