I'm looking for recommendations for a pair of quality binoculars. Hoping to get a pair that would be good for casual use for looking at wildlife during the day, and also objects in the sky during the night to help with some astrophotography. While I hope to travel with them, I dont mind if they are a bit on the bulky/heavy side if they are a killer pair. Looking to keep the budget around $300 or so, more of less. Any recommendations?
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Recommendation? Quality Binoculars
- Thread starter tr.slate
- Start date
Firstly it's a binocular not binoculars.
Secondly, you'd be better served by asking this question on a birders forum if a search in/of/on such forum doesn't answer/satisfy the question. From BF you have these two threads answering the same question (I'm sure there are even more threads answering the question):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ulars-Any-recommendations?highlight=binocular
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Binoculars-for-Under-100?highlight=binocular
Secondly, you'd be better served by asking this question on a birders forum if a search in/of/on such forum doesn't answer/satisfy the question. From BF you have these two threads answering the same question (I'm sure there are even more threads answering the question):
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ulars-Any-recommendations?highlight=binocular
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Binoculars-for-Under-100?highlight=binocular
Regardless of the possible grammatical error, I actually did do a search before asking. Of the two threads you linked, one user is looking for a pair of $100 binocular(s), which is not my budget. The other user specifically asks about a pair of 10x42 - which I am not positive is the best for the uses I mention above. This is why I ask for a recommendation...
Thanks for the feedback though.
Thanks for the feedback though.
Best recommendation is to look on ta birders forum. They can provide solid experienced and knowledgeable advice on different binoculars the way BladeForums can on different knives.
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- May 2, 2008
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I have several binoculars including a Leica 8x42 Ultravid that now sells for $2000, but my favorite is the Bushnell 7x26 Elite Custom Compact at $240. Not waterproof. Not good at twilight but they are very sharp and light enough you will carry them with you. I bought two after losing my first pair just in case they quit making them.
I really like the Canon 10x30 IS image stabilized.
I was sold on them when looking at the horizon of the ocean. One day I was looking through them and could not see a tall ship, push the button the IS and it popped into view.
It's hard to hold anything greater than 6 power by hand.
I was sold on them when looking at the horizon of the ocean. One day I was looking through them and could not see a tall ship, push the button the IS and it popped into view.
It's hard to hold anything greater than 6 power by hand.
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- Mar 1, 2014
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I do a lot of stargazing and I do use binoculars. It is difficult to hold heavier binoculars upward at the night sky than level at birds and wild life. So for walking/hiking, I use 8x40 binoculars. I do have a pair of 15x70 binoculars that I use for stargazing, but I put them on a tripod for stability.
Celestron is a decent affordable brand for both of these. Nikon is another brand to look at.
Celestron is a decent affordable brand for both of these. Nikon is another brand to look at.
Horny toad's recommendation for bushnell 7x26 is a good choice, it carries the audubon seal of approval and is carried by many birders, small enough for a pocket. I prefer a 10x42,n but in a heavy set of bins. I have been playing with Nikon 10x42 in monarch 3,5 and prostaff 7. the seven would be my choice at this time. you might prefer an 8x42, less wobble. these bins are light as hell and sort of self contained(no case needed) check the warranty , they used to have a killer warranty but have recently changed things up. before you buy , make sure you look through them, even if you buy one new in the box. there can be monday bins and friday afternoon made bins
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- Dec 18, 2013
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I've got some 8×30 steiners... I've had them for several years so I don't know the current prices. They work really well till the neighbor closes her blinds
That's the binocular I use. Steiner Military Marine 8X30. I've had mine for over ten years, and doubt I'll every buy another binocular. It replaced a Redfield roof prism 10X50 I bought more than 20 years ago --- a great binocular but the magnification is just too high to hold steady without a rest.
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- Dec 15, 2007
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- 1,414
I own a number of binoculars, most in the middle to upper end. I have four Zeiss bins, the 10x25 Victory, the 8x32 Conquest, the 8x42 HT's, and a pair of 8x42 Terras. I also own the excellent Canon 10x30 IS bins, Nikon 8x32 SE's, and Vortex 6x32's.
I would suggest looking at the Zeiss Terras. They are particularly nice at your price point. So are Nikon Monarch 5's.
FWIW, the Terras are what I keep in my vehicle as part of the always have a pair with you. However, when hiking, it's almost always the excellent Zeiss 10x25 Victorys but they're well above your price point.
8x32 or 8x42 are probably the best all around size, with a nod to the 42mm objectives for darker times of day and, especially, astronomy. Probably stay away from 10x unless they're stabilized or you can hold them very steady. Jittery images sort of ruin the experience.
BTW, I wouldn't worry about correct vernacular. Most everyone refers to them as bins, binoculars, a pair of binoculars, etc.
I would suggest looking at the Zeiss Terras. They are particularly nice at your price point. So are Nikon Monarch 5's.
FWIW, the Terras are what I keep in my vehicle as part of the always have a pair with you. However, when hiking, it's almost always the excellent Zeiss 10x25 Victorys but they're well above your price point.
8x32 or 8x42 are probably the best all around size, with a nod to the 42mm objectives for darker times of day and, especially, astronomy. Probably stay away from 10x unless they're stabilized or you can hold them very steady. Jittery images sort of ruin the experience.
BTW, I wouldn't worry about correct vernacular. Most everyone refers to them as bins, binoculars, a pair of binoculars, etc.
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- Dec 9, 2006
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- 1,389
I reccomend this model Leupold Cascades.
I have used mine for about 10 years for hunting, bird watching, stargazing, fishing , etc.....There is little if and distortion and there are just is clears if nor clearer even in low light than my friends Leica's.You can't beat them for less than $300 not in my eyes.
yep, above my initial budget, but have been looking at their 8x56s. are your made in china, or somewhere else?
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2007
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- 553
Nikon 8 X 42 waterproof, made in Japan, purchased in 2007.
When you decide on the binoculars you want, buy a good quality harness to attach them to, it helps to distribute the weight of them across your chest. They can be a "pain in the neck" when worn on a strap around your neck.
When you decide on the binoculars you want, buy a good quality harness to attach them to, it helps to distribute the weight of them across your chest. They can be a "pain in the neck" when worn on a strap around your neck.
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