binoculars

wallbash

How do you choose what to buy, can't say what I want to use them for,
so just a general pair.
Budget ?? very open.

What do the numbers mean when they describe the lens?

And yes this is a VERY vague question, looking just for some really simple advice.

thanks

HoofeHearted

Have a look here for starters
http://www.jodrellbank.manchester.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/binoculars.html

It explains what the numbers mean (e.g. 10 x 40) and then gives advice according to what you will be mainly using them for.

wallbash

Thats a great looking site, many thanks.

Oblivion

I bought a pair of these Nikon Monarch 7 10X42 Binoculars a few months ago and I find them really excellent for general nature watching. the 10x42 means they have 10 times magnification and the objective lens is 42mm wide allowing a decent amount of light in, so they are very useable in low light conditions.


They are also physically light to carry around and the Nikon Optics are superb.


http://www.carmarthencameras.co.uk/product/10308/nikon-monarch-7-10x42

cajef

On the other hand if you want the Rolls-Royce of binoculars and you have deep pockets buy some Swarovski's.:D

http://uk.swarovskioptik.com/nature/el-range-c21010201/el-range-8x42-p5191943

wallbash

Well did check out the links, but as a complete newbie and the binoculars may well spend 99% of the time in the draw, a more modest pair might be in order.

Am now thinking second hand.

flea72

Ive no idea on good or bad makes, or lenses, but i recently got a pair for £5 at a charity shop.

DavidFx

Smaller low-power binoculars are probably a better all-round choice. I have some 8x30 and 10x50 and the 8x30 are used over 90% of the time even for star-gazing.
They are lighter and due to the lower magnifcation it is easier to get a stable non-shaky image.
Both are Carl Zeiss Jena Jenoptems bought off Ebay for about £80 each.
Make sure you get the East German manufactured ones (DDR) - There are websites which will tell you the manufacture date and place given the serial number.

Ralph-y

I know you said that you don't know what you will use them for ....

but ........

it makes all the difference ...


imagine that you want to use them at the races ..... do you want to see the horses head all all the horse?

Do you want to use them in low light / astronomy or bright light / daytime?

it all makes a difference

have a read through

http://www.binoculars101.com/bin-choose.html

to see if it helps .:o

you may well end up buying two pair

Ralph:)

JJ_Egan

As above use is the key .
Small lightweight for birdwatching 8x32
Larger for outdoor sports 10x50 12x50.
The larger sizes are heavier and more prone to shake .
Cheap ranges have poorer glass BAK 7 better have BAK4 .

kwikbreaks

cajef wrote: »

On the other hand if you want the Rolls-Royce of binoculars and you have deep pockets buy some Swarovski's

My son has some and persuaded my wife she needed some too. I wondered why he called them Jesus binoculars until I saw the price tag....