Any birdwatchers? I wanna buy binoculars - advice needed

Nice_Username

Novice birdwatcher here. Also into basic astronomy.

I've seen an offer in a Sunday newspaper for large 50mm lense binoculars with a zoom dial that can go from 8 up to 24x magnification at the touch of a button. Rubber armoured body, padded carry case and neck strap. Weight 820g.

RRP £79-99

Offer price £19-99


Is this any good?

Would appreciate any advice.

MANY THANKS

plymouthpafc

....I wouldn't touch that with a barge pole. Firstly because it's a Sunday newspaper offer and will end up as much use as a chocolate fireguard, probably won't last as long. Secondly, don't go for a zoom binocular if you want to go birding. You'll need a light, fixed magnification pair. 8x magnification is about perfect for general use, you could stretch to 10x but these are harder to locate birds instantly.

The wide end lets the light in (obvious but important!) and decent birding bins are between 40 - 50mm. Less than 40mm and you'll be struggling on anything other than sunny days, greater than 50mm are just too cumbersome to cart around. Viking make some good, sensibly-priced binoculars. I'd look for 8x42 and you won't go far wrong.

They can be mega bucks but there are some decent 2nd hand deals available online. Try Focalpoint Optics at http://www.bid4optics.com/shop/index.php/cPath/21. A great family firm, good deals and expert advice. Hope that helps for starters.

Get a separate set or a 2nd hand telescope for the astronomy.

cajef

plymouthpafc wrote: »

....I wouldn't touch that with a barge pole.

I'd look for 8x42 and you won't go far wrong.

Agreed !!!

Cheap binoculars are a waste of money and anything over x10 magnification is impossible to hand hold steadily, so zooming to x24 is useless unless you have a tripod or similar.

Have a look at the RSPB optics site for advice and their range of binoculars

http://www.rspboptics.com/acatalog/advice.html

Nile

Hello Nice Username

I have the 8x42 Bushnell binoculars. They aren't too heavy and give excellent viewing of birds and wildlife.;)

Here is a link to the model on the Jessops website, but do check for cheaper suppliers;) :

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s21168/0/Binoculars/Bushnell/8x42-Birder-Natureview-Binoculars/details.aspx?&IsSearch=y&pageindex=1&CatId=3610&ManIds=1151,&MultiOpIds=19,&SortBy=SkuOfferingPriceASC&IsInStockOnly=False&comp=n

If you decide to buy much cheaper binoculars, your bird watching experience may be spoiled.

I can highly recommend becoming a member of the RSPB. You will benefit from free entry to RSPB sites around the UK and the knowledge that your membership fee is helping to maintain habitat sites and care for wild birds.

Regards

Nile

Nice_Username

Appreciate the advice, thanks people.

Basically I'll go for a 8x42 with a 50mm lense then.

I'll try to hunt out a secondhand bargain somewhere.

And thanks Nile, I already am a member of RSPB. They have a couple of lovely reserves nearby that I enjoy visiting. :A