Recommendations for binoculars?

**Cataboo** · 10-18-2009, 08:45 PM

I'm going to Costa Rica for a few weeks, so I think it's about time I buy a nice pair of binoculars... I remember really hating my cheap pair that I had when I went to the rainforest in Peru...

I know quite a few of you birdwatch, so I thought maybe someone here would have recommendations for a relatively decent not super expensive pair of bincoulars... I do a fair amount of kayaking and hiking, so having a good set of binoculars would be useful in general. From the point of view of hiking, a more compact set would be nice. By not super expensive, I mean less than $100... but if that pricepoint is ridiculous, I can probably be talked upwards.

**wnyrider** · 10-19-2009, 06:02 AM

I use a Nikon Scoutmaster 2 zoom. I bought it at least 7 years ago . It is 7-15 X 35 zoom. I love the zoom function and it has very sharp optics. All in all it has been wonderful. Out in the field I noticed several other bird watchers were using super zoom lenses on their cameras to view the action. Hmmm...
I am partial to Nikon and the least expensive Nikon I found now, just looking for the heck of it on LLBean-- was $130.00. If I were to buy a new one I probably would go for the Trailblazer model, but it is another $30. There are some other less expensive brands, but make sure, as a minimum factor, it has weatherproof properties.

**Becky** · 10-19-2009, 06:36 AM

DH has a pair of Bruntons from several years ago. They're similar to these: http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=451.

He loves them! I've only used them a couple of times, but I like that they're very light and clear. I'd never heard of Brunton before, but they're really nice.

**OakLeaf** · 10-19-2009, 07:03 AM

I can't recommend any particular model, but I know it's tough finding a compromise between a lightweight pair that's easy to carry, vs. having a large enough exit pupil. Especially if you plan to use them for kayaking (where you won't be able to hold them perfectly still) and in lower light forest conditions, you'll want a larger pupil.

I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure these are the ones we have down south. They're a bit out of your price range, though. I've been happy with them for birdwatching, but haven't brought them on the 'yak.

**7rider** · 10-19-2009, 08:16 AM

We have 2 pairs of Nikons. We like the size (mid-sized, not pocket, but not huge), the optics, and the versatility of both.
We got one pair from LLBean up in Columbia. They are Monarchs, I think. It was a store model w/o a case and we got it fairly cheaply. We subsequently picked up a case after-market. This pair is great...we can zoom in on the hummingbird feeder ~5' away from us, or ID a buteo in a stand of trees at distance.
WE got another from REI. Don't recall the model, but they are both in the 8 or 10x42 range or so.
Both are rated as "waterproof" and great to carry on the kayaks.
We actually both prefer the pair from LLBean.

**Cataboo** · 10-19-2009, 08:20 AM

Thanks all - looks like I need to revise my price range, but once I have models to check out, I can start seeing if I can use coupons or cashback or ebay to get a nicer pair discounted.

I've noticed that some are actually waterproof, which may be want I want for kayaking.

I do have a zoom lens (480mm) for the camera, but I think it's inadequate watching birds from the couple of times I've tried it.

**Cataboo** · 10-19-2009, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I can't recommend any particular model, but I know it's tough finding a compromise between a lightweight pair that's easy to carry, vs. having a large enough exit pupil. Especially if you plan to use them for kayaking (where you won't be able to hold them perfectly still) and in lower light forest conditions, you'll want a larger pupil.

I may end up having to compromise on the size... It just gets bulky when carrying a massive camera with a couple of lenses and a massive pair of binoculars... If I get a waterproof one, I could just stick it in the mesh pocket of my spray skirt...

But if anyone's had waterproof binoculars... how waterproof do they really end up being in salt water? Most of my kayaking is salt water lately. And I've just generally found that things that bill themselves as waterproof, generally don't stay waterproof and I end up drybagging them anyways - my waterproof gps definitely isn't. My waterproof camera isn't as waterproof as it used to be.

**bmccasland** · 10-19-2009, 09:27 AM

I have some Nikons, 10X. Best thing I can recommend is to get to a camera/optic shop and look through several pairs if at all possible. I've found that some binocs don't smush together enough for my eyes - something I would not have discovered if I wasn't actually handling them (can't find out easily on mail-order). "Brightness" is important, as well as how close and how far away you can focus. Again being able to compare brands side by side is the only way to decide what works for you. The few times I've done this, the camera/optic store was happy to pull out several pairs, explain differences, in all price ranges.

**azfiddle** · 10-19-2009, 03:13 PM

Hi there
I don't have a recommendation for a specific model, but if you're going to be in tropical forest ares, it may be quite dark and you want as much light as possible.

I'ts best to avoid the really tiny compact models. Most of the companies that make good camera optics have pretty decent binoculars (like Nikon, Minolta etc) as well as the more specific binocular makers. I have 10 x 40 Zeiss (kind of old, now) but anything in the 7x35, 8x 30 or 8 x 40 categories are probably good.

Sharon

**Cataboo** · 10-20-2009, 08:47 AM

I'm debating these:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-82...inoculars.html

vs

those:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-monarchatb8x40.html

Both are a little smaller & waterproof without being compact enough that I think I'd sacrifice optics too much. A friend recommended I do 8x instead of 10 because it's harder to hand hold a 10 and to scan for birds...

Prices would be the monarchs at $184 after rebate vs. the trailblazers at $120...

The action extremes that Oakleaf mentioned would be the next choice, but I think the monarchs or the trailblazers are just that little bit smaller to be more convenient and I'd actually use them more.

I know 7rider has the monarchs, anyone try the trailblazers? I can't find comparison reviews in my googling. I'm going to see if I can find somewhere local to look at them.

**7rider** · 10-20-2009, 09:16 AM

Our pair from REI are Trailblazers.
Based on that, I'd go with the Monarchs.
The optics of them - plus the light gathering, the focus, the ease of use - are superior in our Monarchs vs. the Trailblazers.
If you have time b/f you need to order, maybe we can hook up for a kayak/ride, and you can do a comparo...

**Cataboo** · 10-20-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by 7rider

Our pair from REI are Trailblazers.
Based on that, I'd go with the Monarchs.
The optics of them - plus the light gathering, the focus, the ease of use - are superior in our Monarchs vs. the Trailblazers.
If you have time b/f you need to order, maybe we can hook up for a kayak/ride, and you can do a comparo...

I think I trust you that I want the monarchs - I just need to suck it up and make myself pay that much. I've been watching SD card prices for a week or two hoping they drop, but I'm going to have to suck it up and make myself buy a couple. I just fried a 16 gb one somehow.

Getting together for a ride or paddle would be fun - but I pretty much am only going to have this week and/or weekend. How's your weekend looking? I'm watching the forecast to see what this weekend plans are going to be - usually we try to get over to Assateague to paddle/kite surf/buggy in October in the hopes that the bugs have died back... The last couple weekends it's rained, ruining those plans (being in a tent on purpose in the rain is another thing I'm not hardcore enough to do) Currently it looks like thunderstorms on Saturday, so we may bag it if that forecast doesn't clear up.

**SLash** · 10-20-2009, 06:31 PM

I bought these for a trip to Grand Canyon and was very happy with them. Not too heavy and better than the Nikon pair I had previously used.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...ars-10x26.html

They are Steiner's which are made in Germany. I bought them from Sierra Trading Post for just over $100 (they are now listed for $127.95 but you can always find discount coupons for STP). They are water and shock resistant.

If you want to spend less they have a pair listed at $99, also Steiner.

**Cataboo** · 10-20-2009, 07:12 PM

Thanks Slash - have you gotten those wet at all? They say water resistant, which makes me wonder how water resistant?

Thanks!

**SLash** · 10-20-2009, 07:22 PM

Not really, although one of the days at the Canyon it was drizzly so they got a little damp but not really wet. They don't come with lens cap either which would help protect them but I'm sure you could buy those. The case they come in is nice and solid. I didn't mention but they are fairly compact at least compared to the Nikon binoculars I had. These seem really well made and for the price I thought they were good. Hope that helps.

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