binoculars

[ken52]

Anyone have or used binoculars from WM? They have there's on sale and was looking at the Raiatea 7x50 for $100 and was wonder if anyone has them or thoughts on the quality of them. Looking to replace my flea market you get what you pay for binoculars.

 

[Philster]

Re: binoculars

Looking to replace your 'flea-market-you-get-what-you-pay-for-binoculars' via WM?

What is WM?

They have their binoculars on sale and you were looking and wondering about them?

 

[scutly]

Re: binoculars

hey philster. my buddy bought the less expensive Huahine model over the summer when the were on sale 50% off. they're real nice, and very light to hold for a long period of time. for what its worth, there are some Raiatea models on ebay now for like $75 plus shipping but you don't get the WM awesome no questions asked return policy or the reward points. i say go for it

 

[rbh]

Re: binoculars

Are you brand specific, or are these the best bang for the buck?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: binoculars

What is WM?

WM = West Marine

 

[amanphoto]

Re: binoculars

Question? Are the water proof ones really necessary on the boat? My boat is a dry one and don't plan dunking them in the lake. What power is good?

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: binoculars

Question? Are the water proof ones really necessary on the boat? My boat is a dry one and don't plan dunking them in the lake. What power is good?

I don't think they are necessary but stuff that can get wet and survive is always welcome in a boat. What power? Just depends on how far away the bikini's you're trying to spot are.

 

[pmillar]

Re: binoculars

I wouldn't go over 8x The higher the power the more jiggly (highly technical term there) your view becomes. I have some very nice 10x binoculars that I rarely use for that reason. You almost need a stand to make it worth while.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: binoculars

i figured he was talking about walmart.....

 

[ken52]

Re: binoculars

Are you brand specific, or are these the best bang for the buck?

No I'm not brand specific, they just seemed like pretty good binocs for $100. The exterior has that rubberized coating, lense cap covers, neck strap and case. They are anit-fogging and looking thru them the optics seem very clear and bright. They don't have a cheap feel to them. I've been an amatuer photographer for some years using Nikon glass so I'm familar with quality lenses. Just not familar with there brand of binoculars.

Yes, West Marine is the brand I was refering to.

I agree that the more powerfull they are the harder they are to use without a tripod or something to help stabilize them. But everyones eyes and hold are different so you need to look thru them to find your eye comfort level.

Like I was asking, wanting to hear about the quality if anyone had them or knows a friend that does and the good or bad. Thanks for all the replies though.

 

[ScarabSprint]

Re: binoculars

the Raiatea 7x50 for $100

Actually WM has a customer appreciation days 12/10 - 12/12 and the Raiatea waterproof 7x50 is even more off at $56.89..... BEAT THAT PRICE you guys can thank me lata. LOL

 

[ken52]

Re: binoculars

Thanks SS, guess I can wait a little longer. I have a WN advantage card, will they send out anything about the customer appreciation day to advantage menbers?

 

[ScarabSprint]

Re: binoculars

I have the gold card too. No I was in store this weekend bought the $299 Garmin 400c and they had the paper sitting at the checkout. I think it might be in store only sale.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: binoculars

All I can say http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Ac...142359--submit.Search--submit.x.0--submit.y.0

 

[Sikiguya]

Re: binoculars

I got some Bushnells at Gander Mountain. 10x40s on sale for $40 and they are really nice. I don't have as much problem with the higher magnification. There is a difference between budget bino and primo brand. But it depends on the usage. If it is really important to get the most clear picture, drop the money on Leupold or Nikon, etc. However, if you just want to see what is out there...get at least a 8x or 10x.

I actually enjoy watching the DNR harass the jetskis on our lake when we are anchored in the beach area. For that purpose, those $40 Bushnell will work just fine.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: binoculars

I just ordered these at the Club price. Small and compact, yet with 5x-15x zoom.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=217247

 

[Philster]

Re: binoculars

High-power binoculars are "jiggly" (technical term) because they magnify every movement, along with the image.

You can get image stabilizing high-power binoculars, but they sometimes cost as much as a boat down payment.

I know one thing I would want, and not sure if this feature is available: Lens covers that stay with the device. Don't need to be fumbling all over for them.

 

[ken52]

Re: binoculars

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: binoculars

Here's another idea - I originally bought one of these beer bottle telescopes
as a gift gag, but I was so impressed with the quality of it that I also bought
one for myself.

It is not waterproof, but can be kept in a plastic bag, and it fits easily into a
bottle holder. Great quality, clarity, and 18x magnification to see what's out
there when you want to. I've been using mine for a few years, and it's still
like new. For the price, I would not hesitate to buy another.

http://www.apogeeinc.com/product.asp?itemid=4



Oh, don't be holding it like a beer bottle for all eyes to see, because most
folks will think it is a bottle of beer, and not a telescope.

 

[scbackpacker]

Re: binoculars

I bought a pair of Nikon Action 10x40 from Grady's great outdoors for 50 bucks. Check out their web site they may still have them.
http://www.gradysoutdoors.com