What binoculars to get ...

[Hai Nhi]

Is everyone getting ready to go boating this weekends?

We sure are ready, mentally. Hahaha. But still cramming to get more stuffs.

One of the things I'd like to get is a binocular. I was wondering what people use?

I mostly would only go to the CA Delta & lakes. And CA Bay Area coastal. We go camping & hiking too.

I was looking at a mega zoom and got mixed reviews on it. It seems heavy but I have a monopod & a tripod. What attracts me is the power (30-160x) but not sure if I find a need for it. Here's the "world most powerful" Amazon.com: Sunagor Mega Zoom Binoculars 30-160x70: Camera & Photo

Thanks.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

I liked binocs with a limited field of view. I think 6 worked best. I had some 50x10's once and on the water you couldn't hold still on an object due to the wave action. Never had that problem with the 6's course you didn't have as much to look at and had to move around to get the whole picture, but that's the point. It takes a lot of wave action to get you off your target.

Mark

 

[airshot]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

If using them while on your boat, anything with a high magnification will be useless. The slightest wave action will cause them to bounce so badly you won't see a thing. I have found a set of 7x50 navy glasses are about the maximum you can use yet still see. Had a pair of 10x
and they were worthless, that 3x extra power seemed like nothing until you get out to sea. 7x is the max magnification and the 50 mm lenses give a nice bright picture. Those would be recomendation.

Airshot

 

[Dam2009]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Bushnell Astralis 15x70.

Bushnell? Astralis 15 x 70 mm Binocular

 

[rallyart]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

I agree, nothing stronger than a 7 power but you should look at image stabilization ones. They cost more but the optics are always good. You can stand on a rolling boat and see a clear image. Mine are Canon but there are several brands out there.

 

[Ned L]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Yup about 7 power magnification (I do have 8 x and like them) is about the most that can be used on a boat, and get the widest range of view that you can. As has been said 7x 50 is good. Even down to 7x35 is ok.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Here are my choices:

Budget: Leupold BX-1 Yosemite 6x30 $90 at OpticsPlanet

Best all-around: Sightron SII "Blue Sky" 8x32 $180 at OpticsPlanet

Best high-dollar: Fujinon Techno-Stabi 14x40 $1095 at OpticsPlanet


The best, or "alpha", binos are made by Zeiss, Swarovski, and Leica. Nikon has a couple models in that range, also. They typically range from $1000-$2500 for the good binos. They all have fantastic glass, but you can't beat the Fujinons for on the water viewing, although they are heavy.

There are a lot of mid-range binoculars in the $300 - $800 range that give 95% of the ocular quality that the alphas give - most of those are made in China. Some of the better Chinese ones seem to be Zen-Ray and Leupold. Vortex has the best warranty in the business and great glass - their cheaper ones (Diamondback) are made in China and their better stuff (Viper) is made in Japan. The Sightrons I listed above are made in the Phillipines, and they have the same parent company in Japan that has Pentax and Kenko, all good glass.

Good reviews at allbinos.com

Good discussions/information/recommendations in the binoculars forum at birdforum.net, although those are mostly for binos in the 6x-10x range.

p.s. - I've never seen a "zoom" binocular with good optical quality. Some telescopes have better zooms, but still can't match the quality of a dedicated-power eyepiece. Also, the "focus-free" binos are good for a quick look at things, but aren't good for all-day viewing or tack-sharp focusing.

 

[Ned L]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

just be careful with reviews on something like a bird watching site (they have a nice steady 'platform' to view from). Seriously, on an unsteady platform such as a boat a magnification much above 7x or 8x and binoculars become less and less useful.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

just be careful with reviews on something like a bird watching site (they have a nice steady 'platform' to view from). Seriously, on an unsteady platform such as a boat a magnification much above 7x or 8x and binoculars become less and less useful.

True, but my three recommendations are based on my personal use, on a boat. I mentioned the online links only as a source for more information.

Btw, the stabilized binos can give you a little motion sickness, if you are prone to that, if you pan quickly with them.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

I always thought the big "Name" for Marine Binoculars was BARSKA.

Most models include Rangefinders and Illuminated Compass built in.

 

[dingbat]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

I keep two pairs of 7 x 50 on the boat

BoatUS Magazine: Consumer's Guide to Boat Binoculars

 

[Ned L]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

True, but my three recommendations are based on my personal use, on a boat. I mentioned the online links only as a source for more information.

Btw, the stabilized binos can give you a little motion sickness, if you are prone to that, if you pan quickly with them.

mrdancer - Oops, Sorry, I didn't at all intend to diminish the recommendation, but only to point out their difference in application. I was actually interested in seeing what they had to say as they are probably an excellent reference.

 

[Mason78]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Spend the money and get something made by Leupold. You will not regret it and they will last forever. We use their shooting optics for long range engagements at work. You can pound nails with them and they will hold zero. American Too!!

 

[Hai Nhi]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Great suggestions.

Thanks all. I'll read up little more on those recommended and see what fits my interests & ... Check book best .

By the way, I just got back from a day trip at Lake Cammanche. Wishes I had one with me.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

Spend the money and get something made by Leupold. You will not regret it and they will last forever. We use their shooting optics for long range engagements at work. You can pound nails with them and they will hold zero. American Too!!

I don't know about their scopes, but I'm pretty sure that all current Leupold binoculars are made in China. I believe their Golden Rings were the last to be produced stateside.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: What binoculars to get ...

No problem! Many birders are quite fanatical about their binoculars. They prefer 6x - 10x power, and typically smaller objectives than most mariners use (smaller objectives = lighter binos for all-day comfort). Most also prefer waterproofness.

Larger objectives do gather more light and are typically better in low-light conditions; however, this mostly only holds true if you have good eyes. As we age, we have less ability to take advantage of that extra light, so most folks over 40y.o. won't notice any difference in 32mm vs. 50mm objectives. Additionally, quality 32mm glass will give better low-light detail than poor to average 50mm glass.

Also, if you're on a budget, porro-prism binoculars generally have the same optical quality of roof-prism binoculars costing several hundred dollars more. The porros also offer a better 3D view than the roof models. However, it is more difficult to make porros waterproof, and they tend to be a little larger than roofs of the same specs. The trick is to know what is important to you for your condtions and then shop wisely. Try before you buy, if possible.