I know nothing about binoculars. In three weeks we leave for 2 1/2 weeks in Tanzania. Can't wait. We are a family of four: me, my wife and daughters (16 and 19) on a private tour. Should each of us have our own binoculars? On the one hand, I hate to buy that many. On the other hand, it is a relative pittance compared to this pricey trip.

I already have a Bausch & Lomb "Hemisphere" 10x42. But the odds and ends around the house go quickly down from there: 1) an ancient pair of Swift "Tourist" 7 x 35; 2) Tasco 7 x -15x35 (I'm not even sure what that "15" means); 3) several of the small sort people use at concerts...I don't know the magnification. Bushnell and Nikon.

Should I pop for 2-3 pair more? I read a good thread that really recommended the Nikon Monarch 10 x 42, for about $250. But three of those is still a few bucks.

Opinions?

I didn't own binos prior to my trip so I decided to invest in new Nikon Monarchs ATB. I did consider renting them from Silva's in LA, asking friends if they had any to borrow or purchasing used ones off Ebay or a local camera shop. I wouldn't have wanted to share mind so I think each should have their own. I ended up buying new off Ebay and they worked perfect!

correction: Samy's Camera in Los Angeles, not Silvio's. Its getting late, sorry.

Everyone needs them. Try out the old ones - if they work and weight is okay use them - the 7 x 35 is enough. The opera glasses won't really do, whatever the magnification.

Make sure everyone tries out their binoculars before you go and is comfortable holding and looking through them.

I agree you should all have them. I definitely wouldn't want to be waiting my turn.

I recently researched the 8x42 Nikon ATB Monarchs and most reviews were very positive. You get fine optics for the price.

A 10x magnification might be hard to handle (ie,shaky.) 8x42 is generally considered ideal for safari.

You'll be much happier if you all have binoculars, and you can get a good set for less than $100. I use the Nikon 10x25 Travelite, and its $85 from B&H Photo. You definitely do not need to spend $250 for a decent set of binoculars.

We went with two very cheap pairs of binocs and it wasn't a problem. My take is that if it wasn't that visible with the naked eye, it wasn't that rewarding to see with binocs either. In fact, DH never used his pair because his eyesight was good enough and if he was that interested, he used the camera, took a photo and zoomed later. Obviously that doesn't work for watching "action" but then "action" through binocs isn't that great. So what's my point? what you have may be fine without needing to buy anything new. Of course, it is better to have and not need than need and not have but thought I would give a different opinion.

schlegal1, I think your comments clearly demonstrate the problems with cheap (low quality) binoculars. High quality binoculars, which need not be expensive, enhance viewing.

Thit_cho - Probably right for most people but we also borrowed our guide's high-quality binocs on several viewings and I felt the same--not for me. For me, it's just a preference not to be looking through binocs. But one doesn't know one's preference until one's tried it.

dear nhulberg
i support all writers
except schlegal1 -
just an example: looking at a Lilac-breasted Roller's colours bthrough binocs (& listenung to the "Wow"s) is nothing like the bare eye or even through a tele-lens...
aby

This stuff does add up. My DH and I shared a pair of 9x30 Nikon (REI 110. USD) binocs. and were very pleased with them but not with sharing. Luckily, our guide had the same pair that he donated to the cause. I believe most vehicles will have an extra pair for you. It's probably unlikely that all 4 of you will want them at the exact same time and at least one person will likely be taking photos. So you need to decide if you'd like to spring for 4 pairs... (ouch) and if you'll use them in the future. Your kids will appreciate having nice binocs. later in life if you think they will take care of them.
Good luck!
Sherry

I would say for birds the binocs are essential. For mammals much less so, the 10*25 recommended at B&H is a great deal, they are light and cheap, almost throw away, but will enhance the experience.

My reply is thit cho's reply.

Binoculars are a must, but not one for each person in my opinion.

You won't need them every second, but they sure come in handy when there is a leopard in a tree and you can't see him well with the naked eye

nhulberg

as in your other thread I vote again for Steiner wildlife 10x 26 !!

Hi nhulberg,
I'm not sure if you've made your decision yet but my one bit of advise would be to go to a location such as REI where you'll get good info. and be able to handle and try out the binocs. One of the reasons I went with the 9 magnification was that I did find the 10's (with the exeption of the ones with the built in IS) to be too shakey. I figured that if the 10's were shakey in a flat motionless setting (the store) they would surely be worse in a vehicle with wind conditions etc.
Best of Luck!
Sherry

We struggled with this decision, but in the end we got binoculars for both of us. It was the best idea! I would have hated to wait for my turn...

Another thing, we have a very simple Canon SD100 digital camera, with a very limited zoom function. I tried using my 10x50 binocs as a telephoto lens, and it worked beautifully!! I got some great closeups! My wifes 7-15X35 binocs didn't work as well for this purpose... the 50 diameter lets in enough light for great pictures.