digital camera binoculars for safari?
 

I was researching a good pair of binoculars for my upcoming safari, & discovered a wide range of Digital Camera Binoculars w/ Memory Slots. They are relatively inexpensive, for example Bushnell 10 x 25 starting at 55 USD! They sound ideal for a safari.

Does anyone have experience with them?

Should I get 1 of those instead of old fashion binoculars?

Here are 2 threads that discuss this:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35003381

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35003381

Here’s an outside source. I agree with the excerpt quoted.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sp...ra-binoculars/

“However, reviews agree that if top-notch image quality is your aim, you're better off buying regular binoculars plus an ultra-zoom digital camera. Ultra-zoom digital cameras can match or exceed the magnification offered by digital cameras by using sharp optical zoom, offering much better image quality than any camera binoculars now available.”

Lots of threads on binocs in general

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34948209
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34662770
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34660178
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34819029
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34817047
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34845814

I can always count on atravelynn for some good advice.

I read all the threads. I think you're right, I'm going to stick with regular binoculars. Instead I'm going to ugrade my present digital camera with a good accessory zoom lense. Now I just need to THAT out :)

Any suggestions on what "strength" lense would suit my needs?

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.

Now i just have to figure out

What is your camera now?
regards - tom

Thanks Tom. I have a Nikon 995. Any direction would be appreciated :)

995 ok camera, but limited on lens zoom range to 152mm (35mm equiv). You'll probably wish for more zoom. I'd be very reluctant to attach any adapter lenses to the front of it to increase the lens power. Try it first, if you like it, then fine.
But a better, quick, simple, and good answer is - get a Canon S3 IS, $282 from Amazon.com (includes shipping and no tax). You'll also need a couple of SD memory cards, about $30 each card for 2 gig cards. And batteries and charger. If you like the idea of this Canon S3, don't wait too long, it is "last years" model and will disappear very soon.
Take your 995 as backup or let someone else with you use it.

regards - tom

Thanks so much for your advice. I'm just a little confused. Aren't the Canon S3 IS binoculars just regular binoculars? what are the memory cards for?

I read this in another thread, but didn't quite understand:

"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."

Is that person talking about somehow taking pictures THROUGH the binoculars?

OOPS never mind. I just realized you were talking about the Canon 3S IS digital camera, & not the Canon 10x30 IS binoculars I've read some much about on here.

Unfortunately, I also need to buy binoculars & can't afford to get another digital camera as well. I was hoping a lens attachment would do the trick. I did find a CrystalVue 8x32 lens:
http://www.ckcpower.com/monoculars.h...STALVUE%208X32

What do you think?

I am still curious if that other person used his binoculars in conjunction with his camera to take pics?

here it is attached to the Nikon 995:

http://www.scopetronix.com/crystalvue.htm

What is the effective f stop with one of these attached? Probably useful only in full sunlight.
And it costs $150. Forget it. Or, spend another $150 and get the Canon S3 (digital camera).

regards - tom

do you think since the magnification with the Canon S3 IS is 12x optical zoom, that I could get just as close as with binoculars 12x25?

Looking/viewing through binoculars and through a camera like your 995 or Canon S3 are not comparable to me. The binoculars are much better. Would you rather look/view through your 995 or binoculars? Can you see the difference in quality of the "image" that you see? Have you gone to a store like Target and tried different binoculars? Binoculars and cameras are rather personal choices/preferences and it really depends on what you LIKE. As for me and binoculars you ask, I don't like to use them and rarely carry them.

regards - tom

I bought a pair of binoculars for my trip to Kenya this summer, the Canon 10x30 with Image Stabilization. I'd previously used 7x or maybe 8x compact binoculars.

When the Canons arrived, I took them out in the backyard and was not pleased. I could see the squirrels in the trees ok, but the binoculars were way heavier and bulkier than my old Nikons. And there didn't seem to be that much of a difference in viewing.

Boy, was I wrong.

In the bush, the difference became spectacular. Instead of viewing squirrels at 200 feet, I was looking at crocodiles from across a wide river, or cheetah running 500 yards away. or lines of migrating wildebeest miles away. The Image Stabilization made all the difference in the world, and the extra weight and bulk was totally worth it.