Help with binoculars!
 

OK - I took my $40 pair that I got free for my 5-year-employment gift out to watch the Sandhills Cranes. Not going to cut it. I'm pretty sure I've got it nailed down to the Nike Monarchs but do I want 8X or 10X? If any of you are binoc experts, please weigh in here. (And no matter what, I am not going above $300!) Thanks!

I purchased the 10x42's on Ebay for $230 and they were great, especially on the evening drives in the low light. I did alot of research and this board was very helpful. I didn't want to spend $1000 + more on binos since I had to buy new camera equipment.

I have 10*40 which are excellent. On safari the second number is quite important, it refers to the amount of light let in, this really helps in low light conditions.

I'd go for the 10X. I have 10 x 42 Nikon pair.

Thanks you all..Yep, it's the 8 or 10x42s that I'm looking at. There were a few safari sites that recommended the 8x and I couldn't understand quite why. If anyone knows the difference and can explain this in plain terms I'd be grateful. Lynn, you did a wonderful job with "heads up..." ;-)


Thanks again!
Sharon

I can't believe I wrote Nike!! I did mean Nikon of course.

CoonCat
8X or 10X is magnification index -
10X has more magnification but a narrower angle, meaning with an 8X it is easier to find a flying bird...
but - the more u use your binocs the better u r framing objects
another tip - there r "wide angle" 10X
(i have to check but i think the non-wideangle is about 5 degrees, 6 or 7 degrees is better)

The second figure, like napamatt noted, has to do with light index
40 is OK, 50 is better at low light situations. But optical quality is important - some 40s r better than 50s

for 300$ you'll get a good pair - not a Leitz or Zeiss - but a Nikon or Olympus or Minolta etc'

aby

mind u - most birdwatchers use Leitz or Zeiss 10X40 ...

Hi CoonCat,
We used the Canon 10 x 30 IS binoculars on our safari last month. They were fabulous and were image stabilized. Our guide, who had an excellent pair of binoculars, said they were the best binoculars he had ever used and wanted a pair. Take a look at them. With the frequently offered Canon rebates they will be under $300.
cj

Sharon-

I just ordered the 10x42 Monarchs on ebay myself, delivered for $230 but only by using a 10% off coupon. They were the top-rated 10x binocs in the Cornell Ornithology lab's 2005 survey:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publica...Age_Binos.html

The conventional knocks against 10x binos are 1) narrower field of view and 2) harder to hold steady for long periods and 3) theoretically less light than an 8x with the same objective diameter. In the case of the Monarchs, FOV difference seems neglible (314 vs 330 ft at 1000 yards). Points 2 and 3 are affected more by the particulars of a given model than just by the crude numbers (8x42, etc).

The review site Better View Desired (http://betterviewdesired.com - check out the reference set)has some articles that are quite critical of calculated values such as twilight factor, etc. That site brought to my attention the Swift ultra-lite and audubon models, but unfortunately they do no comparisons with the Monarchs.

A later issue of Cornell's living bird compared the Swift Ultra Lites very favorably to the Monarchs, though they are a bit heavier than the Nikons:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publica...tra_lites.html

The Swift Audubons come in a somewhat unique 8.5x44 configuration: just a bit more magnification than typical 8x and brighter than 10x binocs and probably most 8x as well. They come in both roof and porro versions. The roofs are lighter and nitrogen purged (porros are just waterproof, not fogproof). After much deliberation I felt the Monarchs were better for me because they were cheaper and much lighter.

Having said that, the Audubon porros deserve some consideration next to the similarly priced Monarch roofs. They are heavier (24.6 vs 21.1 oz) and much bulkier, but they have a huge field of view (430' at 1000 yards, but only if you don't wear eyeglasses). BVD compared the Swift porro favorably with Nikon Superior Es and Swarofsky ELs:

http://betterviewdesired.com/audubon/audubon.html

Sorry if I haven't provided much help on the Monarch 8x vs 10x issue. Cornell's survey rated the 8x better for handling, etc but my advice would be to handle both in a store. Unless the 8x felt way more comfortable, I would get the 10x. Swifts are hard to find in stores but you should take a look if you can. Good luck and please share your experience with whatever you purchase.

-Matt

Thanks again everyone! Matt- I did see that Cornell study which is what led me to the Monarchs. I tried them out in a store, and really I had no problem holdking the 10X steady. I will cehck them out again and then order them. Appreciate all the info. Where did you get that eBay coupon? Thanks again!
Sharon

has anyone ever taken night vision glasses

Hi Sharon,

Go with 10x42. When my 10x42s died at Londoz last year, I borrowed a set of very nice Zeiss 8x42s from my guide -- and spent the last day of my trip being aggravated by lack of magnification. I bought a new set of Leica 10x42s as soon as I got home.

Cheers,
Julian

Sharon-

If you've already given the 10x a spin I would just go with those without a second trial-run. Unfortunately the ebay coupon expired last week. Another unfortunate thing is that demand is high, so it is rare to get a pair below $240 (although I missed an auction where some fool had a pair for $75 buy-it-now!). Since they can be delivered for $250 from a real store I would probably go that route so you would definitely have the 25-year warranty.

-Matt

Hi Julian - Welcome back... from Egypt, I think? Thanks to you both. I'll price them out. ebay has several available, but maybe I'll just buy locally.

Cheers,
Sharon

cooncat:
We went back and forth between 8s and 10s (x 42) and decided on the 8s--but could have easily gone the other way. I am with Matt--if you have handled the 10s and they are comfortable then go for it.

My friend had the Nikon Monarchs and really liked them (as did our guide). Once I was in the field one of the most important features I liked was the ease of turning the focus dial. A quick focus was handy to catch some action. (and the Nikon Monarchs were very good for that. As were my Audubon glasses made by Eagle, for that matter.)

Thanks everyone~I've ordered the Monarch 10x42s!

Hello all-

My 10x42 Monarchs arrived and I've played around with them in the house a bit. My initial thought was how huge they looked compared to my 8x28 Pentax DCF MP set. The brightness of the two seems comparable and the extra magnification is nice, but there is less of a difference under low-light indoor conditions than I might have expected.

Just to complicate matters, Nikon is in the process of expanding their Monarch line. They are adding some 12x models (which most people would tell you leads to a distracting amount of hand shake). More interestingly, they are adding some mid-size binos (8x36 and 10x36). They only weigh about 10% less than the 42mm models but the difference in size is more striking. Since they have barely been released the prices are a bit higher than you'd expect (~270 USD for 10x36) but I suspect they'll come down.

Although enthusiasts will no doubt trumpet the merits of full-size binoculars, I think many people would be happy with mid-size binos (second number between 28 and 36). Given the great experience I've had with my Pentax set I know they can provide outstanding results, but the question becomes whether or not you can get a good set any cheaper than the full size binos. When space is tight or you actually have to haul them around on foot, however, the smaller size is nice.

-Matt

Given a similarity in price, is the advantage of image stabilization in a bouncing vehicle as represented by the Canon 10x30 better than getting the Nikon Monarch 10x42 with presumably better light collection in the evening? Thanks.

I know nothing, but I would be suprised if image stabilization would do much for you in a bouncing vehicle. I am very happy with my Monarchs. Thanks to all who weighed in on this one.

Sharon
50-something days to Zambia....

In low light conditions on safari I love the extra light that comes from the 42.

I'm going to be buying new 'noc's before my next wildlife trip and I've a certain set of criteria:

Weight - They have to be light. Back and shoulder problems make it hard for me to lift heavier models for long - on our first African safari I borrowed what I understand are an excellent pair from my dad but hardly touched them because they weighed so much.

FOV - I need as wide a field of vision as it's possible to get - I am just appallingly bad at finding my quarry - I can clearly see it with the naked eye, I try and memorise the shape and colour of the environment around it and goshdarnit, I lift the 'noc's to my eyes and I can't find it again for the life of me - I scan left and right, up and down to no avail. So wide field of vision is absolutely imperative if I'm to get anything from them.

Magnication - of course I'd like as much as possible and I've really appreciated 10x over 8x when I've looked through other peoples' pairs but this may be the consideration that has to be sacrificed to the rest.

Focus - I came across one set that had this weird autofocus - I do NOT understand how they worked but whatever I looked at whether close or far, they were pin sharp focused. I don't know if they autofocused or were set to some clever infinity thing (though I don't get how) but they were amazing. I don't want to lose time fiddling. If I DO have to fiddle to focus I need something EASY.

Oops, pressed Post to soon...

Just to top it all - I don't want to spend more than £250 if I can help it!!!

Talk about a tall order!

Anyway, any advice greatfully received.

It's difficult to choose... safari binoculars (viewing fast moving game AND birds) tips -
http://www.african-safari-journals.c...inoculars.html

I have a Bushnell 8x42 (sporty rubber finish, water resistant but not that this makes much difference to me) and make regular visits to the Kruger National Park - I find it perfect!

In answer to joeyi's question about night vision glasses: yes, I've taken a night vision scope several times. It is handy to see what's munching on a late-night snack outside your tent/lodge. I've stopped taking it, though, because (1) you have to be outside your tent in order to use it, (2) there has to be some ambient light, such as moonlight, and (3) it is somewhat bulky and I'd rather use the space for camera equipment. I found I didn't use it as much as I thought I would. I use a video camera and found I could use the "night shot" feature sometimes in lieu of the night vision scope.

Can anyone help with three questions regarding binocular purchase--
first, should the binoculars be waterproof? Second, does anyone know what stores in the Boston area have a good selection? Both REI and EMS have very limited choices on hand, and I really want to handle the binoculars before buying. Third, any recommendations of specific 8x40 or 8x42 binoculars that are reasonably lightweight and less expensive than the Nikon Monarchs already discussed? Thanks!!!

Cosmos - I paid $255 for my Monarchs on ebay. I have been using them in my back yard (LOL) and I have to say that they have already opened up a whole new world for me. I may even (GASP) become a birder. It is so cool watching the comings and goings in my neighborhood trees!

For the money (they are by far not the most expensive binocs out there) I think they are pretty great. They focus quickly and the image quality is wonderful. Just my thoughts.

Cosmos-

Hopefully you've found someplace to try the Monarchs out, but if not I have suggestions. I don't like thinking about it, but Monarchs are marketed to and popular with hunters. Thus try sporting goods stores which cater to that "sport." I was able to try out a pair at Dick's Sporting Goods in Atlanta, and it looks like they have two stores in the Boston area.

-Matt

Thank you coocat2 and Matt for your advice--I'll check out the Monarchs if I can find them locally, and try sporting goods stores like Dick's for other binoculars. During my on-line research, I've found the description of Swift Instruments-Ultra Lite 8x42 Porro Waterproofs to be interesting, but again, have not found a local Boston store to test them out. Actually, I have to buy two pairs of binoculars--for myself and my daughter, hence the need to keep costs low. Do you think it would be a good idea to buy two different magnifications/light indexes?

Sorry-forgot to ask again about necessity of the waterproof binoculars. I was told by one store that waterproof/fogproof is essential. Thanks all

Cosmos - I am no expert on binocs so I hope someone else can answer these questions. I would think that fogproof and waterproof would be a very good thing, but that's just me. Less to worry about. If I were to get a second pair, I might consider going with the 8x42s, for the reason Kavey mentioned above. I was outside just this weekend and had slight difficulties in finding my target once the goggles were in place! The 8x42s offer a wider field of vision... or something like that. I understand about the cost. I wasn't even going to take binocs, then I wasn't going to buy new ones. But once I tried them out, there was no going back, and I can't imagine going to Africa without them.
Cheerio,
Sharon

The Nikon Monarchs seem to be the binoculars of choice here. But has anyone tried the Meade Kestrel 10x42 Premium Field Binocular Ultra Close Focus? They are on sale for $155.00 on binoculars dot com while the Nikon 10x42 Monarch ATB sell for twice as much: $299.95. Is there any difference since they are both 10x42? Pardon my ignorance on this subject...

the meade kestrels 10x42 also caught my eye--anyone with personal experience with these binoculars?

I've seen 4 pairs of 10x42's on the B&H website, 2 Olympus, 1 Vivitar, and 1 Bushnell, ranging in price from $99 to $159. These are considerably less than the Nikons mentioned here, and I'm also wondering what accounts for the large difference in price. Is there that much of a difference in quality?

I really can't spend $300 on binocs!

Again, I am no expert - not even close. there was a huge difference between my Monarchs and my old Bushnell 7x35s or whatever they are. I wouldn't have shelled out the money otherwise.
The best thing would be for you to go and try them out. If you are comfortable with the less expensive binoculars, that is all that matters! Good luck! ((@))

The specs on the Meade certainly look comparable and they have a nice warrantee, but I couldn't find anyone who reviewed them. While I was searching, I came across the thread "$200 birding binoculars" on Birdforum: www.birdforum.net/archive/index.php/t-56677

The posts had recommendations for the Bushnell Nature View and the Nikon Action Ex. I subscribed to the forum to see more, and it is really a treasure trove of bino information. I thought it would be folks who wouldn't use anything but Leica, Swarovsky, and Zeiss. Most have those high-end binoculars, but many also own half a dozen more reasonably priced models. Here's a compilation of some advice for those looking to be more economical:

1. Consider porro prisms. At a given price, they should be brighter and offer a wider FOV than roofs. The down side is bulk and weight, which could be big for travelers to Africa.

2. Decide how important water resistance is for you. If you plan to use the binoculars extensively in the rainforest then it is probably worth getting nitrogen-purged/fogproof. If they only need to stand up to the occasional spattering of rain drops, then you can save money and go with water-resistant. If you are in between, you could save by getting waterproof but not nitrogen-purged.

Cheaper models recommended on Birdforum (as is often the case w/ birders, most prefer the 8x version):

Roofs:
1. Bushnell Nature View $110-120: I think waterproff but not fogproof
2. Bushnell Excursion $150-160: Like Nature View but heavier and with phase coating. Birdforum opinion was sharply divided on these.

These porros are nitrogen purged:
1. Nikon Action EX 8x40 $115-140: These had several recommendations
2. Minolta Activa $120-140

I will reiterate the suggestion of others to try a few out. Your binoculars only need to satisfy you, not some fussy birding reviewer.

-Matt

Two more suggestions:

1. Nikon Sporter roof prisms (8x36, 10x36). It sounds like these are being phased out by the new Monarchs. They are the same size as the Monarch x42s and a bit heavier, but are under $100 for 8x and one store has the 10x for $120.

2. Bushnell Legend Porros. The Legend roofs are said to be comparable to the Monarchs. 8x42 for $100 and 10x50 for $110.