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.