binoculars, spotting scope, or both?
 

My wife and I are going to Alaska Aug 2006, for 19 day cruise tour, we can't wait!
Wondering if it's best to get binoculars for each of us or binoculars and a spotting scope. Also, any recommendations for binoculars power and lense size would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

Since the bulk of your time is interior, you need at least a 10 power binocular, I have no experience with a spoting scope, but something for EACH person is needed. IF you are also looking for marine wildlife, wide angle is necessary. My preference is my trusty wide angle 10x50 binoculars.

Dan, You will need something very powerful as distances are extreme. If you've seen the equipment being used to capture Golf Tour or baseball events that about what the size you'll require. I saw people there with cameras and scopes mounted on rifle stocks because of the size of their equipment.

Go for the best your budget can afford . . .you won't regret the investment once you are there.

Have a great trip! ;-)

Yes, I also recommend binoculars for both of you. There are so many choices and all have 'trade-offs' of weight, power, zoom, light gathering, etc. Sportsmans Guide has a large selection on-line and you can browse through them all. Try: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/brows...bt=N&s=161
The first number of the description specifies the power of the lens and the second number specifies the size of the end opening. The larger the end opening, the better the light gathering. Be careful with the weight as they can really wear your neck out after awhile. Suggestion: Get a wide & soft camera type strap to replace the one that comes with the binocular. Prices range from around $30 to well over $600.

I've been following this thread since I too need binoculars for AK this summer. Thanks for the info since I know NOTHING! I think I've narrowed my choices now to these 3 based on at least 10x50, weight, FOV which I assume is field of vision-looking for a wide angle, and price. What do you think?
1)Barska Xtreme View 10x50, FOV 400 @ 1,000, 30 oz, $54.97
2)Carson 12x63, FOV 340 @ 1,000, 36 oz, $99.97 (These are 10"1' long which seems long to me.)
3)Carson Osprey 10x50, FOV 342 @ 1,000, 30 oz, $69.97
Thanks for a recommendation!

Based on your need for a wide FOV, it looks like the Barska Xtreme View 10x50, FOV 400 @ 1,000, 30 oz, $54.97 may be your best choice. Without 'hands on' comparison, it is impossible to give a definitive recommendation as to quality. Good luck.

Perhaps I could also suggest a digital camera with a BIG optical zoom (10X+) for the many great opportunities you will have to shoot wildlife.

Thanks to everyone for the advice, and we are def. going to look at the "superzoom" digital cameras, 12x zoom etc.

Thanks again,
Dan

We used a 12x zoom on our (Canon)camera last year. Just be sure it's an optical zoom . . . the digital zoom that comes on most digital cameras loses clarity pretty fast.

Great references here . . .printing to save for future purchases. Thanks everyone! :)

Dan,

The main thing you need to understand about binoculars is that just because a bird is BIGGER doesn't mean you can see it BETTER! A big brown bird that you can't see the markings on is still an unknown.

The gold standard for birding binoculars has for years been the Zeis 7 X 42. (Although now many people spring for the image stabilized ones - really big bucks.) The reason? Their amazing lens - it gathers light like you can't believe. They run over $1,000. I've had a pair for years and they are the best thing I've ever bought. (Seriously.)

You need to go to a good camera store and take the binoculars outside and try them out (a good shop will let you do that). Cornell Lab of Ornithology occasionally does a real binocular review - you might try to hunt that down (call them).

You each need binoculars, because you will most likely be looking at moving targets through them.

But you do not each need a scope (I mean, it would be nice, but you can get away with one). In general, if a bird is in the scope it is sitting relatively still and you have time to step away and someone else can look at it too. I have an old Bushnell Spacemaster. They are pretty cheap, and many birders used them years ago and still do. Now, some people will spend a LOT of money on a scope, but the optics are tricky on a scope and to get really good optics it is way too expensive for my taste.

Of course if you buy a scope you also need a sturdy tripod. Consider weight if you planning on carrying it.

And don't forget a bird book! I still prefer the Peterson books.

Have fun!

Here is a review, but it is from 1999:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/publica...g99/binos.html

Orlando_Vic has the right idea about a digital camera with a 10x, or higher, optical zoom. Forget the numbers for digital zoom - they are basically worthless. Some of the newer cameras also have optical stabilization which is a GREAT plus when using the higher powered zoom lenes. Suggestion: One use the camera and the other the binoculars. Might also consider a small tripod.

PS: If you do go for a digital camera, be sure it has good low-light capabilities and a rapid recovery for additional shots. Some offer a 'burst' mode that takes 3 or more shots in rapid mode. This can insure one great shot. Be sure to use it a lot before your trip since digital cameras can have a 'shutter lag' that will mess up your early attempts. A good site for reviews: http://www.steves-digicams.com/

PPS: The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ7K Digital Camera sure looks pretty good. Take a look at: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/fz7.html
This is a totally new camera scheduled to be on market just now and priced at $400. I am in 'camera lust'.

If you do consider a digital camera that offers very short 'shutter lag' and very fasy multiple shot capabilities, do not skimp on the memory card. The camera I mentioned above uses a Secure Digital (SD) card but there are several types available. This camera comes with a 16 MB card but that is a joke (much too small). You will need at least 512 MB or, better, a 1 GB card and must use the newer 'Ultra Fast' type to take advantage of the camera's advanced features. You can Google and find some good deals on the web.