Binoculars?

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Greetings,
Although I have been regular reader of E&G for more than 4 YEARS, this is the first time I have registered and posted a topic.

I would like to buy Bushnell 16 x 32 in USA, so please write if you know similar binoculars with the same performance and price, also from which web sites to order.
Thanks.

[DeltaWhisky58]

Sixteen power binoculars are far too powerful for normal use. Owing to the high magnification you will find it very difficult to hold them steady or target.

8x32 or 8x40 make very good general purpose binos and can be obtained from most makers.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

DeltaWhisky58, thanks for your response,
but I already own Tasco 10 x 25 & Tasco 10 x 50.
The Tasco 10 x 25 does not provide me with the enough magnification I need and due to small angle of view provides quite dark view even in normal daylight conditions. I have really steady hands so 16x is no problem, believe me.
The Tasco 10 x 50 is OK, but too heavy and bulky, and since it's 9 years old has developed a small malfunction due to extensive use.

[Zarkus]

Why don't you try Steiner....they must be good...if you are willing to pay the price (although, beeng from the same place....cant say i've seen some) :)
But since you are planing to order them from the net......

Pozdrav!

[oldsoak]

May I ask why a 16x32 ? This will provide an exit pupil of 2mm - less than the 10x25's - and what you gain in field of view you may loose in light transmission.
What do you intend to use it for and under what conditions ?

[East Scout II]

Steiner Predators..8x30

Tasco= China made junk that never stand even moderate field use..


ES

[TacoDelRio]

Steiners are great. Great light transmission. Why do they have great light transmission? Because they aren't pieces of junk filled with glass like the Tasco models.

Steiners for the win.

[Limeyfellow]

The older Tascos from the 70s are Japanese optics and really good quality. I got a pair of the good old ones but the chinese optics and makings really had poor quality control and you can either have okay ones or poor ones. My quality Tasco is a 10x50 from the 60s. Great clear japanese optics, well built, both tubes are independently adjustable. I use it mainly for bino astronomy and mounted to keep them steady.

I have a Bushnell in 10x50. Cheap quality but it also means I don't cry if they get broken. I take them camping, or when I want to check something out quickly in the area. They are fairly heavy but extremely fast to adjust and pick up a large amount of light. The lenses though are no where are clear as my other big binoculars.

When hiking I take a small pair of Bushnell 10x25 binoculars. Mainly because they are light and compact, but I get an okay view of some objects and lets me read signs and such from much further away. Again fairly cheap.

Theres also an older tasco 7x35. They are much lighter from the late 80s. They still built fairly well and though the optics aren't as good its from Hong Kong. They are fairly handy for camping and in the car and okay built to resist damage especially compared to newer tascos. It won't give you the same amount of light however so its a bit of an inbetween choice without carrying around something thats rather heavy or really small and cheap.

[Flagg]

Don't be afraid to consider buying USED glass.

I bought a pair of Swarovski Habicht 7X42 binos in great nick for about the same price as a cheap pair of Bushnell binos.

I'm pretty sure my Swarovski glass will be around long enough for my two boys to fight over.

So consider USED......just a thought

This is a public service announcement by your tightwad mod Flagg ;)

[digrar]

You're total transformation to being a Kiwi is getting closer and closer. p-)
I imagine you can almost feel your arms getting shorter and pockets getting deeper by the second....

[DeltaWhisky58]

Don't be afraid to consider buying USED glass.

I bought a pair of Swarovski Habicht 7X42 binos in great nick for about the same price as a cheap pair of Bushnell binos.

I'm pretty sure my Swarovski glass will be around long enough for my two boys to fight over.

So consider USED......just a thought

This is a public service announcement by your tightwad mod Flagg ;)

I'd second that - I also have a pair of Swaovski 8x32sand used to also have 8x56 from the same maker - they don't come much better.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Zarkus contact me at: bocevskid@yahoo.com, I'm really glad someone else from MK has started to visit MP.net.
I have used Steiner 8 x 30 while in Macedonian Army service, it was solid in ever aspect, it was donation of used army binoculars from Germany, but new Steiner is too expensive for me, I regularly receive Cabelas master catalogs and the prices are too much.

oldsoak & others, I intend to use it from dawn till dusk but mostly during the day while mountain climbing, hiking, for distant observation of objects and personnel and since I'm a true E&G addict I believe you'll understand me. You mention lose of light transmission due to exit pupil of 2mm, please elaborate more.

I'm quite happy with the Tasco 10 x 50 since I buy it in USA 9 years ago for around 30$, but "I need something with less weight and volume while at the same time packing a bigger punch". My Tasco 10 x 25 is old 6-7 years, bought for 25$, extensively used but still in great condition & does the job, but if possible to buy something better why not try.

Flagg & DeltaWhiskey58 please point me to some web sites where I could order solid quality used binos for a reasonable price with mailing address in Virginia, USA. I'm seriously considering this option after your comments.

[oldsoak]

In binos, the higher the magnification means the smaller the exit pupil for a given size of objective lens - divide the size of the objective lens by the magnification power to give you the size of the exit pupil.- a 16x32 gives 2mm - the human eye dilates up to 7mm in low light - thats why marine binoculars are often 7x50 . If you are viewing objects in bright sunlight, its not so much of a problem - in low light you wont get as much light into the eye. I use 7x42's and they are a great all round bino especially at dawn or dusk. If you need the power in a compact package, then you have to loose the low light ability.
btw - as Flagg pointed out, take a good look at good second hand binos from a reputeable dealer. You can often get a bargain.

[GazB]

Used binos are a good option... a lot of binoculars get used once or twice and then get left in the drawer for a decade.

Regarding brightness quality of lenses and the various coatings are important but exit pupil is the most important factor. The exit pupil is the diameter of the focussed image and is determined by the ratio of the magnification and the objective lense in mms. A pair of 16 x 32 binos has an exit pupil size of 2mm... in other words the focussed image is 2mm across. If the exit pupil is smaller than your pupil then the image will appear dark in places and the image will shake around because only part of the light entering your eye is properly focussed, the rest is scattered light that is unfocussed. If you need high power then you also need larger objective lenses... though this will make the binos heavy and large. Depending upon light conditions the human eye has a pupil of 4-7mm across. As you get older your pupils become less elastic and open less (leading to poorer night vision) and may only open to 5-6mm. An exit pupil of 7mm or greater is best for stable clear images... 7 x 35mm binos are good enough for use in good light though.

Oops Oldsoak beat me to this.

Could suggest variable power binos might be a good compromise with high power and good all round use..

[Beer Monster]

If you are looking for a cheap pair then I suggest you go for a porro prism (http://www.binoculars101.com/bin-design-design.html)
rather than a roof prism as they tend to be significantly cheaper if a little bulky.

Swarovski and Leica are probably two of the best makes on the market but your need to take out a second mortgage to buy them. I tend to favor the Nikon Sporter binoculars. Excellent quality with very clear and crisp lenses but are relatively inexpensive (for a roof prism). I've got 8x36 DCF in the UK for £99 (about $186) reduced from £199 ($373). They are a bit heavy but they are hardwearing and have taken quite a few knocks and scrapes. I think the Nikon porro prisms are called the "Action" range.

Apart from the above advice on exit pupil size the only other advice I'd give is go for the most expensive pair you can afford (whilst also taking heed of Flaggs used binos) ...... with binoculars you definitely get what you pay for.

[DeltaWhisky58]

I still totally fail to understand why you need something as powerful as 16x magnification - the field of view is so narrow that this makes searching for any target difficult.

I have used binoculars of 10x and 12x, but still find 8x to be the best compromise.

[Beer Monster]

I still totally fail to understand why you need something as powerful as 16x magnification - the field of view is so narrow that this makes searching for any target difficult.

I have used binoculars of 10x and 12x, but still find 8x to be the best compromise.

Aye. And once you have found what ever you are searching for trying to keep the view steady is quite tricky (without a bean bag/tripod).

I'd definitely go for the 8x.

Sounds strange but I'd also recommend doing exercises to strengthen your eyes and "increase" visual acuity. People who are stuck in an office all day have lazy eyes and it's amazing how quickly you can actually improve your sight with a few simple exercises that you can perform when going to get your lunch each day etc.

[oldsoak]

If 16x is whats needed, I'd go for a spotting scope and a support of some kind.
@FROGFOOT-MKDN
How much are you prepared to pay ?

[DeltaWhisky58]

Oldsoak - couldn't agree more - scope normally means better optics optimised for longer range use. Tripod/sandbag best for steady support.

[Herrmannek]

Damn bridstalkers :)

[GazB]

I find variable power rifle scopes are useful while hunting but the field of view you get from a decent pair of binos means I normally carry a pair when I hunt.
Usually 7 x 40s I find are the best compromise of power, weight and size, and brightness. My scope is a 3-9 power which, particularly when using it without binos is very useful... 3x power to scan and shoot and up to 9x power to identify the target and search the area around the target for things I don't want to shoot. If it is a valid target and there is a good backstop I usually reduce to x3 to take the shot as it makes holding the crosshair on target easier.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

On the question by DeltaWhiskey58, why 16x, I thought since the Tasco 10 x 50 is broken & was heavy & bulky, the Tasco 10 x 25 provided fairly dark picture & not so detailed, I thought why not something as Bushnell 16 x 32.

Scope with support(already have fairly acceptable aluminum tripod from the broken telescope) is also an option since this idea came up, I was looking at some 20-60 x 60 scopes at Cabelas catalogs, but the price might be a bit too much. I'm well aware, as some pointed out, that with optics, what you pay is what you get, but that is almost always true with any E&G.

I will look into Nikon Sporter & Action as well as variable magnification models.

Since I'm not paying, but a very close relative, I should choose something reasonable.

Also please post links to online stores for second hand binos.

[DeltaWhisky58]

Frogfoot - I think you are missing the point here. Re-read the previous posts and then have a further look at your needs - I still doubt that 16x is ideal for you, or for many non-static users. Many buyers of high-powered binos subsequently find that the field of view is far to narrow, and that they have difficulty in acquiring, let alone staying on target with them.

[Flagg]

You're total transformation to being a Kiwi is getting closer and closer. p-)
I imagine you can almost feel your arms getting shorter and pockets getting deeper by the second....

My wife says I don't just pinch pennies, I make them scream.

You should see my nappy and baby wipe spreadsheet :)

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

DeltaWhiskey58, I believe I understood you quite good & since you are probably older & more experinced than me, I respect your advices. I exchanged ideas with some who own high magnification binos & they warned me also on the same issues. I still believe that porro prism 10 x 50 is the best, but the issue of weight & volume remain unsolved. So what would be your advice on a model with porro prism 10 x 50?

[DeltaWhisky58]

I would look at one of the well established Japanese makers - Nikon, Pentax, Canon - unless your funds will stretch to a European maker - Swarovski, Zeiss, Optolyth etc.

I'm not sure these days who makes what because a good pair of binos should last a lifetime, and thus I haven't bought any in a long time.

I use Swarovski 8x32 and have a pair of Opticrom 8x32 for backup. I previously used Swarovski 8x56 but sold those on when I found them too heavy.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

After all I decided for now to stay with the Tasco 10x25. Thanks to all on your advices.
Anyone who knows stores like Cabelas who send internationally free catalogs by mail, please post links.

[TonyT]

Both Bushnell and Tasco are affordable bino's but neither comes close to the clarity or durability of Steiner or even Leupold. Last year I purchased 12x56 Nighthunter XP bino's and was amazed how much clearer they are. It is especially noticeable when spotting in the evening. They aren't cheap but if you need something very rugged with great optics and can stand the weight/bulk then this is an excellent choice.

[East Scout II]

If you buy Tasco you'll be buying another set very soon...I have a 100$ set of Leupolds here Ill sell for half that..Great set..Almost as good as My Stieners..

ES

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

East Scout, what's the characteristics of the Leupold you're selling & please post photo if possible.
Thanks.

[Zarkus]

Welcome back, frogfoot!

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Thanks for the greeting Zarkus.

If anyone else is selling used binoculars please write here or send me e-mail with price, brand, characteristics and so on.

[Tony Williams]

THIS (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/Binocs.htm) might be of some use to people wanting to find out about binoculars.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)

[East Scout II]

Here are my Leuo's and my Steiners..Both 8x30..Both hydrogen filled to prevent fogging and waterproof..Both are rubber armored....I like both but I prefer the Steiners for quality and the warrenty...The eye pieces on the Leuo's seem to fit my face better but the shaped ones on the Steiners geet out the light as they are shaped to fit. The Steiners are a one time set focus to imfinity while the Leuos have to be focused everytime you change your viewed objective..

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04288.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04287.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04286.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04285.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04284.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04283.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04282.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04281.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04280.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04280.jpg

ES

[Jabroni]

These are great, British Issue, Especially the Green Bino Prisim No5 Mk5 ones

http://www.anchorsupplies.com/bonino5.jpg

http://www.qcmilitaria.com/bins/bin15.jpg

http://www.anchorsupplies.com/binosno2.jpg

Although slightly outdated, They are still in use since WW2.

Look out for German U Boat Binoculars, Theyre Similar and effective.

Or just look out for a 'Monocular', Nice n' Nifty and easier to stash away.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

My definite decision is the Nikon Action Extreme 8x40, 125 $, from www.opticsplanet.net

What do you guys think?

[Tony Williams]

I've not seen them so I can only comment on the paper specification.

They seem like a solid, quality pair with a good general-purpose spec.; I doubt that you'll have any cause for disappointment. If I'm being picky, I'd say that they don't have an especially wide field of view, and if you're going for long hikes might they be a bit weighty?

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Hi Tony,
If you want the bigger field if view, the weight starts to add up a lot.
This model weight is 855 g. & should be OK even during long hikes.

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

I've ordered the Nikon Action Extreme 8x40, 125 $, from www.opticsplanet.net, but the thing is that they ask me to send them BY E-MAIL, scanned photos of the front & back of the credit card & scanned order form with the credit card number. They claim this is to prevent fraud, but I've ordered so far a lot of stuff on-line from other sites & no one has asked for this.
Any opinions?

[Beer Monster]

I've ordered the Nikon Action Extreme 8x40, 125 $, from www.opticsplanet.net (http://www.opticsplanet.net), but the thing is that they ask me to send them BY E-MAIL, scanned photos of the front & back of the credit card & scanned order form with the credit card number. They claim this is to prevent fraud, but I've ordered so far a lot of stuff on-line from other sites & no one has asked for this.
Any opinions?

Yup they have it all written down on the policy page of their website. It only applies to international orders. However, I'd recommend emailing it to them. The also suggest faxing it to them ....... this is a better option IMHO. Their fax number is on the page linked above under the "international orders heading".

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

Got the binos 3 days ago, like it a lot, very comfortable to view & hold, looks & feels robust enough.

[Remington Rand]

Why don't you try Steiner....they must be good...if you are willing to pay the price (although, beeng from the same place....cant say i've seen some) :)
But since you are planing to order them from the net......

Pozdrav!

Steiners are great. I own the Police 8x30s and they are really great. Depends what you need them for, so they may not be suitable for you. I can vouch for Steiner quality though. I havent had much luck with Tasco binos or scopes. RR

[Remington Rand]

Here are my Leuo's and my Steiners..Both 8x30..Both hydrogen filled to prevent fogging and waterproof..Both are rubber armored....I like both but I prefer the Steiners for quality and the warrenty...The eye pieces on the Leuo's seem to fit my face better but the shaped ones on the Steiners geet out the light as they are shaped to fit. The Steiners are a one time set focus to imfinity while the Leuos have to be focused everytime you change your viewed objective..

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04288.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04287.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04286.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04285.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04284.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04283.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04282.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04281.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04280.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m210/eastscout/dsc04280.jpg

ES

I have a cheaper version of the Steiners and they are great. The predators are a step up, and should suit you well if you are willing to shell out the cash. They arent cheap.

[H3]

If this helps any, $199 - 40% saving on normal Price.

http://www.binoculars.com/products/steiner-8x30-military-marine-679.html

[Tony Williams]

I advise caution, and a thorough test, before buying any "fixed focus" binoculars. They work fine for people with normal vision, but may not otherwise. I have one eye shortsighted, and the fixed-focus just doesn't work for me.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)

[FROGFOOT-MKDN]

I was also considering Steiner & was thinking about the Steiner Military-Marine 8x30 for 200$, but the Nikon Action EX 8x40 for 125$ were a great deal, I would recommend them to anyone.