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RAUK - Archived Forum - Advise on - Optics

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Advise on - Optics:

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Dave1812
Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2008
No. of posts: 42


View other posts by Dave1812
Posted: 27 Aug 2009
Hi All,
Can anyone please advise me on binoculars, I'm after a pair that will be used for general nature viewing. I'm unsure on what is the best magnification to opt for. Any info on makes/models would also be welcome. I have a budget of around ú150 
David Hind
Wildlife Trust (Cumbria) - Member
Solway AONB - Volunteer
Sleepy_Dragon
Member
Joined: 19 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 11


View other posts by Sleepy_Dragon
Posted: 27 Aug 2009

Hi, For general veiwing an 8x21 magnification would probably do as they are also compact and usally fit in a pocket. As for makes/models thats something you will need to try yourself as there are so many different types now, my only advice is to make sure its comforble in your hands and not too weighty. hope this helps.

Scott


-LAF
Senior Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2003
No. of posts: 317


View other posts by -LAF
Posted: 01 Sep 2009
8x40 ish is considered the usual birding optic, as it
gives plenty of light gathering and a wide field of view.
10x models bring the subject noticeably closer but become
a little trickier to hold stable. Higher mags can be a
real pain.

If you look at more than just birds, a good close-focus
ability is invaluable.

I recently bought a couple of pairs of Opticron Aspheric
8x40s. They're the older, less trendy porro-prism design
(more expensive bins use roof prisms for a lower
profile/weight) but optically they're excellent and just
?75 a pair.

A final note, if you use them a lot in winter, nitrogen
filled roof-prism designs won't fog up on you, which is
very handy!

If you go to a place like InFocus (there's one at
Slimbridge WWT, and they're probably at similar sites all
over the country) you can pick them up and use them
before deciding, which is always the best way.
Lee Fairclough

- Advise on - Optics

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