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03/19/2013 03:00:36 PM · #1 |
Do any of you have Binoculars? My husband would like some but he wears 2 contacts, ONE for reading and ONE for distance and I wear ONE contact for reading (mono-vision). The trick is that Rick has two different prescriptions. Do they make binoculars with independent/singular eye focusing abilities? So that you can focus the separate eye pieces independently? We have a very "off the shelve cheap" pair now. The focusing is for people that have similar Rx's for their eyes...not like ours.
Any opinions would be appreciated and if you know of any brands that are better. I know NOTHING about binoculars...so what should I be looking for.
J |
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03/19/2013 03:37:18 PM · #2 |
Here's a Nikon link that has good info.
Hope this helps. |
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03/19/2013 04:24:25 PM · #3 |
Any good, high-end binocular has that capability. The left eyepiece (usually) focuses only by the center screw. The right eyepiece has an additional, diopter function obtained by rotating it, and marks to show how much it's rotated. So what you do is choose a target, COVER the right objective and focus the left eye, then COVER the left objective and rotate the diopter so the right eye is focused. Make a note of the deviation, and any time you use the binoculars first set the your number into the diopter then focus with the center wheel as normal.
This Nikon Marine Binocular is what I use. It's waterproof and, with the strap mounted, will float. |
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03/19/2013 04:35:05 PM · #4 |
Hey Janine, How much are you looking to spend...You say you already have a cheap pair....
eta...also what type of magnification are you looking for. That can effect the price drastically.
Message edited by author 2013-03-19 16:36:20.
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03/19/2013 04:55:02 PM · #5 |
Even my $12 pocket Tasco binos I take backpacking have that feature.
What do you want to use them for? That's the real question and will drive selection. You'll typically see binoculars described as 8x42 or 10x50. The 1st number is the magnification (which should be obvious and the second is the size in mm of the lens or objective and is a measure of the light gathering power of the binocular. The bigger the objective, the more light it will pull in and the better the low light performance will be. Bigger objectives mean bigger and heavier binoculars, some astro binoculars really need a tripod to be useful. There's a limit to what magnification can be reasonably hand held, usually 10x. Of course, generally speaking more magnification means a narrower field of view which means you may have a harder time following moving things or finding things when you first look through them.
Generally, the more spendy you get, the better binocular you get. I have a pair of el-cheapy Tasco 8x21 bons that I take backpacking, a pair of Pentax 10x50 binos that I use for astronomy and general purpose stuff and a pair of Nikon 8x42 bino's that I use if I don't need as much magnification.
If you want the best, Canon makes a line of image stabilized binoculars that are incredible. I lust after the 15x50's, but they are expensive. |
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03/19/2013 05:15:34 PM · #6 |
| Most decent binoculars have an adjustment on one side that allows for different focusing in one eye. I have a pair of Bushnell 10x50 wide angles that have lasted a few decades, good build and very rugged. They are a bit big, but the focus bar is a breeze to adjust while keeping the eyepiece to your eye. i also have a little pair of Tasos which are great for portability, but no where near as bright, which stands to reason given their size, but are great for concerts, but the finger crank focus is annoying for a football game or tracking a bird in flight. |
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03/19/2013 05:26:19 PM · #7 |
I, too, have a pair of Tasco's that I think can do that which I use for backpacking. I didn't spend much money on them because I knew they'd be battered about in my pack. They're surprisingly compact and work alright. I think this is what I have, but not positive.
I've also got a big pair of old Nikons that I was given, and they are wonderful. I don't think I've used nicer ones, but they aren't very portable and mine have sentimental value as well so I don't take them out nearly as much.
You might also consider a monocular or a spotting scope, which only use one eye.
Message edited by author 2013-03-19 17:34:02. |
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03/19/2013 06:42:50 PM · #8 |
I have NO idea about the magnification... recommendations please
We like to hike (day trips) and would really like a pair that aren't as heavy as a rock, yet durable and have the focusing feature. And we do quite a bit of birding (never thought I'd say that...lol)
I've been looking at scopes Derek...but they can get quite pricey really fast. If I got one of those I would want to be able to get the pieces to upgrade so I could attach my camera to them...but I've heard that the pictures aren't that great (not worth the cost)???? |
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03/19/2013 06:57:02 PM · #9 |
The Leupold Yosemite 6x30 has a stellar reputation amongst birders at under 100 bucks, Well worth looking at.
Here's a good source for information on binoculars for birders in general.
Message edited by author 2013-03-19 19:36:40. |
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03/19/2013 07:19:05 PM · #10 |
Digiscoping is an entirely separate world and I'm not terribly versed in it, and yes, it can get very expensive as well.
If you're thinking about it, you might want to get in touch with  bewit. If my memory serves, he's into digiscoping for birds.
Message edited by author 2013-03-19 19:19:19. |
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03/19/2013 08:26:42 PM · #11 |
Nikon Monarch 10x42 DCF Under $300. Good value. Good combo of magnification and brightness.
Message edited by author 2013-03-19 20:28:27. |
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03/19/2013 09:13:25 PM · #12 |
Is this considered a step up???
12x42 |
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03/19/2013 09:14:00 PM · #13 |
| I had the 12x42 picked...sorry |
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03/19/2013 09:38:18 PM · #14 |
I personally would start with 8x42. Any higher magnification and they start getting jittery unless you're really steady. 10x isn't too bad, but more and you may find yourself wanting a tripod mount. I have a tripod mount that I use with my 10x50's if I'll be using them for extended periods
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03/19/2013 09:51:37 PM · #15 |
| I don't know if anybody else has had experience with Vortex products but I have found their binoculars to be excellent, especially for the price. They have an unconditional lifetime warranty as well. I use the Talon HD 10x42 model. I highly recommend them. |
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03/19/2013 11:53:50 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
I had the 12x42 picked...sorry |
"12x is not for birding. I've heard of some birders using them in some situations, but I have yet to actually meet one. 12x is better suited for astronomy or looking at targets or any time you know you can be sitting still and resting your binoculars on a large static object. 12x is a very specialized tool, it should not be the only pair of binoculars you own."
(from a customer review, echoes my experience. 8x is the most you want for an all purpose pair. Mine are 7x...) |
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03/20/2013 05:45:22 PM · #17 |
I find 10x50's a good all-round combination for astronomy, bird watching etc. - After trying a few combinations, I realised how the exit pupil and the eye relief made using binoculars comfortable or not. Also, the weight comes into play - how long do you want to be able to hold them up before your arms get tired?
One brand I love is Opticron, everything looks so clear through them.
It's the same reason my fav eyepiece on the telescope is the 32mm one, so much more pleasant to use than the 4mm one, which presents a very small exit pupil.
ETA: Actually, with the Opticrons I went with 7x42 if I remember.
Message edited by author 2013-03-20 18:08:51. |
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03/25/2013 09:41:44 PM · #18 |
Just wanted you guys to know that I bought Rick these Tasco Binoculars and gave them to him a little early for his birthday. He really likes them because they are pocket size, light and he can adjust the sight on them.
Now on to finding a good "birding/wildlife" set. I'm leaning towards the Nikon's 10x42's for under $300 ya'll said they are pretty good...remember I know nothing about binoculars. How heavy are they?
We do a lot of camping and hiking, don't mind the pocket size ones...but they aren't good for longer distances. |
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03/25/2013 10:25:20 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Just wanted you guys to know that I bought Rick these Tasco Binoculars and gave them to him a little early for his birthday. He really likes them because they are pocket size, light and he can adjust the sight on them.
Now on to finding a good "birding/wildlife" set. I'm leaning towards the Nikon's 10x42's for under $300 ya'll said they are pretty good...remember I know nothing about binoculars. How heavy are they?
We do a lot of camping and hiking, don't mind the pocket size ones...but they aren't good for longer distances. |
620 grams
They come with a good, wide neck strap, which is a must. The 10x42 are my birding binoculars. I've had mine for 2+ years. They are my only Nikon thing, being a die-hard Canon guy.
You can buy $2000 binocs with zero chromatic aberration. The Nikon 10x42 have a little chromatic aberration... mostly a slight yellow. But, they are less than $300. |
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03/26/2013 01:34:23 PM · #20 |
ok, getting down to figuring this out...there are SEVERAL choices for the 10x42 Nikon Binocular's does anyone know the DIFFERENCES between them???
can someone tell me which ONE would be the better choice here... preferably Prime Shipping...
I can't tell the differences between the model numbers.....
Message edited by author 2013-03-26 13:35:57. |
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03/26/2013 01:41:54 PM · #21 |
The model numbers that are close like 7295 and 7543 look identical in build, they probably just had different model numbers for different regions or something.
Once you're at this level, apart from obvious differences in the build of the binocular (the shape, and how light it is, and whether it's waterproof or not) the only other differences are in the coatings on the lenses, what type of prisms they're using, and the coating on the prisms.
Then you're down to things like what guarantee they offer (I noticed one of them had a 25yr guarantee for example) |
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03/26/2013 01:45:55 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by JH:
The model numbers that are close like 7295 and 7543 look identical in build, they probably just had different model numbers for different regions or something.
Once you're at this level, apart from obvious differences in the build of the binocular (the shape, and how light it is, and whether it's waterproof or not) the only other differences are in the coatings on the lenses, what type of prisms they're using, and the coating on the prisms.
Then you're down to things like what guarantee they offer (I noticed one of them had a 25yr guarantee for example) |
this is what I found to be confusing...and the range of price is about $100-150??? I don't mind spending a little more but I want to make sure there is a difference...if you get what I mean... |
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03/26/2013 03:45:11 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by Ja-9:
Originally posted by JH:
The model numbers that are close like 7295 and 7543 look identical in build, they probably just had different model numbers for different regions or something.
Once you're at this level, apart from obvious differences in the build of the binocular (the shape, and how light it is, and whether it's waterproof or not) the only other differences are in the coatings on the lenses, what type of prisms they're using, and the coating on the prisms.
Then you're down to things like what guarantee they offer (I noticed one of them had a 25yr guarantee for example) |
this is what I found to be confusing...and the range of price is about $100-150??? I don't mind spending a little more but I want to make sure there is a difference...if you get what I mean... |
I suspect that for the two models, one may simply be an updated version of the other. I notice one is listed as the "Monarch 5". If you look at Nikon's current binocular specs, they are now on "Monarch 7". |
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03/26/2013 03:49:08 PM · #24 |
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03/26/2013 03:53:32 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by chazoe:
Swarovskis |
Those are great...but the price is an order of magnitude beyond the OP's budget. |
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