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We have a couple of pairs of cheapo compact binoculars but recently, while watching a Minky Whale in the Minch, we were loaned a set of decent ones and the resulting picture was just brilliant.
We feel that now is the time to invest in a decent set.

So do any of you use such things?

Would you suggest any particular magnification?

What size of lens should I aim for?

What is a good make?

Would you recommend any particular model?

Many years ago I bought a pair of Leica 10X25 compact binoculars. I was so impressed with them that I also eventually got a pair of full size 12X50's of the same make. Not cheap but you will never hanker after another pair!

http://www.swoptics.co.uk/view.asp?KEY=620

Optics Warehouse can be useful as a price comparison site. For out and out service from people who actually know what they're talking about try Kay Optical 

 I would say that I had a set of good Opticrons 8x42, and I thought that they were very good until I tried a set of Swarovkski 10x42EL. I tried the Swarovskis on a dull day in November and it was like turning on a light switch. I have also recently had the use of a set of top end Opticron 10x42 and thought that they were excellent and, incidentally, under half the price of the Swarovski.

I find Leica and Zeiss too heavy to carry all day long but they are geat to use from a hide

Thanks everyone. I did not realise that you could get "ordinary" binoculars that were so light and small that they are almost compact anyway.

I will need to look into this a lot further but at least I now am better informed when I go into shops looking at the different makes and models.

Once again, many thanks.

Thanks Walt, yes, I am sure they are brilliant but at that price, I would be scared to take them out the car in case I dropped them.

Looking at different makes and types and following the suggestions made here, I think I will be going for something between £60 and £100 and about 10 x 25.

Unlike my camera where I protect it at all costs, binoculars will "live" in the car's glove box, be used by a few different folks and generally get some rough treatment in all weathers.
So I neither want to constantly be worrying about them nor be really upset if they get left behind somewhere.

Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 11/12/2008

We have a couple of pairs of cheapo compact binoculars but recently, while watching a Minky Whale in the Minch, we were loaned a set of decent ones and the resulting picture was just brilliant.

---

We feel that now is the time to invest in a decent set.

So do any of you use such things?

Would you suggest any particular magnification?

What size of lens should I aim for?

What is a good make?

Would you recommend any particular model?

Thanks Rex, I am still trying to get my head around all the termanology of BGA & DCF.GA & LE WP. All very complicated.

I am looking towards 10 X 42 but now is the time to go into a shop and see for myself the difference between 10 X and 8 X.

I will let you know what I eventually decide on.

Thanks Crawswill, I would have to see through them before going that route but yes they do look good value for the money.

I have been advised not to go for the Zoom variety but to go for at least a 42mm Objective Lens and in doing so, we are taking £80 plus for a decent pair.

I have not yet been able to escape to the Big Smoke to try some Binoc shops.

Looks like it will be after Christmas now.

The bigger the objective lense the easier they are to use, and they let in more light to improve the definition, but at 42 mm they will not be that compact. You will need to decide if you will be a serious user or if you just want them in the glove box or ruck sack  merely for  a bit of general inertest

regards

crawswill

I found the Clarkes reference as Model number BIN103025

Hope this helps

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/product/aug05.html

I found this link with the review,.................... I think I will go and lie down now

Good luck

Crawswill