Binocular dilemma

[colingr]

SWMBO is offering to buy me some bins for Christmas

So should I ask for

Waterproof with compass

like http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/adler/marine-binoculars/promarine-7x50GAL.html

or
Fixed focus
like http://www.binocularsonline.co.uk/catalogue/detail/default.asp?os70productid=NATURESPORT7X50FF&os70catid1=NABI

waterproof with compass and fixed focus do not seem to exist.

budget around £100

 

[kashurst]

try compass24 web site. I have a pair of bins with fixed focus and a compass

 

[sailorman]

go for quality, non compass, as this will give better optics for the cash available

 

[colingr]

try compass24 web site. I have a pair of bins with fixed focus and a compass

Those featured on the home page look thie biz. Thanks for the tip.

 

[colingr]

go for quality, non compass, as this will give better optics for the cash available

That's where I'm torn. I loke gadgets but I take the point that a good pair of fixed focus without the compass would prob be better optics.

 

[Poignard]

Compass 24??? Not recommended!

try compass24 web site. I have a pair of bins with fixed focus and a compass

I bought a pair of binocoms from Compass 24 -all very fine, until they developed a fault whilst under guarantee. Getting them repaired took several months and a lot of increasingly angry emails and letters. It was getting to the stage where I was considering going to a Small Claims Court.

I don't care how cheap their stuff is - I won't be buying anything from Compass 24 again.

 

[dmmbruce]

Would your lady consider getting night vision glasses? They would seem to be a very good idea.

Mike

 

[sarabande]

NVG, yes nice, but they'll burn out if you use them in daylight (at least the Type 2s will)

 

[Humblebee]

Try them first

Binoculars are so much an individual choice and even apparently identical pairs can differ in their quality, especially in the alignment of the two parts. Much the best answer is to try some first and see what you think - look through them at something - TV ariels are a good subject - then decide. I spent a long time looking through different pairs at a sign outside a coffee shop, seeing which ones let me read the small print best. And remember, greater magnification reduces light gathering power. Some zoom lense binoculars give a better image on low magnification than high, simply because the image is brighter.
Eventually I settled on waterproof 8x42 Opticrons, not the classic marine choice but they suited my eyes best and seemed well made.

 

[sailorman]

7 x 50 Stieners are quite nice

 

[mrgrumpy2]

Is a 7 X 50 specification considered the most appropriate for marine use? Sorry to hijack!

 

[Hurricane]

Probably more than you want to pay but I believe that these are fantastic.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Pro...ptical_Image_Stabilisation/10x30_IS/index.asp

I think you can pick them up for just under £300 if you shop around.

I know that the magnification isnt as high as the normal optical ones but having used them, the image stabiliser definately makes them more useable on board.

Must be seen to be believed.

 

[colingr]

Steiners yes loverly. I just know I'd drop them. NVG? why, I want them for bino use, not watching badgers in the undergrowth. Basic 7x50s is all I need really.

Thanks for the ideas, I take on the point of trying various types. A good starting point. Almost nobody seems to be saying compass is an essential.

 

[VicS]

Some notes here by forumite Actionoptics on choosing a binocular.

http://www.actionoptics.co.uk/Choosing the right model.htm

Pretty sure I have seen some notes by another forum member too but cannot remember who.

 

[Skysail]

Compass is nice but not essential IMHO. A good pair of 7x50s will let you see things at night that you cannot see with the naked eye. I reckon the best time to test them is twilight or later.....most binos work OK in bright daylight.

I have Steiners and they are excellent, but I did not have to pay!

 

[Csail]

We bought all ours from here and they are excellent.
http://www.monkoptics.co.uk/

 

[Csail]

Or these which are ok-
http://www.boatbitz.co.uk/plastimo-marine-autofocus-binoculars-p-22556.html

 

[Babylon]

Consider Bynolyt SeaRanger II

SWMBO is offering to buy me some bins for Christmas
So should I ask for
Waterproof with compass or Fixed focus?
waterproof with compass and fixed focus do not seem to exist.
budget around £100

I acquired a second-hand pair of Bynolyt SeaRanger II 7x50 Binoculars which I've found to be pretty good. They are WATERPROOF, FIXED-FOCUS with red-illuminated COMPASS and height/distance scale. The rubber housing means they're shock-resistant and don't slip around the cockpit when we're heeled etc. (FWIW the sales literature says these have been used by the RNLI for the last ten years.)

The lowest cost I've seen on the net is £165-170:

http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ag/product.asp?dept_id=5&pf_id=AG1608 or

http://www.mailspeedmarine.com/char...er-ii-binoculars-as-used-by-rnli-313737.bhtml

Technical Specification:
* 7x50 Magnification
* Fully Waterproof
* Nitrogen Gas Filled
* Shock Resistant
* Case and Floating Strap included
* Liquid Damped Compass
* Range Finder Reticle
* 360 degree scale compass
* Back-Lit Compass
* Non-Slip Rubber Housing
* Relative Brightness 84.1
* Field of View,124m @ 1,000m
* Weight 1135 gms
* 25-Year Warranty

I know its a tad more than your wife's budget, but you'll get what you pay for.

Babs

 

[colingr]

Excelllent responses as usual. Many thanks and lots of loveley shopping around to do

 

[mjf]

I find the compass thing useful.. Esp when you are trying to show someone else where to look. Its so much easier to say look at 098 than under the house with the red roof...