Binoculars- Best Buy??

I also recommend Monk Optics. I bought their Fujinon 7x50 WPC Mariner binoculars with compass two years ago and they are excellent - crystal clear, steady compass and easy to hold. Also came with a yellow floating strap. £120 less p&p and VAT, so £145 total, ordered from their website www.monkoptics.co.uk
 
As you can see, there is no agreed best-buy for binoculars. Most binoculars will do the job perfectly well, with differing durability. Personally, I've never been able to think of a reason to incorporate a compass, so we have (amongst others) an old but good pair of 7x50s and Canon Stabilised 10x40s which we use mostly since they out-perform anything else in normal use, but are not weather-proof.
 
The Fujinon 7x50 was the same price with or without compass as I remember and have found the compass useful but I take Kermudjon's point. 'Orses for courses.
 
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Personally, I've never been able to think of a reason to incorporate a compass

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I use my Steiner with compass instead of a hand-bearing compass. Works a treat.
And you're less likely to line up on the wrong buoy, spire, watertower, etc...
 
Another vote for Steiner here. I persuaded by guys to buy me a pair as a retirement gift. We have kept the £50 Jessops bins we have had for years, but it only when you carry out a back to back comparison, you realise the difference. The Steiners are particularly good in low light conditions. I have heard worrying tales about image stabilised bins that have been accidentally dropped or hurled about in rough conditions, being expensive to fix iof the innards are disturbed. I find the compass on the Skipper pair that we have to be extremely useful, especially when taking bearings at anchorage.
 
I take your point, but think the only use I'd have would be the reverse of taking a bearing, i.e. following a bearing to find an object not visible to the eye. My point is really that many people think they are going to take more accurate bearings but forget that their boat is going to be moving. I find a mini-compass (the original, circa 1971) handier in the cockpit.
 
Is said TWICE.

I have kids - kit tends to go over the side more often when you have kids.
What am I going to say to them? Don't touch anything?
They'd quit sailing altogether.

As it is: they've learned hands on. They helm, reef, take bearings & plot positions on chart. My eldest can plot a mean CPA as well.
Why? They've learned by doing stuff - and occasionally breaking/dropping things
 
I've used the Compass bins with compass for 6 years. Cost then £99 I think. Excellent in all respects. I feel more relaxed using relatively cheapo bins - less anguish if damaged, less strife if SHMBO drops them. Its the old conundrum: what's the best value: 2 Bavs or 1 Oyster?
 
i purchased a pair of these from aldi for less than £50 (just) and only having had them for less than 1 year will reserve judjment on the test of time however the optics seem very good and reasnable build quality good value i think! and for those of you thinking it yes i am a cheapscate not quite to yorkshire standards though!
 
Thanks all for the advice, v.useful and food for thought. Definitely investigate the Monks site, and good to have two endorsements for the Compass. Aldi do offer some good buys from time to time, it's just they never seem to be there when you want them.

Cheers

Sparkie
 
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