Binoculars

[TimLamb]

There was an article in the last few weeks in PBO, ST or YM about binoculars (without compass I think) - can anyone tell me which ones were recommended ?
I need a pair and am happy to buy on the recommendation of the group test results.

Thanks

Tim

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[Gezzer]

YM Feb Edition, bino's group test:
Best Buy was the Binocom - Compass £99.00 from Compass Marine

Best Value for money were the:

ZCF Aquas - From Jessops £79.00
Marines by Summit £89.00
Lite-tech by Silva £84.00
Gambits from Monk Optics £49.95

They are all the same bino aparrantely just badge engineered so they reccomeded the cheapest from Monk optics www.monkoptics.co.uk.

Hope this helps.



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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

I had a pair bought for me for Christmas, century seapro 750c, not had to use them in anger yet but most pleased so far, crisp, clean, compass easy to read.

The are also a nice size to use, the only teeny drawbacks are the lens caps, you have to be careful not to knock them off, especially when returning the bins to their bag, otherwise great.

They came from allgadgets, John posts on here quite regularly, but I will post link....<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk/ag/product.asp?dept_id=5&pf_id=AG2025>century seapro</A>

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ukstaffords.com>http://www.ukstaffords.com</A>

 

[jimi]

I would recommend getting a pair with a compass, they are well worth the little bit extra. I've got a pair of FUjinon which I'm well pleased with.

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[roger]

eye pupil!

I've just bought some bins which have a much larger eye lens diameter than my previous ones. They are much easier to use with spectacles. If thats your problem you might try comparing some.

<hr width=100% size=1>Roger

 

[Guest]

Consider the fixed focus type - try them if possible. I have a pair from Monk and they're great. If you pass binocs around crew members, it avoids all the individual adjustments, just pick up and look. Single handed sailing even better - can use with one hand, no focusing required. Only limitation: focus is for about 50' to infinity, so mast head inspection not possible. My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra for a built-in compass.

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[Guest]

I forgot to mention the real benefit of a compass in binocs. Not for taking position bearings (don't do this as often these days with GPS, prefer to use hand held anyway), but "I think I've found the mark now. Here, take a look, its at about 70 degrees. Keep the glasses on it while I change course". Very handy reference tool.

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[GrahamC]

Had to add that the best combination of optics is 7 X 50 for use at sea, I have had a Russian pair I bought in Gib in 1975 and they have proved excellent. £12 was the price, happy days
GrahamC

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Tim,

When looking purchasing bin's, make sure you get the right magnification, the more powerful lenses require a very steady platform, the low power ones just don't cut it. 7 x 50 in a pretty good compromise, provides plenty of magnification but needs a steady hand.

Anagoodweekend. Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif

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[vyv_cox]

Compass in binoculars

It's worth calibrating the compass in binoculars. I guess that it's all too easy for them to be stored next to the compasses at the chandlers, or by a big motor driving the air conditioning, either of which could upset their setting. I've heard that quite a few are a long way out.

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[milltech]

I must say that I've had the hump with some recent articles about binos, there was one a while back recommending bird watching and tourist binos for use at sea, and there's another in the latest Sailing Today that describes single eyepiece focussing as "old fashioned"! It demonstrates a lack of understanding about military and marine optics.

A centre focus binocular, the type with a wheel, is totally inappropriate for use at sea, of course if that's what you've got it's better than nothing, but they're not to be recommended.

Rather than bang on here if anyone wants my views e-mail me, I've a fixed text response I can send. Of course I'd like you to buy SeaPro's, or even Steiners or SeaRangers (from me), but if you must buy Monk or Binocom or Fujinon or Tasco that's OK too, but do buy a proper single eyepiece focussing binocular.

If you are over 45 a 6x30 or 8x30 will be just as good as a x50 saving size and in theory money, the problem is that 7x50 binoculars with a compass enjoy such a high volume that it's cheaper to buy them rather than anything else.



<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[graham]

I have a pair of Compass Binicoms.Very pleased with them,individual eyepiece focussing,OK with my specs,waterproof and not excessively heavy.

One big advantage in a compass binocular is when you look at an approaching ship to ascertain her heading or which lights she is showing you,at the same time you can note down the bearing to the other vessel.As I am sure you allready know if the bearing remains nearly constant as she approaches you a risk of collision exists.

If you had to look first with bins then go and get the handbearing compass if you are as lazy as me you very often wouldnt bother until the approaching vessel got closer.

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[foxgoose]

Steiner problems

I persuaded Mrs to splash out £ 600 on a pair of Steiner Commander lll for a 2001 Xmas pressie.

After just over a year of cushie use either in a cupboard at home or a cosy pilothouse on the boat - the compass has stuck.

Not too clever for a top of the range shockproof, nitrogen sealed product.

Anybody had similar probs??

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[milltech]

Re: Steiner problems

Such things happen, and of course Steiner do not make the compass. However you have the support of very unquestioning 30 year warranty and I suggest you contact Intro 2020 on 01628 674411.

From my experience with Steiner however the sooner you get it in the sooner you will get it back, at this time of year pressure on service and repair is very high at the factory and delays do occur, at the back end of the season the turn round is much faster.

If you have any problems please contact me. I am in regular contact with the factory.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[lezgar]

I bought a binoculars for £18.99 + post here
{http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27363&item=2717116460}
Are ok and if they go overboard I will not cry.


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[foxgoose]

Re: Steiner problems

John

Thanks for advice -I've sent 'em back to Intro.

If Steiner doesn't make them - who does?

I'm also a bit sad that we paid around £600 for the Commander III just over a year ago and now it has been superceded by Commander V at the same price and I have seen a new cheapy model looking identical to Commander III at around £300 ish. Also I see you are offering the top of the range Admiral at less than we paid (almost 50% discount). Steiner's marketing looks a bit tacky for a quality product.

Regards

David

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[pvb]

Love my Steiners!

I bought the Steiner Commander with compass about 20 years ago. Thought at the time it was silly money. How wrong can you be? The optics are brilliant. The quality of construction is outstanding (mine have been dropped lots of times without mishap). In 20-odd years, I've had one problem (bubble in compass), which was fixed without quibble and with no proof of purchase. Just wish all marine equipment was as good!

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[milltech]

Re: Steiner problems

The Admiral Golds on the site are the old model that I bulk purchased as an end of line, and personally (whispering) I think the old model Admirals and Commander III's were better because I don't like the fiddly sculpted eyecups so I wouldn't worry if I were you.

The look alike Commanders are not to the same standard. It's a kind of repeat of the old Rallye model except it's also waterproof.

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[jeanne]

I must be reading the wrong forum, I have always bought my binos at the charity shop! I found a nice pair for £8 [while looking for 'new ' clothes]-no compass though! That tip about the compass helping to relocate objects you have picked up is a good one, and I haven't seen it anywhere before this.

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