Binoculars
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This is a Giles edit. I have moved the binocuar discussion here. Because of the limitations of the forum software, I had to start with @Anesthetist 's post and edit it.
I am looking for a new pair [mention]Seul [/mention] let me know what you think after a couple goes if you dont mind. Also what jacket are you wearing? Looks like it is breaking in beautifully.
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I am looking for a new pair [mention]Seul [/mention] let me know what you think after a couple goes if you dont mind. Also what jacket are you wearing? Looks like it is breaking in beautifully.
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I use these on the boat, insanely good…....
The stabilisation is incredible.
Ask @goosehd
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The stabilization is incredible. I played around with them on the boat and couldn’t believe the difference it makes in choppy seas. They were unusable with the function turned off as would any binoculars without the function. Once the function was turned on, it was like standing on dry land. Also to add, the one day I was just a tad hungover and I still could use them comfortably…
The highest magnification I can use comfortably and not braced is 10x on land and even that can be a chore. My go to power is 8x that I can use without fatigue. My next pair will definitely be image stabilized and Giles pair was outstanding. It allowed for a higher magnification without the strain on the eyes which I really appreciated.
@Giles binoculars are 14x and I think would be fantastic for birding…
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I am looking for a new pair [mention]Seul [/mention] let me know what you think after a couple goes if you dont mind. Also what jacket are you wearing? Looks like it is breaking in beautifully.
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@Anesthetist what's your budget for binos and what do you intend to use them for? Birds, astro, hunting, whale watching, safari, going to the opera, etc etc? Do you wear prescription glasses? Will you be out in the rain? Lot's of other questions I could follow up with as well, but these are the bare minimum basics.
Can probably help a good bit narrow down to a few things. Swaro's are nice, but not really a fan of the modern ones as much as some other options. I've got a couple of their Habicht's that use porro prisms that are wonderful, but certainly not ideal for people wearing glasses.
For birding I'd personally never use 14x and would be more on the 7 or 8x side of things. Have used some canon IS binos for a bit that are pretty incredible, but they are heavy, bulky, and dont balance very well for me. Also a little dark iirc.
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My dad actually FOUND the Swarovski binnies during a walk… My brother uses it for spotting birds, so I've only used it the one time... But it's stellar stuff...
Jacket's a vintage GOLDEN BEAR flight jacket.
That’s nuts, what a lucky find and that GoldenBear is a cool piece.
[mention]pechelman [/mention] TBF I havent priced anything out quite yet, but would be mostly for birds, hiking, cruising, and the like. Dont want anything too massive sizewise or budget wise I would say.
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[mention]pechelman [/mention] TBF I havent priced anything out quite yet, but would be mostly for birds, hiking, cruising, and the like. Dont want anything too massive sizewise or budget wise I would say.
@Anesthetist, gotcha. Something where you have a decent pair for when the mood strikes or to throw in a bag going on a trip and not have to worry too much about them.
Generally speaking, I'd probably steer you toward either a Nikon M7 in 8x30 first and then maybe an 8x42 next, just for size/packing them/etc. You'll be more likely to bring and use them in the smaller form which may lead to another pair if you want something more or for a specific purpose.
Otherwise, I'd also say Vortex makes some good stuff like the diamondback hd 8x42. These are bigger though. The Zeiss Terra ED 8x32's are supposed to be nice too but I've never looked through a pair.
As a wildcard, I absolutely love a pair of zeiss 8x25 victory binos I got when the first came out. They honestly have no business performing so good for how small they are. I'm really just amazed by them, easy to get a good image circle, non-fatiguing, pretty dang bright, decent ergonomics with the focus wheel offset IFF you're a righty, great both without and WITH glasses, and can easily fit in a camera bag, IH type III pocket, or whatever. Their price is a little more but they offer a unique package and performance that i've not really found in anything else.
Finally, best advice I can give is to demo a pair at your local sporting goods place or from a brand that does demos/returns. Or find a birding group to try some out. Your eyes may not prefer what others do. Good luck on the search! Feel free to pm if I can help otherwise so we don't distract too much from this thread.
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Thank you guys for the advice! From fishing rods to bourbon to watches to binoculars someone here is in the know [emoji3]
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@Anesthetist You forgot bags… :). Yeah, I’m looking at you…
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I know little about binoculars, but vortex has excellent customer service and a no questions asked lifetime guarantee. I’m very happy with other products from them. Easy to sell if you don’t like. The warranty transfers.
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Any more opinions on the Nikon M7 8x30 @pechelman suggested?
I'm looking for an allround solution when I'm in the Netherlands, bird watching, ships, nature, nothing serious.
I can get that specific model pre-owned, but unused for roughly 100€ less than current retails. Seems like a good deal? -
Any more opinions on the Nikon M7 8x30 @pechelman suggested?
I'm looking for an allround solution when I'm in the Netherlands, bird watching, ships, nature, nothing serious.
I can get that specific model pre-owned, but unused for roughly 100€ less than current retails. Seems like a good deal?Check out birdforum for more info on them. My brother in law has a pair and I thought they were pretty nice. Hard to go wrong for 100 less than retail if they're in good shape. For what you describe though I think you'd be satisfied.
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Great binocs! She will love them, especially while birding. I have an old pair of 10x42 Leica’s which I love. Especially in darkish situations.
