Anyone know about binoculars?

[Louis Balfour]

I need some for the glovebox, mainly for watching sport but also general purpose - wildlife, looking at roofs etc. Very occasional use.

Because they are going to live in the glovebox I don't want massive ones, nor very expensive ones. Amazon has hundreds of different options and it is bewildering.

Budget-wise I have £100 in mind but will happily pay far less, or grudgingly slightly more.

Suggestions appreciated.

[FunkyGibbon]

I like the Celestron Nature DX binos.

I have a pair of 8x42 ED which are fantastic but over your budget (£180ish)

However, they do a pair of 8x32 non ED here:

https://www.birders-store.co.uk/celestron-nature-d...

edit: that store has no stock.

Amazon have them

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celestron-71330-32-Nature...

They also have the 8x42 (non ED) for £109.

ED = Extra low dispersion - better glass in essence,

https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/extra-l...

Edited by FunkyGibbon on Friday 18th June 10:38

[Drogo]

If your unsure what all the numbers mean I would recommend visiting somewhere like Jessops to try a few pairs.

I believe 8x magnification is about the best for hand held as when you go higher it gets difficult to hold them steady. I have a cheap pair of zoom bino's for years and they are quite good up to about 9x mag.

[FunkyGibbon]

Drogo said:

If your unsure what all the numbers mean I would recommend visiting somewhere like Jessops to try a few pairs.

Deffo this. WEX is a good shop as well - will price match with genuine online deals I beleive,

[Louis Balfour]

FunkyGibbon said:

Drogo said:

If your unsure what all the numbers mean I would recommend visiting somewhere like Jessops to try a few pairs.

Deffo this. WEX is a good shop as well - will price match with genuine online deals I beleive,

We haven't either nearby sadly. I would prefer to walk into a store and buy, to be honest.

[Easternlight]

Do you have a RSPB reserve with a shop near you? They will have a good selection for all budgets that you can try.

[Louis Balfour]

Don’t know. I will look it up.

[take-good-care-of-the-forest-dewey]

There's a great group test on www.peepingonmyneighbourswife.com

[Neil1323bolts]

Easternlight said:

Do you have a RSPB reserve with a shop near you? They will have a good selection for all budgets that you can try.

This I’ve had my RSPB binoculars for a while now bloody brilliant, you can order online from there website . £80 ish I think ,as good as my dads £200 set , they get good reviews , they are the puffin 10x42

Edited by Neil1323bolts on Friday 18th June 16:20

[Louis Balfour]

Neil1323bolts said:

This I’ve had my RSPB binoculars for a while now bloody brilliant, you can order online from there website . £80 ish I think ,as good as my dads £200 set , they get good reviews , they are the puffin 10x42

Edited by Neil1323bolts on Friday 18th June 16:20

I imagine they are made by someone else and badged, aren't they?

[FunkyGibbon]

Louis Balfour said:

I imagine they are made by someone else and badged, aren't they?

Yep by Viking. Still good though.

[Louis Balfour]

Thank you All.

So the consensus seems to be a 8x model. I would prefer some that are not green and that don't have RSPB on them. Picky I will grant you. However if everything else is going to be inferior for the money I will compromise.

[S6PNJ]

If you don't mind second hand, I have a set of Nikon 9x25 CFIII which I've had for a number of years - given as a present to me. They have been great, small and easy to use etc. There is a pair for sale on eBay (not mine - I'm also looking for another pair to join them but greater magnification) - might be worth a bid? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304031492031

[Louis Balfour]

S6PNJ said:

If you don't mind second hand, I have a set of Nikon 9x25 CFIII which I've had for a number of years - given as a present to me. They have been great, small and easy to use etc. There is a pair for sale on eBay (not mine - I'm also looking for another pair to join them but greater magnification) - might be worth a bid? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304031492031

Now they look ideal and seem to be available new within budget (I would prefer new).

[Louis Balfour]

I like the design of the Nikons. Is there any reason why these would not be ok?

[S6PNJ]

Louis Balfour said:

I like the design of the Nikons. Is there any reason why these would not be ok?

The very same pair I am considering!!

[Louis Balfour]

S6PNJ said:

Louis Balfour said:

I like the design of the Nikons. Is there any reason why these would not be ok?

The very same pair I am considering!!

Must be good then.

John Lewis has them in stock locally. I may call in later to take a look.

[S6PNJ]

I think the equivalent Nikons to mine are 5.6 deg field of view at 8x zoom whereas the zoom ones are 4.6, so you'll see less. At full zoom, the field of view will be quite small, and with a 25mm optic, the light levels will be quite low, so not really suitable for low light conditions (evenings etc). If you can, when looking at them, go to full zoom and look at something as far away as possible (hard in a Dept store I know - but if you look out of a nearby window with the salesperson's permission, it might be possible).

I look forward to your feedback with interest!!

[Louis Balfour]

S6PNJ said:

I think the equivalent Nikons to mine are 5.6 deg field of view at 8x zoom whereas the zoom ones are 4.6, so you'll see less. At full zoom, the field of view will be quite small, and with a 25mm optic, the light levels will be quite low, so not really suitable for low light conditions (evenings etc). If you can, when looking at them, go to full zoom and look at something as far away as possible (hard in a Dept store I know - but if you look out of a nearby window with the salesperson's permission, it might be possible).

I look forward to your feedback with interest!!

Our John Lewis has no windows.

The bins will be for daytime sport. Do you think that the benefit of zoom will outweigh the limited optic diameter?

Or am I better off buying some like the ones you have, which are about £30 less but online only I think.

[Louis Balfour]

S6PNJ said:

I think the equivalent Nikons to mine are 5.6 deg field of view at 8x zoom whereas the zoom ones are 4.6, so you'll see less. At full zoom, the field of view will be quite small, and with a 25mm optic, the light levels will be quite low, so not really suitable for low light conditions (evenings etc). If you can, when looking at them, go to full zoom and look at something as far away as possible (hard in a Dept store I know - but if you look out of a nearby window with the salesperson's permission, it might be possible).

I look forward to your feedback with interest!!

Okay I have just been into JL.

They have the 10x version of yours and they feel nicely made and solid. An excellent slow focus that you can get nice and sharp. They have a reassuring heft.

The zoom ones however feel light and plastic. I did not manage to focus them so well.

I am thinking of buying some 8x like yours from PC World online.