Binoculars

[FocusRS3]

I'm looking for a set of Binoculars for viewing from my 2nd floor balcony out to sea.

I've got a very old set that were my fathers but they must be 30yrs old.

Whilst they are 'ok' i cant see what magnification they are as a comparison so looking for a little guidance on what magnification to get.

Thinking a telescope is a little extreme...

Tks in advance

[rxe]

If you're interested in low light performance, then the Steinel Nighthunters (8x50) that I use are excellent. They're a good set of binoculars in normal use, but at dusk they really perform. On a moonlit night, I'd choose them over IR night vision. They regularly get wet, covered in filth and generally lead a hard life - and are fine. The do a marine range which is cheaper if you don't need the bonkers low light capability.

[SirTK]

Mine are Opticron 8x42 which were recommended as a good compromise between quality and price. They were perfect for me looking out over a wonderful Italian lake.

8x magnification is best for hand-held but you could go higher if you use a tripod. I got a tripod but rarely used it as I preferred to simply grab the binocs whenever I needed to.

TK

[FocusRS3]

Tks both.

So they'd never really get wet as it's viewing from my balcony so distance viewing os what im after.

I dont really understand the best magnification for longer range sea viewing.

Is this what you mean ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-8x42-6deg-Opticro...

[sparkythecat]

For anything above 10x magnification, you really need a tripod.
Don't buy any unseen from ebay. Seek out a specialist shop and go and try some out. You'll get some proper advice and will be able to see what size and magnification is going to work best for you.

For instance, this shop in Ulverston Cumbria isn't far from us. They have knowledgeable staff, a good range in stock and also sell through their Internet shop and ebay at very competitive prices.

There may well be a similar shop in your area.

https://thephotographyshop.co.uk/epages/TT0162.mob...

Edited by sparkythecat on Tuesday 17th September 10:39

[300bhp/ton]

FocusRS3 said:

Tks both.

So they'd never really get wet as it's viewing from my balcony so distance viewing os what im after.

I dont really understand the best magnification for longer range sea viewing.

Is this what you mean ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-8x42-6deg-Opticro...

As a rule the higher the magnification the harder they will be to focus and the less clear the image. Especially on the cheaper end of the scale. They will also be harder to handhold. Think of it a bit like holding a garden cane to your head. The longer the cane the higher the magnification. A small movement at your hand results in a large wobble at the other end.

Quality of optics plays the biggest part for binos IMO. And price is not always indicative of quality, nor is the name stamped on the set either. I would highly recommend going to shop and actually trying some out to see what you prefer. Make sure you try cheap ones and very expensive ones, regardless of your budget. This is so that you can 'see' the differences.

If you plan to use these regulary, I'd advise investing in a quality set.

[FocusRS3]

Great info many tks

[SirTK]

What you see there on the ebay link is a Nikon binocular with an Opticron strap! The two firms are completely separate as far as I know.
Nikon of course have a great reputation but I got my advice from a twitchers forum where Opticron generally were preferred. Opticron are made in Luton - bought new, they run to some hundreds of pounds, so that Nikon item is probably a good buy so long as the lenses have not dislodged. If they have then they are junk as it's too costly to repair them.
I'd probably say start with something fairly cheap as you can always improve from there if you feel you need to.
Generally the binocular shops are very helpful so go and try a few pairs to see what you really fancy.

TK

[BIRMA]

I bought a pair of Canon IS 15X50 UD 4.5 degree all weather binoculars ages ago. They are really high quality and with image stabilising prevent too much shake. I have seen them on e-bay for sale secondhand so a good condition pair are well worth it.

[Mr Pointy]

If you can afford them have a look at Canon stabilised binoculars:
https://www.canon.co.uk/binoculars/choosing-by-mod...

If you're looking at stuff out at sea you need a pretty high magnification to do any good (10x absolute minimum) & as has been said it's very difficult to use 12x or 15x hand held. These Canons make it easy to use them off a tripod.

[MG-Steve]

SirTK said:

Mine are Opticron 8x42 which were recommended as a good compromise between quality and price. They were perfect for me looking out over a wonderful Italian lake.

8x magnification is best for hand-held but you could go higher if you use a tripod. I got a tripod but rarely used it as I preferred to simply grab the binocs whenever I needed to.

TK

I have the same opticrons, absolutely brilliant!

[FocusRS3]

Sounds like im better off going and trying some and going from there.

Tks for the guidance

[Mort7]

With optics you get what you pay for. Opticron are a good mid-price binocular, but blown out of the water when compared to the higher quality brands. I ended up buying Swarovski EL 10x42 for birding. These are truly excellent, are really good in low light conditions (better than most lower power/larger objective lens binoculars) are nitrogen filled to eliminate fogging and are rated to be immersed at 13' for 30 minutes IIRC. They are also capable of 1.5M close focus, which is great for observing insects. They are also hugely expensive, but you'll never need to buy anything else.

For sea viewing from your balcony I would think something around 10-12 x 50, with some degree of weather protection would be ideal. They'll be at the heavy end for hand-held, but as you won't be carrying them around, and you may have something to brace yourself against, they should be fine. Alternatively consider something larger but tripod based.

Find a supplier near you which has viewing facilities, and spend an afternoon trying absolutely everything. You'll know when you found a pair that are right for you.

[FocusRS3]

Mort7 said:

With optics you get what you pay for. Opticron are a good mid-price binocular, but blown out of the water when compared to the higher quality brands. I ended up buying Swarovski EL 10x42 for birding. These are truly excellent, are really good in low light conditions (better than most lower power/larger objective lens binoculars) are nitrogen filled to eliminate fogging and are rated to be immersed at 13' for 30 minutes IIRC. They are also capable of 1.5M close focus, which is great for observing insects. They are also hugely expensive, but you'll never need to buy anything else.

For sea viewing from your balcony I would think something around 10-12 x 50, with some degree of weather protection would be ideal. They'll be at the heavy end for hand-held, but as you won't be carrying them around, and you may have something to brace yourself against, they should be fine. Alternatively consider something larger but tripod based.

Find a supplier near you which has viewing facilities, and spend an afternoon trying absolutely everything. You'll know when you found a pair that are right for you.

Once again many tks

I may look at telescopes too as it can stay on a tripod on the balcony and i'd not be using it round that much.

[red_slr]

What is your budget?

A spotting scope might fit the job, not a large FOV but cost vs quality they are normally pretty good.

[FocusRS3]

red_slr said:

What is your budget?

A spotting scope might fit the job, not a large FOV but cost vs quality they are normally pretty good.

Very randomly i was thinking about £150 but as i know very little im likely to way out.

Remember this is just for a little fun more than anything . occasional use

[matchmaker]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Fort Jefferson]

FocusRS3 said:

I've got a very old set that were my fathers but they must be 30yrs old.

Don't worry about the age if they are good ones. We have some 10x25 Zeiss foldable ones, we bought in 1986.
They are small and always in my pocket. We have some old 10x50 Zeiss ones for looking from the summerhouse balcony, but they are heavy to just carry about.

For looking out to sea from a fixed spot, I'd get a scope.

[FocusRS3]

Fort Jefferson said:

For looking out to sea from a fixed spot, I'd get a scope.

Yes beginning to think this may be the better idea.

So what magnification for looking out to sea and up at the stars on a clear evening ?

Tks again

[Fort Jefferson]

FocusRS3 said:

Fort Jefferson said:

For looking out to sea from a fixed spot, I'd get a scope.

Yes beginning to think this may be the better idea.

So what magnification for looking out to sea and up at the stars on a clear evening ?

Tks again

How long is a piece of string?

I guess if you can buy an adjustable one between 20x to 60x ?