doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Binoculars

I want to get my wife binoculars for Christmas, but am overwhelmed by the choices. Any advice for selection? She will use them for sporting events (horse racing, football, etc).

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Norm:

For value, you can't beat Nikon Optics as I use them about everyday. But, if you are willing to pay the piper, I would lean toward Leica or Zeiss. Although, Steiner can be sometimes found at serratradingpost.com on sale.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

Are you planning on a small pair or regular size. Leupold are very good quality and priced lower than Zeiss. Most high quality binocular lenses are made by the same compay in Japan. The coatings make the significant difference on high grade lenses. I have Steiner Safari for bow hunting but find my full size Leupold are much easier on my eyes, particularly at dusk or dawn. My wife has some Nikon's and loves them.

Jim

I had in mind a set that could be carried in purse or pocket, but am really open to any ideas.

For a pocket or purse size set, I would look at the Zeiss Compact, or Victory Compact, or the Swarovski Pocket set which I have been told are great; although, I haven't set my eyes upon a pair. Leica has a Compact set but they are more expensive.

Kind Regards,

Raimey
rse

You might consider this site for purchase: http://www.swfa.com/

I am sure there are other discount sites also, but I have bought alot over the years and found them trustworthy and they have fast shipping.

Jim

I have been very impressed with the Minox binocs, I use a pair of 6.5x32 for hunting here in NY, 9.5x42 out west and 15x58's on a tripod. Have compared them sxs with Zeiss & Swarovski's binocs costing 4-5 times as much and there's no practical difference. I suppose a set of $1500 Leica's may give you 5 min. more shooting time but it doesn't sound like your wife needs that.

Cameraland in NYC is a very reputable dealer, ask for Doug. They know the meaning of customer service. If you want to compare binocs order the ones you'are interested in and return the ones you don't want, no questions.

I just heard from them that they still have a few pairs of the 6.5's left for $180. That's less than half of what Sierra Trading Post was selling them for.

If money is no object, the Swarovski's are among the best whether you chose the fullsize or pocket size. I've used both but own neither (money is an object with me).

Now you Nikon fans don't take this the wrong way, I've been a Nikon camera owner/fan for 40+ yrs, but there is a better binoc for the money, at least in the midsize roof prisms. It's the Olympus EXWP 1 (maybe II by now) 8x42 waterproof and rubber coated. I was looking for a good bino a couple yrs ago and looked at the Consumer reports test for midsize bino's and this one was very high on the list and the highest for eyeglass wearers like me. They were under $200 mailorder at the time. I've had them side by side with fullsize Swarovski's for hours and three of us, including the Swarovski's owner,...well we all agree the Swarovski's are better, but not by much. Certainly not 6-7 times better (Swar's cost 6-7 times more). My friend that has the Nikon Monarch's, who is also a lifelong Nikon camera fan went out and bought some of the Oly's after he saw mine sxs against his. Not the best, but the best buy, IMO. BTW, the Minox was rated slightly higher than the Oly's but not for eyeglass wearers, which is why I bought the Oly's.

I have been in the market for some GOOD binoculars. I also want something a little small and easy to carry. I asked your question on another internet BB and after a long thread with a reasonable amount of back and forth I decided on the Pentax DCF WP (water proof). The shopping bots tell me they can be had for about 270 in the 8 power. http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/binoculars/m/17979589/search=pentax%20dcf%20wp/skd=1

In fact, I am going to order some right now. Good luck. Jake