Good all-around pair of binoculars

woldebeest · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

I'm looking for a really good pair of binoculars that I can use for traveling, bird and other wildlife watching, sporting event watching, etc. Quality, compact size, and waterproofing are all important to me. If my maximum price is about $800, which binoculars should I consider? If you can recommend 2 or 3, I'd appreciate it. Thanks for your help.

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 10:17 am Post subject:

Hi

For an all around binocular that would cover you for traveling, bird and other wildlife watching, sporting events and more, it would be difficult to beat a quality 8x42 roof prism binocular. This would give you the magnification you need, provide a good field of view, and still be light enough to wear around your neck all day.

To reduce size and weight even more without sacrificing much in performance, you may also want to consider a good 8x30 or 8x32 binocular. This size has always been a popular with back country travelers who need maximum performance without the weight.

For a maximum price of $800 you have many great choices. First, a few great, lifetime quality 8x42s. All of these are waterproof and PC coated for the best in optical performance.

*Pentax 8x43 DCF SP Binoculars, http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-8x43-dcf-sp.html

* Kahles (owned by Swarovski) 8x42, http://www.opticsplanet.net/ka8x42biwifr.html This is a very sharp binocular from a well known European company. Highly recommended.

* Kowa 8x42, http://www.opticsplanet.net/kowa-8x42-roof-prism-binoculars-waterproof.html A well known manufacturer in the birding community of quality spottinmg scopes, now making a nice roof prism binocular.

*Steiner 8x42 Predator, http://www.opticsplanet.net/steiner-binoculars-8x42-predator.html Built to military specs and very rugged.

And here are some top notch 8x32 roof prism binoculars!
* Steiner 8x32 Predator, http://www.opticsplanet.net/steiner-binoculars-8x32-predator.html

* Nikon Premier 8x32 LX, http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-8x32mm-premier-lx-binoculars.html The Nikon 8x32 Premeir LX roof prism is a bit of a stretch at $899.99 from the $800 you mentioned, but is regarded by some as one of the sharpest binoculars on the market. My personal first choice here.
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woldebeest · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks for the info. That really does help. I noticed you have a pair of Nikon 10x32's for $999. What are the drawbacks (besides the extra $100) by going to a 10 power instead of 8? The size and weight are the same, right?

ranburr · Guest

I would go with a quality roof in 10x42. Look at Kahles, Minox, Docter, Pentax Sps and there is also the Zeiss Classic in 10x40.

ranburr