Binocular advice

[Beebuzz]

I have some vortex diamondback 8-32 in the car and am very impressed with them. the lifetime guarantee is handy.
Ideally you want to handle them and look through them as some makes suit you better than others. If you‘re not in a rush a trip to the game fair might be worth it as there will be loads to try?

 

[Dudd I]

Bought my Steiner 6x30s back in 85 or so. Been across the Sahara, round the Atlas n more, n survived house destruction. Rugged n excellent. Still got the original strap on them

 

[Zebb]

I have several pairs over the years, basically found that the larger pairs all be they very good, still a pain to carry out just for a quick look at something..

I now have a pair of Nikon aculon A30 10x25, the quality for a £65.00 when I got them is excellent. Good thing about buying from Argos you can return if not liked.

 

[ChrisL]

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. I've got a lot to look at (through!). I've found a couple of shops fairly locally so I'm going to go to both and have a good look through what they've got, once I've finished this run of night shifts!
I'll keep you posted on what I get.

 

[Lampy]

Hi all,
I'm after a bit of advice as above. I've just got some cash for my birthday and I'm after some binoculars. I'll have a budget of about £120-£130, but if there's a bargain anyone knows about, that would be great!
I've had a look at the Optics Warehouse website and had a bit of a look at the Hawke, Vortex, and Vector Paragon bins. But I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking for!!! Any help from the collective would be fantastic.

Hi mate
Ive been where you are.
most important is what you want bins for which will determine the best ones for you.
Ive had a set of Opticron Savannah R 8x33 which are readily available and best price when my mate just got a pair was £120 off amazon. Ive had mine for about 15 years and never wanted more. great general all rounders and just small enough for large pocket or sitting in pouch on your waist.
Ive just upgraded to a second-hand set Swarovskis at a bargain £650. Are they that much better? yes but not by a huge margin and I still use the opticrons at times.
I do a lot of birding and 8's are ideal. 10's okay if you steady handed but you lose width of view (properly known as field of view).
hope that's helpful. Ive tried most all of other mentioned and IMHO you won't beat the opticrons for your budget.
Good luck!!

 

[Beretta687]

1970-1990 Carl Zeiss 8x30,7x50,or 10x50 a genuine DDR version with hard leather case and straps are some of the best for £70- £150. As they are already second hand they will hold their value and may even go up.Usually a good selection on eBay!

 

[nav2022]

Keep clear of adjustable zoom, they are not like rifle scope zooms because there are two apertures and they never ever keep in sink.
My go to nocs are 10x50 which is the most common format.
Don't be fooled into thinking rifle scope manuafacturers are also good at making nocs - not always the case.
My advice is Nikon Aculon series 10x50, had Nikon before, lightweight and excellent glass.
I'm currently using Bresser 10x50's. I like them and were only 50 quid.

 

[ChrisL]

Thanks again everyone for your advice, it's all appreciated!
I wasn't quick enough, and the cash had to go on other boring essential stuff. But I'm still looking, and might put a wanted add up and go second hand from here after next pay day.