Guess it is time for me to ask for more advice! I also have a set of binoculars on my wish list for Xmas this year. Want a pair that is not too heavy and really good for bird watching and under about $300. I see on the net that Bushnell Legend 8X42 is one often recommended. Anyone have thoughts on what I really want? (By the way, much of my viewing of birds is against the sky from my living room. Here is a picture of feeders in last year's snow.)
Hi PNW, I bought a pair recently that is recommended for bird watching and is under $300. I absolutely love them, it's the Nikon Monarch 8x42.
I'll try and get some reviews together for you. Here is one from Pete Dunne of the Cape May Bird Observatory. http://featheredgeoptics.com/petespick-binoculars.htm
Another review- http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/nikon-monarch-atb-8x42-binoculars.html
If you have time a good thing to do would be to figure out the top 3 your thinking of and try each pair of binoculars at a store to see which ones you like best.
This message was edited Dec 8, 2009 12:33 PM
Hi PNW, I just bought a pair recently too. I got the Nikon Monarch 10x42 which I really like. Very light weight! I was told the 8x42 is considered better. We have bought a lot of things from buydig.com which seemed to have the lowest prices. Here's a link-
http://www.buydig.com/shop/searchresults.aspx?cti=&scs=true&kwd=nikon+monarch&x=0&y=0
Thanks for the quick response. Hope I can find a store that carries a few of the recommended ones. Thanks also for the links, I will check them out tonight. The source I received recommendations from was the Audubon magazine:
Bushnell Legend 8X42
Leupold Cascades 8X42
Leupold Katmai 6X32
Nikon Monarch 8X42 PC ATB
I still really like to get impressions from those of you who have had chances to try them out!!!!
This message was edited Dec 8, 2009 12:13 PM
I have one pair of Nikon Monarch 8X42 ATB binocs that I keep in my car.
I have two pairs of Nikon Trailblazers 10x50 ATB. One stays in my garage and one my house.
The Monarch ($243.20 - Amaazon) cost more than the Trailblazers (($144.95), which are a little bigger, and even though they're a little bigger, I still prefer the Trailblazers. I don't think it is because they are 10x50, Both binocs are real sharp. Honesty, I don't think Monarchs are $100 better than the Trailblazers.
I wear bifocals and both binocs have generous eye relief so that I have no problem seeing through them with my glasses on.
Here are the Monarchs ($243.20):
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7430-Monarch-All-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B00006AG6C/ref=pd_cp_p_2
Here are the Trailblazers ($144.95):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NK91DE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000PWBAYI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=126P550CBE0ZBC59XZZJ
Hack
This message was edited Dec 9, 2009 1:18 AM
I would assume that there is something better with the glass in the Monarchs that makes them that much more.
The thing I like about my Monarchs as compared to my old B&L bino's is the brightness. For those that don't know, the second number is the amount of light let in. Also my old bino's did not have eye relief. If it's very sunny I leave my glasses on and it's very comfortable. The Monarchs for me are very comfortable in my hands too and the weight is fine. I was able to get a lot of use of lender Monarchs on the Hawk Watch before deciding to buy them. Their a nice sleek attractive binocular.
Here is Cornell Lab of Ornithology's ratings of different priced binoculars.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html
The only other pair of binoculars I've used that I liked better were a very expensive Swarovski 8x42 binoculars, but they were WAY out of my price range.
Good Luck! Let us know what you end up getting.
You're probably right pelle, but other than the Trailblazers' size, I really can't see a difference in the two - not $100 worth. Of course, I don't tot them around, if I did, I'd opt for the Monarchs. The image quality of both is real good as I look through the two.
Hack
I've had good luck with all the Nikon binos recommended. I've wanted to try the Canon IS series, but haven't had a chance yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-10x30-Stabilization-Binoculars-Batteries/dp/B00004THDC
Anyone have any experience with these?
If possible, look through your binoculars before you buy them. I have a pair of binoculars from a reliable company that is/are "tweaked". In other words, the two sides aren't aiming at the same point, and I always get a double image. I tested the "display" model at the store, but not the actual pair I bought. They have a lifetime warrenty, but I have never gotten around to shipping them off for repair/replacement. I keep them under the seat of the car, and use them like a telescope with one eye closed. If you get them mail order, then check them right away & return them right away while you still have the packaging. Otherwise you'll end up like me, using a pair of broken binoculars for 20 years.
Hi Pollen, That means their way out of alignment. It can be very bad for your eyes to use them like that (if your using both eye's).
When you first get your bino's look through them at something straight like a telephone line, a roof top line etc. Very slowly pull them away from your eyes to a few inches away and if the line doesn't match up (like one line on one side is higher than the other) then their alignment is no good.
I didn't know my old B&L bino's were out of line till they were looked at by an expert before a guided walk one day. When I got home I looked it up on the internet for more information. Mine were quite old so I have no idea how long they were like that, luckily it was not severe.
Chris, I was given a pair of Canon IS binoculars for my birthday last year. They are lightweight, easy to use and razor sharp. However, I just can't figure out what the IS is supposed to do. I've experimented with it under various conditions and it seems to detract from, rather than enhance the quality.
pollengarden, I'd take advantage of that lifetime warranty and get those fixed or replaced. Those must be a real pain to use.
Hack
I think I have narrowed down my choice to either the Leopold Wind River Katmai 6x32 or the Nikon Monarch 8x42. Cornell gives the Leopold a slightly higher rating. If I buy today, binoculars.com will give an additional 10% off. Thoughts, please.
Depends on what your used to. I wouldn't want to step down to a 6x distance binocular there are so many times when it seems 8x isn't enough but then it's time to go to a scope.
I just picked up the Nikon Sportstar Binoculars. 10 x 25 5°. I wanted something under 100$.
They seem nice and light. I tried another pair of from Nikon (Travelite) and a pair from Leupold. The were ergonomically better, but the optics on this just seemed so much more clear. Turns out they were 30 bucks cheaper than the other two pair.
Decided on the Monarch 8X42, which the family gave me for Christmas. They are quite spectacular although a little larger and heavier than I had hoped. I also requested a fanny pack to carry them in, and my son wanted to know if I knew where there was an "80's" store. Nonetheless, he found one at a sporting goods store that they barely fit inside of. I attach my Felcos in their leather holster on the same strap and I am good to go for walks in my woods.
LOL on the son. Well, I didn't want a big pair because I"m already lugging about the camera. And of course I couldn't afford anything super duper. I"d probably lose or break it. That's just me!
