Binoculars for Alaska - Questions

[lardan]

I am sailing on the Zaandam in July and we are booked in an AA category Suite. Two Questions:

1) Are binoculars provided in my type of cabin?

2) I think I would like to purchase a couple pair for my wife and myself. I am confused by all the different strengths; 10x25, 12x25, etc.. Does anyone have any clue as to what would be a good strength for Alaska?

Thanks in advance

[Neil in Vancouver]

Not sure whether they provide binoculars or not. As for which ones to buy, the first number is the magnification, eg 7 times or 10 times, etc. The higher the number, the more magnification, but the narrower the field of view. Usually 7x is about right for viewing scenery and wildlife. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The larger the number, the brighter the image, but the binoculars are larger and heavier. In bright daylight it won't make much difference. In twilight or heavy cloud, it might. The standard size for ship navigation is 7x50, which are a little bulkey for carrying around, but will give good viewing in all light conditions. The next size down is 7x35, which is a good compromise if you want something smaller and lighter. I would avoid the 10x25 size for Alaska. These will give good magnification and small size, but I think you'll find that the narrow field of view and the brightness of the image under low lighting conditions are not the best.

Hope that helps.

Neil

[lardan]

Not sure whether they provide binoculars or not. As for which ones to buy, the first number is the magnification, eg 7 times or 10 times, etc. The higher the number, the more magnification, but the narrower the field of view. Usually 7x is about right for viewing scenery and wildlife. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The larger the number, the brighter the image, but the binoculars are larger and heavier. In bright daylight it won't make much difference. In twilight or heavy cloud, it might. The standard size for ship navigation is 7x50, which are a little bulkey for carrying around, but will give good viewing in all light conditions. The next size down is 7x35, which is a good compromise if you want something smaller and lighter. I would avoid the 10x25 size for Alaska. These will give good magnification and small size, but I think you'll find that the narrow field of view and the brightness of the image under low lighting conditions are not the best.



Hope that helps.

Neil

Wow, thanks for your explanations. I appreciate it and will take your advice. I am looking to buy the compact binoculars as they will be easier to transport and carry around. Possibly an 8x25 pair. Are these alright for what I'm looking for?

[Neil in Vancouver]

They should be fine if what you want is small and compact. As I said, under low light conditions the image will not be very bright,but they should be fine for normal daylight.

Enjoy!

Neil

[lardan]

They should be fine if what you want is small and compact. As I said, under low light conditions the image will not be very bright,but they should be fine for normal daylight.

Enjoy!

Neil


Thanks Neil. I have just bought a couple pair for my wife and myself. I appreciate the recommendation.

[LonghornKJK]

Not sure whether they provide binoculars or not. As for which ones to buy, the first number is the magnification, eg 7 times or 10 times, etc. The higher the number, the more magnification, but the narrower the field of view. Usually 7x is about right for viewing scenery and wildlife. The second number is the size of the objective lens in millimeters. The larger the number, the brighter the image, but the binoculars are larger and heavier. In bright daylight it won't make much difference. In twilight or heavy cloud, it might. The standard size for ship navigation is 7x50, which are a little bulkey for carrying around, but will give good viewing in all light conditions. The next size down is 7x35, which is a good compromise if you want something smaller and lighter. I would avoid the 10x25 size for Alaska. These will give good magnification and small size, but I think you'll find that the narrow field of view and the brightness of the image under low lighting conditions are not the best.

Hope that helps.

Neil

I was just looking at binoculars the other day. It's great to get some advice that relates the specs to the conditions. Thanks! :)

[FLACRUISER99]

The real answer is the more you pay the better they are. Don't buy them at Walmart or Target.

[serendipity1499]

The real answer is the more you pay the better they are. Don't buy them at Walmart or Target.

True, but the better they are the larger & heavier they are..When flying you have to think about weight..Unless you are a Professional Birder or need them on a boat for navigation the smaller ones at Walmart are fine for occassional viewing..We have three pair of different strengths for use on our boat or road trips & the ones I use on a cruise...My Husband takes a camera with a zoom lens that takes fantastic pictures..So I use the
10X25 Binoculars on our cruises ..They are compact & fit in my fanny pack..I only used them a half a dozen times in the Amazon & on our South American (round the horn trip)..At home I can now enjoy the close up pics which my DH took..Have a wonderful trip..Betty
P.S. Try calling ships services to ask if they supply them in the cabin..

[MMastell]

Look for a pair of waterproof binoculars. Rain and condensation are the worst things that can ruin a pair of binoculars. A cheap pair (or any pair) are basically worthless after moisture is trapped inside. Alaska is notorious for getting things wet.

Take care,
Mike

[dare2dream]

HAL does not provide binoculars for passengers. You will be glad you have your own though. For our trip last summer I got two different cleap pair on ebay. One worked well, one not quite as good. DH and I made due and enjoyed all the things we spied with the binoculars.

Happy cruising to us all,

Brenda

[bdcbbq]

If getting two pair, you might consider getting different sizes so that you can share them when necessary. Trade off the wider view for the narrow view when spotting something you would want to share.

[sailrnav]

I take a relatively inexpensive (~$125) Bushnell all weather 7X50's on every cruise. They are great in all light conditions. They sit on the nearest flat surface next to the balcony doors at all times. They are worth the little bit of extra weight.

[RDziekan]

We were in a suite last year on HAL to Alaska. There were binoculars in the suite for us to use.