Cheap vs expensive binoculars.

What is the difference between inexpensive (Wall Mart) binoculars and expensive (Neiman Marcus) binoculars.

You get what you pay for. My advice would be to forget about store brands and do some research on binoculars. Alaska is so big, that you really need good binoculars to bring things in close.

 

I don't know what your budget is, but I would be looking into some Fujinons or Steiners. I like marine binoculars because that is exactly what they are designed for. They are bigger, but they reach out. I use the Fujinon 7 x 50 Polaris models. Look through a pair of these and it is breath taking.

The cheap ones are probably not water or fog proof and that alone can make them useless in Alaska.

Better quality binoculars have better lenses. The image will generally be sharper, brighter, and larger, with higher quality binoculars - although price alone isn't the only indicator of quality.

 

Some people think that the more expensive ones are a waste of money, and some people wouldn't consider cheap ones. If you can afford a better pair then find a local sporting goods or camera store that carries them and see the difference for yourself.

 

for our Alaska trip I bought a pair of Canon 10x30 IS (Image Stabilized binoculars). These are relatively expensive, but can be bought at a 25% or higher discount from full retail online. The optics are very good, although not quite as good as other binoculars in the price range, but the Image stabilization feature is incredible. You can see much more clearly when there isn't shake or jitter.

MichellP, that's an excellent summary.

 

After many years' experience using binoculars and other optics, I never cease to be amazed by how much thoughts were put in to make an excellent pair of binoculars.

 

There are many factors that determine the cost of binoculars: mainly the complexity of optic design, quality of glasses and optical coatings. If you are first time binoculars user, try to start with a full size binoculars (36mm and bigger) with power between 7x and 10x. I don't use anything above 10x handheld. Make sure it is waterproof, instead of water-resistance. Coating is important, some cheap binoculars only have anti-reflection coating on the front lens while leaving all internal glasses uncoated. As a result, the image is very dim. The best binoculars will not cut corner for optical coating. Always look for fully multi-coated optics.

 

I started this thread a while back to explain some of the commonly used terminology and one may want to start from here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=550923

I discovered that 12x is too much for me (I have too much hand-shake) -- 10x is borderline okay -- 8x was really good.....I also looked at smaller, compact units, and even the Leupold's I checked out just didn't come close to the standard sized ones I tried.... I really loved the Nikon models....

 

I agree the 8x are probably best for many without the Image Stabilization. While the higher power is very tempting it gets irritating looking through them a while with everything shake. I love my Canon 10x with the IS, but they are expensive.

 

The Nikon Monarchs I looked at once seemed awesome I think they were 8x42 or something like that.

 

I also lucked out and found a fantastic price on eBay for a pair of compact Leica 8x20 binoculars. While the field of vision isn't very wide the quality is fantastic and the small size is great. The best binoculars are the ones you use the most, and having these small ones is nice since they are so easy to carry and so light to hold. I'd love to try some of the other Leica models - but they make the Nikon Monarchs look inexpensive by comparison.

The best binoculars (Lecia, Zeiss, Swarovski, and Nikon EDG) are absolutely amazing in terms of their brightness and sharpness...but cost upwards of $1500 a pair. They are a good investment if you enjoy bird and wildlife watching regularly, as they are rugged and, unlike electronics, will never be truly obsolete (my son uses a pair of older Zeiss binoculars he inherited from his Grandfather, and they are still amazingly good). The big advantage of these top brands (for me at least) is that I can use a more compact pair of 8x32 binoculars that will outperform nearly every 10x42 or 10x50 on the market, yet weighs significantly less and is much easier to hold steady (and easier on the neck).

 

E-bay is a wonderful place to shop for these top-line binoculars, as you can often find remarkable deals on older pairs whenever a new upgrade is introduced (and the upgrades usually only minimally improve the performance of the binoculars).

 

See also this earlier thread for more detailed discussion of binoculars:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=700476

I don't have expensive pairs of binoculars and always use them. Key is to try out several and see what is BEST for you, within your budget.

 

I think sometimes the trend is to go overboard with the "best" when it's going to be a one time use. Only you can decide what is most important.

 

A significant point to consider IF you have a priority for marine wildlife, is the necessity of wide angle.

I think sometimes the trend is to go overboard with the "best" when it's going to be a one time use. Only you can decide what is most important.

 

Thanks for all the posters information. Especially fully coated optics and waterproffing

I plan to use them after the cruise to lets say watch "nature" around my neighborhood

I think the Nikon monarchs are a great overal choice...well worth the investment. Beyond that, there is relatively little added benefit for the additional cost, and for the average person it is just not worth the expense.

 

Again, it is always worth checking e-bay just in case someone purchased a pair and then had a case of buyer's remorse!

I prefer to use a small, high quality telescope called a monocular. I can see far away via that with one eye and keep the other eye looking for bears! Weighs much less and fits into a pocket.

DH got himself a good treat with a compact steiner 8.5x26. It got all the features recommded by the several experts above. It is not cheap at $300. I still prefer my fullsize zen-ray summits since it is easier for me to use.

I prefer to use a small, high quality telescope called a monocular. I can see far away via that with one eye and keep the other eye looking for bears! Weighs much less and fits into a pocket.

these are really fun as well...I keep one in my pocket almost all the time, just in case....

 

I forgot to mention the main advantage of more expensive binoculars, which is better color rendition without color fringing (the slight halo of color you see around a distant object, in particular a back-lit flying bird). This not nearly as critical for marine mammal and scenery observation as it is for birding. One of my hobbies is watching (and identifying) distant migrating hawks and eagles, and in order to properly identify (and determine the age/gender) it is critically important for me to have true color transmission without fringing. The ultra expensive binoculars really make a difference, especially when lighting conditions are poor.

 

Otherwise, for the average bird and whale watcher, the mid-price models will be more than adequate. The most important thing, as BQ stated...try out as many models as possible so you can see what fits comfortably in your hands (and on your neck), and decide whether you prefer 8x or 10x or even 7x or 12x.

DH got himself a good treat with a compact steiner 8.5x26. It got all the features recommded by the several experts above. It is not cheap at $300. I still prefer my fullsize zen-ray summits since it is easier for me to use.

 

I noticed a big difference between my expensive Bushnell Elite2 8x42 ($480) and cheapo compact binoculars I got from ebay for $20. But I didn't see much difference between Elite2 and Summit I have. A better binoculars really gives you stress-free viewing with a better optics. Since I have not personally tried any of those $1000+ binoculars, I cannot say how much better they will be.

Thanks, this gives me a place to start. We have a number of cheap pairs around, and I can't look at them without getting a headache unless I crunch one eye closed. I'm planning to go to a good camera store and try them out, but now I'll be doing it with a little education beforehand.

I have had a pair of 7X50 Fujinon Polaris (marine) galsses for about 10 years and we have just bought our son a pair as he is a quartermaster with BC Ferries. Fujinon tends to be a good marine standard but they wouldn't be something that I would want hike with around my neck for a long period of time. West Marine carry them at about the $600 price point.

I'd condsider the Nikon Monarch 8X42 from a popular online retailer for $245. they are a great affordable option. Even more affordable would be the new XR ones at R.E.I. for $160, now on sale with 20% off. they are a great retailer and will take anything back if you have problems.

 

the Fujis mentioned are AWESOME! But they are an anchor as well. We have had a pair on the boat for years. But again, they are soooo big and heavy. And costly. I don't like the smaller Fujis as much as the Monarchs. Also, you can try the more affordable DCF Pentax models. These start to get heavy. Remember, the bigger and heavier they are, the less they get used.

 

Compacts are nice (8X20) but have limitations. Try them out! Zeiss Victory 8X20 is awesome, but also $400.

I noticed a big difference between my expensive Bushnell Elite2 8x42 ($480) and cheapo compact binoculars I got from ebay for $20. But I didn't see much difference between Elite2 and Summit I have. A better binoculars really gives you stress-free viewing with a better optics. Since I have not personally tried any of those $1000+ binoculars, I cannot say how much better they will be.

 

Just got a chance to try out the Elite2 this weekend. It is an excellent binos for its price. I would be really interested in seeing how it compares to more expensive European brands.

Does anyone know anything about the Simmons Captureview Binoculars?

 

They are supposed to be waterproof, and take digital photos. I just wonder what kind of quality they have.

By the way with the Fujinons most us don't need the ones with the compass with saves some money. Thier Polaris model is nitrogen filled which makes them very good for low light situations; they are also guaranteed for life, we had some friends send a pair back after 15 years to have them refilled. We live just off the water here in BC and probably use mine at least twice a day on average.

I think the Nikon monarchs are a great overal choice...well worth the investment. Beyond that, there is relatively little added benefit for the additional cost, and for the average person it is just not worth the expense.

 

 

You seem to know alot about binoculars. We are looking to purchasing one or two new pairs of binoculars. The ones we currently have were inexpensive ones purchased for our sons.

 

Would you suggest my DH and I buy two different binoculars or the same? We are considering the Nikon Monarchs and the Zen Ray Summits. We are deciding between the 8 x 42 and the 10 x 42. Do you think it would make sense to get one of each? We are concerned about the 10 x 42 being difficult to keep steady.

 

We will be cruising and doing an independent land tour. We are doing the Tracy Arm Cruise, the Northwestern Fjords cruise and will be going to Denali. Thanks for any suggestions.

You seem to know alot about binoculars. We are looking to purchasing one or two new pairs of binoculars. The ones we currently have were inexpensive ones purchased for our sons.

 

Would you suggest my DH and I buy two different binoculars or the same? We are considering the Nikon Monarchs and the Zen Ray Summits. We are deciding between the 8 x 42 and the 10 x 42. Do you think it would make sense to get one of each? We are concerned about the 10 x 42 being difficult to keep steady.

 

We will be cruising and doing an independent land tour. We are doing the Tracy Arm Cruise, the Northwestern Fjords cruise and will be going to Denali. Thanks for any suggestions.

It makes a lot of sense to have different pairs of binoculars...I like 10x42 binoculars when I am watching distant wildlife from a stable platform/surface in open country. If you have no hand tremor, you probably will be fine holding them steady, but you should try out a few pairs in a sporting goods or optics store just to see what you are comfortable with. I prefer the 8x42 for use in smaller boats, or in low light situations (watching birds or wildlife in a dense forest). If I am planning on hiking around a lot, I use my 8x32 binoculars, as they are much lighter and easier on my neck...

 

Both 8x42 and 10x42 are good for overall general use, but each have their unique benefits in different situations...it would make a lot of sense to me to own a pair of each, but again, try out the different models, and if you both prefer the 10x or the 8x, then that is what you should purchase.

 

Binoculars are not one size fits all...I am prone to migraine headaches, I have some arthritis in my neck, and I am very sensitive to color fringing (the slight halo of color visible around flying birds in all but the most expensive optics)...for these reasons, my overall favorite binoculars are currently a high-quality pair 8x32 Zeiss FLT's that I bought last fall on e-bay.

What do you think about this pair?

_________________________________________

 

$69.95

8x40 WorldView Waterproof Binoculars

* Outstanding binoculars for sightseeing or stargazing with features usually not found at this price

* Sealed waterproof housings are impervious to moisture

* Nitrogen-purged barrels prevent internal lens fogging

* Multicoated anti-reflection optics and high-density BAK-4 porro prisms deliver superior performance

from

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=worldview_binos/~pcategory=binocular_standard/~product_id=09487

What do you think about this pair?

_________________________________________

 

$69.95

8x40 WorldView Waterproof Binoculars

* Outstanding binoculars for sightseeing or stargazing with features usually not found at this price

* Sealed waterproof housings are impervious to moisture

* Nitrogen-purged barrels prevent internal lens fogging

* Multicoated anti-reflection optics and high-density BAK-4 porro prisms deliver superior performance

from

http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=worldview_binos/~pcategory=binocular_standard/~product_id=09487

I am not familiar with this model. They seem to be a porro prism design; as a general rule, these are quite a bit heavier and bulkier than roof prism binoculars, and tend to be a little less weather resistant because of the external focus mechanism. On the other hand, porro prism binoculars are often sharper and brighter than roof prisms in the same price/specification range.