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 Post subject: Binoculars
PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 12:39 am 
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AdminDude
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Location: Maui,Hawaii
binoculars I have studied over the last two weekends an area I had little knowledge of.
Our budget is 200.00 that is even pushing what I need too convince Mrs.Mango

I want it all; bird watching and see the moons of Saturn.

I'll take your opinions on brands and sizes _ _ x _ _ etc

Looks like I am leaning towards a type that will require a tripod at night. anyway,
any and all help is greatly appreciated

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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:02 am 
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Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Hey Mango,

You probably already know this but, the numbers that describe binoculars represent the magnifying power, and the size of the objective (larger) lens. So, a 7x35 (once, the most common size) magnifies 7x and has a 35mm front lens. A 10x50 magnifies by 10x and has a 50mm front lens. A higher magnification reduces the transmitted light, so a larger lens is used to gather more light.

The trade off in hand glasses is that anything over 10x also tends to magnify the shakiness of the holder. Add to that, the additional weight of the larger lenses and the shakiness gets worse, sooner. I have a pair of 9x40 that I like, but they do take a little getting use to, if you've been using 7x35. Pop had a pair of 10x50 that he used on the boat, but they were for real long range work and because of the movement of the boat and their weight, it was hard to see any details with them.

A tripod (or monopod) can make a real difference when using the bigger glasses, but you are limited in how fast you can move them and if you do try to catch details relatively close up, you're going to be disappointed in them. If you really want it all (bird watching and the moons of Saturn, as you said), you will want two pairs, or one smaller pair and a telescope.

My recommendation is to start with what the Mrs. would appreciate the most, and then call upon your success, at a later date, and reach for the stars.

Cheers,
Tom

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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 12:13 pm 
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I love my 7 X 50's. Huge objective lens that gathers so much light its almost as good as having NOD's, but much cheaper. By the sounds of things though, you are looking for a higher power. Just remember to get the largest front lens, the second number, that you can. A 10 X 60, 12X50, or bigger.

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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 6:53 pm 
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Here's a rather excellent article on shopping for binoculars that might be of interest:

http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/binoculars.html

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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Sat Dec 20, 2014 2:18 pm 
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thank you all the information, it was very helpful. An email From Rix helped me as well. Not sure I will have a decision and purchase before the end of the Year, pictures will be displayed :D

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The land some where in the middle
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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:53 pm 
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Also don't forget the option of second hand. Lots of money is spent on Binoculars, and lots of them spend a lot of time in the back of the closet.
You might be able to get what you"need", and keep Mrs Mango happy at the same time!

Good luck with it.

Eric


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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2015 4:39 pm 
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Mango wrote:
thank you all the information, it was very helpful. An email From Rix helped me as well. Not sure I will have a decision and purchase before the end of the Year, pictures will be displayed :D


Hi Mango, glad you got the email. If you hurry and get your bino's you can still catch Comet Lovejoy. A very enjoyable view!.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Rick


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 Post subject: Re: Binoculars
PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 9:08 am 
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Location: Prattville, Al. USA
I have a Nikon 10 x 50 that I like very well. They come in real handy when I am in the mountains in Tn and NC. Spotting for Bald Eagles and black bear. Many birds as well also. Although I am not a birder per say, I love watching them, and all animals of the wild.


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