Cheers Guys - you know the right way to get maximum discount & preferential treatment, I know I have already promised a home baked delicacy or two for Martyn, hopefully next time, just let me know your coming & I'll bake a cake..... as the old song goes!!!
.... I dealt with Doc a couple of weeks back when investing in a scope, and i can totally recommend him, no pressure Doc makes sure you have a look through the optics and he is a birder himself so understands what you are looking for and understands the restraints of budget. I totally agree with Bernard, Doc is a very nice and highly knowledgable bloke who will help you choose the best pair for you with no pressure to buy. I got my pair yesterday! An excellent shop and with first class service.
Cheers, Martyn.
-- Edited by Martyn Jones on Saturday 10th of May 2014 09:44:06 AM
I live in Oldham, and my wife would like some new binocs. There is, as you know, a bewildering range of binocs, but she would like to try them out, and feel them and have a look through them. I wonder if anyone can recommend a place where we can do that? I do not want any recommendations re which binocs, thanks, but just a shop or similar where we could go and try them out.
Peter Jones
Hi Peter I dealt with Doc a couple of weeks back when investing in a scope, and i can totally recommend him, no pressure Doc makes sure you have a look through the optics and he is a birder himself so understands what you are looking for and understands the restraints of budget.
Pop over, Peter, & we have viewing from 1st floor windows looking out over fields and 2 feeding stations at which Tree Sparrows are regular! Loads of makes & models of binoculars to try too and we won't just recommend the expensive ones. Optics at the sub-£150 level are now so much better than even 5 years ago, but just decide on a budget & we'll show you binoculars across a wide range of prices & the ones that suit you are the best for you as an individual. No number of recommendations can beat looking through them yourself
If you need to drop me a private message about anything please feel free, I will try to answer any queries you may have, even before you set fioot inside a shop
Focalpoint Optics should be your first port of call Peter.
Not only do they provide one of the most extensive selections and price ranges in excellent viewing facilities but they are also sponsors of this forum without which I couldn't afford to run it myself anymore, so I think they deserve our support too
They have their own section on this forum should you wish to ask direct questions to them.
I live in Oldham, and my wife would like some new binocs. There is, as you know, a bewildering range of binocs, but she would like to try them out, and feel them and have a look through them. I wonder if anyone can recommend a place where we can do that? I do not want any recommendations re which binocs, thanks, but just a shop or similar where we could go and try them out.
I use 8x Nikon and Opticron Discovery LE WP, I got my Nikons from Warehouse Express think there discontinued the action VII model (not warterproof) they have an EX model now (waterproof). Ebay is a good place to look, my Opticrons came from there. IMO I would not go over 10x as a rule unless you have a very steady hand probally better to use a scope after 10x.
-- Edited by Simon Gregory on Tuesday 16th of February 2010 09:44:01 AM
-- Edited by Simon Gregory on Tuesday 16th of February 2010 09:53:40 AM
Take a look at the Warehouse express website for an idea of whats available. Have always favoured 10x42 over 8x42, just that little bit more magnification, but would definately recommend the Opticron range, if you're on a budget.
yes that is right, 10 x 40, 10 times is the magnification and a 40 mm lense, you dont really need any more magnification, most people use 8x42 for birdwatching, i just had a quick look online and infocus dont have any good second hand bins at the moment for around 100 quid but they do have some great opticron bins for 80- 100 new with a five year guarantee, search on google for martin mere in focus shop and then look at the opticon binoculars range, great value for money and you can try before you buy, good luck
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Did you see it? It was small and brown and flew that way.........................
Don't mind paying £50-100. That Martin Mere thing sounds interesting. Is that in the Binocular shop they have? Was just considering though if a monocular might be better as I have a dicky eye. Is it generally the case that the first number (i.e. the 10 in a 10 x 40) is an indication that the magnifcation is greater?
infocus at martin mere also has a lot of second hand bins that are well priced and you can have a look through them all to see the difference, dont buy a twenty quid pair like john says, you will regret it, it all depends on what you want to spend, lots of ok bins for around £100 or just over and some ok second hand one a bit cheaper
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Did you see it? It was small and brown and flew that way.........................
If you can, go somewhere where you can actually use a few pairs and get a feel for them. Stockport Opticals, or an In-Focus, say. Even if they don't have anything in your price range at least you get an idea of what you'll get if you buy on-line
8 x40 or 10x40 best for birdwatching,plenty of reasonable bins around £100 mark,opticron cheaper end etc,get the best you can afford,don't buy a £20 pair,as you will want to replace them streight away.
Hi everyone. I'm a newbie and I'm looking to get a halfways decent pair of Bins, on a budget. E-bay is stacked out with them. What sort of magnification should I be looking for? There's a pair of Sakura 30 x23's for instance, would they be any good? I know things like Viking etc seem to be the popular brands but I can't justify spending £3-400 on a pair. Thanks in advance.
