As well as my main Swarovskis I have a pair of Opticron Traveller 8 x 32 which I either lend to non-brider friends or use when I want no extra weight - cycling, work travel abroad. They are between £185 and £199. I'm pretty happy with them but having looked trhough some of the new 8 x 32 Swarovskis they are the business in lightweight bins. But obviously over £500!
don't forget places like jessops,the other week they were selling small nikons £150 cheaper than in focus,don't always think that places like in focus etc are cheaper,don't forget apart from the rent they pay,they have to donate a high percentage to the wildfowl trust for everything they sell,which is great but £150 is a lot of money-shop around on the internet before you buy,there can be massive variation in prices,and at least if you check prices,you can haggle.In focus is a beltin little shop,and im sure if you say they are on the internet at a price ,can you match that im sure they will do you a nice deal. Never pay the full price,always say whats the least you can do them for ,you will be amazed how much you can get bins for.
Many Thanks for the replies on this topic. I think I ll try out some of the specific models I fancy now (the smaller x30/32s) and see how they perform. Im slightly more convinced the more I hear about them.
I have a pair of 10x42 and a pair of 8x32s. Admittedly the 8x32 were reduced when I bought them, but at their normal price they were only a tad over £500, and I find them excellent. The image is just as bright, if not a touch brighter than the more expensive 10x42s I own.
The more expensive bins will (usually) be brighter than cheaper ones - my 8x32s are brighter than most 8x42s in the lower price brackets - but within the same price bracket you may not find too much difference.
On a slightly diffrent note I have found some of the top end, new HD models to actually be too bright!!!
It all comes down to compromise on comfort, weight, magnification and just how they feel to you.
-- Edited by Craig Higson on Tuesday 8th of June 2010 12:58:12 PM
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No one on their death bed ever said they wished they'd spent more time at work. http://bitsnbirds.blogspot.co.uk
The problem you have Mark, is the smaller the objective lense, then the less light gathering.
Compacts are handy to carry around in the pocket (like when I go to Central Manchester and don't want a big pair of bins round my neck!!) but I find that most of the time (apart from sunny days) they show a very dull image.
I would recommend you buy both to cover all situations, as you will still get a decent pair of each well within your budget.
I would always have 8x42's as my main pair though.
On the subject of Compacts, Nikon seem to do a good range and might be worth checking out!!
Possibly considering the idea of buying a smaller pair of binoculars than the normal 8x40/42 etc and wondered what experiences people have of them. Would be in the sub £500 bracket and have spotted a few which might merit a look. The zeiss 8x30 conquest, some of the minox HG ones and one or two others seem interesting but I ve never seen anyone using any of the sub £500 8x30 etc while out birding. Just wanted to get the general feeling on this before trying any out. Its one thing shopping at the very top of the range but another lower down and wasnt sure whether to leave this well alone or try it. There seems to be a trend of binoculars going smaller but whether these smaller ones would be up to the job come deepest darkest winter is another thing. Any thoughts would be welcome.
