Birding Optics store in GTA

[indianBirder]

I want to buy a binocular and scope but before i do so , i want to try them out.
Are there stores in toronto where i can do that??
I'm primarily looking for nikon, vortex,minox and other such brands with decent range of products.

I've checked out efston, but they are closing down and have almost no stocks.
I've heard a lot about Pelee, but unfortunately, i don't drive, so going up there is not currently an option for me

[Pruss]

Hmmm...

Pelee Wings truly is the best spot in the province to do side-by-side comparison of the top birding binocs and scopes.  Efston is where I started comparing birding optics when I took up the hobby.  Even though they didn't have all the brands that I wanted to compare, I was able to at least learn what was important to me in a good pair of 'nocs.  

I'd recommend you check out the website http://www.optics4birding.com/ it's a great site for research.  With the comparison tool available you should be able to narrow your search field down to a few makes and models of binocs/scopes that fit your bill.  Then all you need to do is find out what stores or chains retail them so you can go in and try them first hand.

Check places like:
Wild Birds Unlimited - http://www.toronto.wbu.com/
Urban Nature Store - http://www.urbannaturestore.ca/shop/pc/home.asp
Canadian Tire - http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp?site=WebStore

Heck, most outdoors stores like Bass Pro Shops and SAIL have a reasonable variety of optics for you to look through.  This should help you make your buying decision.

Good luck with your purchase.

Pruss

[rcflier]

I had a visit last Friday with one of my friends who does astronomy.  I had a squit through his pair of Celestron Skymaster 8x56 binos.  They were very good.  I too am looing for a good pair of binos and it's a difficult decision.

Anyway, take a look at the Clestron website, they have lots of choices.  This is the link to the 8x56 binos, but back up to their home page and start from thetre

http://www.celestron.com/sports_outdoor ... ars?cat=67

http://www.celestron.com

[Brian Bailey]

There is a similar thread here you might want to check:  http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10686

BB

[Pruss]

I have a pair of Celestron Skymaster 8X56 and love them.  They were the first binocs I bought, and I still use them.  They are especially good for low light birding (early am or dusk).  The only downside, really, is that they are big and heavy.  I'm 6' and hefty, so they don't bother me too much, but on long days they can be a drag.  If you go this route I would strongly encourage you to get a harness.