What binoculars do you use?

Rotarran · **on:** February 13, 2015, 10:04:29 PM

I recently bought a pair of binoculars and I thought it would be interesting to start a thread on our board to discuss what kinds of binoculars you're using now, you've used in the past and are looking to buy in the future.

I just bought a pair of Vortex Diamondbacks and I'm quite impressed with them. I mainly bought them for the field of view, value (quality for the price) and warranty coverage.

Previously I used the Nikon Monarch 3's and while they served me well over the last couple of years, I found them to be somewhat fragile and suffering from a small field of view. I'm actually shocked that these bins are being recommended for beginners. You'd think bins with a big field of view would be better for beginners. There are many birds I missed due to the small FOV of the Monarch 3's.

I tried out my new Diamondbacks today and in two cases I locked onto a fast-flying Mourning Doves with ridiculous ease. With the Nikons, it would have been considerably more challenging.

I doubt I will ever spend much more than the medium level price range but in the future I am eyeing the Vortex Talon HD's or Nikon Monarch 7's. Both have great field of views and great light intake for brighter views even in low light conditions.

Rotarran · **Reply #1 on:** February 14, 2015, 07:29:34 AM

I should have mentioned that all bins I have owned so far are 8x42.

Paul O'Toole · **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2015, 04:30:50 PM

Bushnell Water Proof 8 x 42

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/gear/binoculars/

Michael Tam · **Reply #3 on:** February 23, 2015, 10:40:38 PM

This Zeiss Terra line of binoculars, marketed as an entry level optics, served me well to augment my trusted Zeiss Dialyst 10x40 as my birding companion since the early '80s. I was very impressed with the quality of optics, field of view as well as the ability to close focus packaged into an affordable pair of binoculars for all birders.

Please see the spec below on the Zeiss Terra binoculars:

http://www.zeiss.com/sports-optics/en_d ... terra.html

Good birding and photography.

Walter Fisher · **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2015, 12:08:06 AM

Bushnell Powerview 10x50 binoculars since 2007. Paid only $70 at Canadian Tire and have seen nearly 300 'Life' birds and well over 50,000 raptors with them in Ontario so I guess I can't complain too much. Pretty good bang for the buck!

Walter

Michael Tam · **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2015, 09:32:22 PM

A review of the affordable Zeiss Terra 8x42 or 10x42 roof prism binoculars listed below:

http://www.optics4birding.com/zeiss-ter ... eview.aspx

Good birding and photography.