Complexity of the Modern Era November 01, 2016, 03:24:49 pm I've known for a long time that most any important purchase takes a bit of research. In fact, even buying coffee ... oh never mind. At any rate, DW has been a Birder for many years and with less than decent binocs. So I thought I do a quick study of various tutorials, review sites and so forth so that I could help her with this somewhat important purchase. My oh my, did I open a can of worms. As many of you probably already know, the complexity and technologies of binoculars is overwhelming to say the least. I have to remind myself that in the Information Age the upside should be informed decisions and the downside is to become overwhelmed with the complexity of the modern era.And so it goes.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #1 – November 01, 2016, 04:36:16 pm Ed, our LD hibernates through Ohio winters. When spring arrives, the LD gets a shakedown trip to one of the prime migratory bird watching areas, Magee Marsh near Oregon, Ohio. Binoculars? You've never seen so many Swarovski binoculars in one area! Even the Amish are using great glass.What kind of budget are you working with? I am partial to the Vortex brand; they have a wide range of products and their products have a lifetime no fault warranty. My wife and her sister are now using Vortex Vipers which are pretty great without breaking the bank. I have been using their Razor line. I refuse to spend the $2000+ to buy Swaro, Zeiss, or Leica. Read the reviews on places like Eagle Optics and Amazon.Happy Birding,Steve K
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #2 – November 01, 2016, 04:51:05 pm Quote from: Steve K. - November 01, 2016, 04:36:16 pmWhat kind of budget are you working with?We agree with your observations about high dollar binoculars as in totally agreement. These binocs will be an early Christmas present. So right now, I'm plowing through the complexity of this topic. We'd like to make an informed decision. We're reading The Best Binoculars & Binocular Reviews Website and Welcome to Optics Den! - Optics Den. Then we cross reference recommendations with Amazon user reviews. We should have a decision before Christmas!
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #3 – November 01, 2016, 05:01:45 pm When I was ready to step up to better binoculars I did like you, reading as much as I could digest. It was whole unsatisfying. Then I was armed to go to a few retailers like Cabela's. In some places I was able to take the binos outside for comparison. Most of the better stores have an amazing variety of optics, and a decent set up to try them out. I found some good Vortex, Nikon, Bushnell, Steiner, and Swarovski. Color shift was important to me so peering through them outside, with full sun and twilight was instructive! I also wanted lightweight and water resistant. I invested in Swarovski. The cost of a good set of binos is staggering. I found the time and travel associated was well spent.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #4 – November 01, 2016, 07:36:10 pm A vote here for image stabilization, which allows using higher degrees of magnification.We found the Canon 12 X 36 IS II binoculars, used along with a harness, to be a good choiceWhile they maybe not the perfect choice for a birder, the high power and stabile image make using them a pleasure and they are light enough to be hiked with, using the harness.12 x 36 IS IIIf you have not used a harness, definitely give it a try. When walking, it keeps your binocs or camera from bouncing, instead, holding them close to the body. I equipped the harness with quick disconnect snaps, enabling the harness to be used with several devices.Here is an example.Amazon.com : Vortex Optics Binocular Harness Strap - Great for Cameras and...Larry 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #5 – November 01, 2016, 08:12:13 pm Harness for any mid to full sized pair, yes.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #6 – November 01, 2016, 08:42:20 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - November 01, 2016, 07:36:10 pmIf you have not used a harness, definitely give it a try. When walking, it keeps your binocs or camera from bouncing, instead, holding them close to the body. I equipped the harness with quick disconnect snaps, enabling the harness to be used with several devices.We've added this harness suggestion to our binocular project list! Muchas Gracias.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #7 – November 02, 2016, 06:57:14 am Ed, if I could suggest another research website, spend some time at birdwatching.com. The Porters have been reviewing binoculars for many years and their articles are sometimes published in Birdwatcher's Digest. They also make recommendations based on price ranges.The advice to visit places like Cabelas is great; how binoculars fit and feel in the user's hand is a major consideration.Larry mentioned image stabilization and seems to like his Canon 12x36's. That might be a good choice for distant wildlife viewing, perhaps as a substitute for a spotting scope but the narrow field of view is not ideal for birding. Most birders will prefer an 8x42 or 8x32 with a wide field of view. Hunters mostly use 10x42. Happy shopping.Steve K. 1 Likes
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #8 – November 02, 2016, 09:03:30 am I'd like a pair of good, "general purpose" binoculars, but have never found any that can be adjusted for astigmatic trifocal wearers! (Removing my glasses doesn't work.) Happy to receive product suggestions! Joan
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #9 – November 02, 2016, 02:38:32 pm OK, I'm not a birder & have much to learn. I clicked on the link for the harness, & can't figure this out. I've harnessed horses, the 4-Legged Alarm, & my mother even talked about harnessing ME in 1956 (my sister is only 17 months younger & Mother didn't have enough hands to wrangle an infant & keep me corralled to her satisfaction... ). Any pictures of properly harnessed binocs would be instructional & appreciated. Good luck with the search. Lynne
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #10 – November 02, 2016, 02:56:57 pm The following link provides at least one view of the harness.hunting, hiking, riding ATV's and horseback ridingHope this helps. And btw, good to hear from you.
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #11 – November 02, 2016, 04:07:07 pm You might want to consider Leupold binoculars... my current pair are by them and I've owned others in the past.At least they are reasonably priced, not like some that are touted as the best thing since sliced bread! http://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=265646880
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #12 – November 03, 2016, 02:49:35 am Quote from: Traxless - November 02, 2016, 02:56:57 pmThe following link provides at least one view of the harness.hunting, hiking, riding ATV's and horseback ridingThey look goofy but hold the binoculars or camera tight against the body, allowing hiking in all terrain, but still being flexible enough to allow easy use.Larry
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #13 – November 03, 2016, 05:26:41 pm Thx, Ed & Larry--Interesting. Somehow I was envisioning something that kept the things on the face like military night-vision goggles or a virtual reality gizmo... Lynne
Re: Complexity of the Modern Era Reply #14 – November 03, 2016, 10:29:05 pm I use a Black Rapid strap for a largish lens. It occurs to me that it would be good for walking with larger binoculars as well. click here for a link to amazon. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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