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 p.1 #18 · Leica 8x42 Noctivid Binocular | |
I am a field biologist as well...I spent several months at a time using binoculars 10 hrs a day x 7 days a week. Now as part of my job, I see and try all sorts of binoculars...
I would say that:
(a) buy used as several have suggested - BirdForum is a great resource with many US sellers. Like anything else, as soon as you drive something new out of the showroom, it loses 10-30% of its value immediately. And binoculars either work or they don't - it is pretty easy to tell how the innards are when looking at the outside of the bins. And buy in winter not spring, summer or fall - demand is least in winter and folks are often looking to offload then as well.
(b) unless you are going to use binoculars a lot, you are better off with mid-range ones. So, no need for Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss...look at Meopta, Nikon, - look around on the web there are many articles touting less-well-known brands...and use the money saved for a trip.
(c) if you do use binoculars a lot, get the ones that have the best repair policy. Currently Swarovski and Zeiss will repair most problems (out of alignment from a drop) for free...Swarovski will often repair binoculars one buys used - they have a really good, inclusive policy toward their binoculars and scopes. Leica, in my experience is the worst of the top three...they try and charge for everything and Leica is not cheap! Their turnaround time was lousy - too many people having hunting equipment (rifle scopes) repaired it seemed to me slowing down the process (that is my speculation why it took so long with Leica - that was in the early 2000s though). Anyway, I'd stay with Swarovski or Zeiss and buy used...OR look for sales: Adorama and other stores often have closeout specials - for less than $100.
(d) the difference between the three major companies mentioned above in optics is minimal. Some have a warmer tint that people prefer; others are cooler...You have to look through them to see what you prefer; that being said, after about 5 minutes one forgets about that...and the difference between high level bins for $1500-$2k a pair (new) and low level ($300 or less) is that the high end ones are sharp to the edge...but who looks at anything toward the edge - one just moves the bins a bit to center the subject...
(e) the high end binoculars have soft parts (eye cups eg) that are durable, and easily replaceable (Swarovski mails me replacement eye cups for free [with free shipping] - and they do that for many people; don't buy at a photo store such replacements for $25/pair...the focus wheel is another problem point - the lower tier companies may say they will repair such problems for free - but it takes several weeks...meaning you need an alternate pair in the meantime. On the other hand, the top tier companies (Swarovski/Zeiss) have quick turnaround times (though spotting scopes are a different matter - those have to be sent back to Europe)...and one usually has bins back in 7 days. So my recommendation is if you use binoculars a lot, or in rough conditions, go toward high end bins...
(e) OK which size to choose: if I was a photographer with camera equipment I was carrying, I would look at the 8x25 size, or possibly 8x30. IF I was a person walking around a lot looking for birds, hiking...I'd get 8x32 (possibly 8x30). IF I was in a fixed spot like a car or observation platform, I'd get 8x42 or perhaps 10x42. The disadvantage to 10x42 is that they have a more narrow field of view than 8x42 so finding a small, flitting bird 15-20 feet away (and following it through the bins) takes practice...it can be done but it is easier with the 8x42. Finally if I needed binoculars in low light situation (early morning or at dusk; at night etc) I'd get 8x42 or even 8x50 etc. I have used 15x60 in the past; 12x50...good luck holding those steady! I don't miss those bins at all even though they were well-made. and optically superb.
I could go on and on...Ultimately, binoculars are like sunglasses - how much you like them depends upon how they feel against your face...so if you are going to invest, make sure to try different brands out. If you wear glasses, how do the bins work in coordination with those?
I recommend to everyone who asks: 8x32; either Swarovski or Zeiss; buy used...and have a cheap (look up Sightron) pair in the car at all times. Some of the best birders I know don't use the best binoculars: it is like a car: you don't need a ferrari to take you someplace...you just need the drive, desire and interest to find what it is you are looking for and study it. The goal is not to have the best equipment to show off to other folks (although that is nice), but to have the best time.
I've already written too much and have to get going - somewhere. And for anyone over 45, remember, it is your eyes that are the limiting factor - and not the binoculars...that is the normal aging process...a humbling experience.
Robert DeCandido PhD
NYC
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