An 8x42 is not going to be light or compact. I prefer the Swarovski 10x25 CL Pocket Mountain at 13 oz. or even the Leica 8x20 Ultravid BR at 8.5 oz., all of which are small and light enough to have hanging off the neck while shooting. Next step up in size and weight is something like the Swarovski 8x30 CL B Companion at 17 oz. or the Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 binocular at 15.3 oz.
The case for the Swarovski Pocket binos has a flap with a Velcro tab and attaches easily to the Molle type straps on my Bataflae backpacks. The binos when folded and inside the case take up about as much space as a 85mm lens in my camera bag and this makes it easy to transport them through airports or to carry around inside the backpack.
Hello! I see that you guys are versed in binoculras and ather stuff. Can you recommend me some monocular? I found this article (https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/monoculars), but i don't know will some of them good for birdwatching or not. I prefer binoculars, but my kid wants to get a monocular...
Monoculars are for pirates. You are a birdwatcher...a far more lofty endeavor.
Seriously though - your eyes will quickly get tired of looking through a monocular - you will likely be squinting (one eye closed) which is quite tiring...
If you search Amazon, you can find fine binoculars in the 8x32 or 8x42 size for less than $100.
Good Luck - and by the way, great research! You found this old thread in your quest for knowledge - always good.
The best approach is to go and try a bunch out to see what works best for you. This will be difficult to do in the current pandemic world but helps avoid spending money and dealing with returns and a new search thereafter.
I am fortunate in living in southern NJ near Cape May for two reasons. First we're on a major bird migration route and second the Cape May Bird Observatory has a nice selection of optics in their store and has all of the vendors come and display their optics with knowledgeable representatives present during their Spring and Fall festivals. Again, the Spring festival will probably not be held this year but the Fall festival may. CMBO also has a yearly optics sale of used and new optics. So look for these opportunities in your area.
I tried the Noctivid last year and it is a very nice instrument. Heavy indeed but an incredible view. I'm using a Zeiss Victory SF 8x42 which is probably around the same weight and provides an equivalent or better view in my opinion. Zeiss just came out with an 8x32 version of the SF that has yet to reach the stores. I'm anxious to try a pair as they have excellent early reviews.
But my go to bin is a Leica 8x32 Ultravid that I bought used in great condition at the CMBO optics sale for less than half of normal price. It's light and has superb optics. It work great when I carrying my camera as well while birding. This is the bin I definitely used most often.
My wife just bought the Zeiss 8x32 Conquest HD at the last Fall festival and she is very pleased with the view and lightweight performance of these bins.
As said, there are many less expensive non-aplha-level instruments out there that provide near alpha performance. Best of luck in your search!
"As said, there are many less expensive non-alpha-level instruments out there that provide near alpha performance. Best of luck in your search!"
It is very easy to throw money around in any hobby...whether tropical fish, gardening...photography etc.
My advice is to buy a $100 or less pair pf bins from Amazon. Have a look at what they have and ask for advice re specific models here.
Save your money for what matters: food, gas, your kids' future etc. Or better yet, a trip to see birds after you have investigated what is in your local park(s). That park in Central London is/ was quite good! Deborah and I spent 8 days there in March...we saw a lot! There is much to see/learn even in urban parks (and photograph) - you don't have to go to an exotic place.
If and when you decide you like birding, then think about spending more money on optics. But look to buy used if you go high end...Just like a car, once you drive something off the showroom floor, it loses a lot of value quickly...Used binoculars either work or they don't..and one can pretty much gauge the life they've had from looking at the exterior...
That being said, a "high" end great pair of bins can be had for $500 USD or less...take off 20-30% if buying that same pair used. And there are web sites that have used bins advertised (by the original owners)...check out BirdForum.com and look for the B/S forum there (free to join BirdForum) - they have lots of UK stuff for sale (used).
Good Luck...think of all the photographers that make great photos with "lousy" equipment...Save your money...there are better ways of becoming a great birder - and/or just enjoying birds. That's the goal...spending money is not the goal.
