Does anyone know anything about binoculars?

[Dooly]

Am wanting to buy a powerful binocular. Does anyone know what I should look for, or how they are rated on strength, length of vision etc?
I've seen figures like 6 x40, 8 x 60..........what does all that mean?

[Jantar]

The first number is the magnification. So an 8 X will make objects look 8 times bigger. The second number is the effect light gathering diameter of the lens (or the inverse of the f stop on a camera). It used to be an actual measurement, but with modern technology it is an equivilent measurement. Thus a 60 will allow you see items in a lower light than a 40. Usually the higher number binocular will also be much heavier than a lower number. My ones are 11 x 70. Great for looking at comets and satellites, but bloody heavy to hold up.

[jrandom]

As always, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binoculars) is enlightening.

Bushnell and Leica are the brands I see most often in use. Both of them make top-notch stuff. Leupold would be another excellent choice.

[Dooly]

Cheers for that, now I understand.
First I'll check my ones at home and see what they are before I buy a more powerfull one.

[Dooly]

I was looking at these ones. But really had no idea, is it cheap shit, and would the view be ok for distance?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=94668869
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=94668869

[Paul in NZ]

Also depends on what you want to look at...

For instance, if you are hunting Thar you will be better off with a high mag spotting scope type thing on a tripod but hunting red deer in the bush a lower magnification and a wider field of view are more important. Higher magnification means the image is not so stable etc.

The intended use is the place to start - why do you want em?

[Dooly]

I wnat them to look at the old sheila getting undressed a kilometre away.........:shifty: :killingme

Naa..We're on a hill and I like looking over to the city and ranges etc.
Plus being 1.7 km from the highway I tend to watch all the bikers riding past if I'm sitting on the balconey.
Can usually make out the type of bike, but not the make.

[Sniper]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=94668869

Those should work then

[jrandom]

That chap selling the Bushnells on TradeMe is offering a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee if you're not happy with them - he's probably kosher.

Bear in mind, though, that there are low-quality Chinese clones out there with 'Bushnell' (and other brands) stamped on them. I got a pair for NZ$20 at the Luohu markets in Shenzhen, just for giggles. The optics are incredibly shitty - it was a waste of $20. I gave them away.

Get a good look through any binoculars you buy second-hand and be ruthlessly honest with yourself about whether the optics are up to scratch. Don't buy anything that isn't bright, crystal clear, and easy to get into focus.

Edit: And before buying anything, go into a gunshop or other sporting goods store and have a good play around with some $500 binocs to give you a reference point on build quality, visibility and magnification.

[Paul in NZ]

Or buy a terrestial telescope on a tripod...

[scumdog]

Start with some 8 X 40 or thereabouts.

I got a set of 'Carton' brand one yonks ago, (for my 21st!) they work perfectly and a lot of hunting mates comment on the optics and their clarity so trawl through the old type second hand shops and you may pick up a pair.

[Finn]

That chap selling the Bushnells on TradeMe is offering a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee if you're not happy with them - he's probably kosher.

Be careful doing business with Jews.

Edit: Oh yeah, get a spotting scope.

[Dooly]

Be careful doing business with Jews.

Edit: Oh yeah, get a spotting scope.

...is that like a spotting knife?

[jrandom]

...is that like a spotting knife?

Boom, tish.

No, you need one of these (http://www.leica-camera.co.uk/hunting_optics/televid_spotting_scopes/televid_77/).

$2200 new (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Binoculars-telescopes/Telescopes/auction-94712706.htm), and you get a selection of four eyepieces for different magnifications (20x, 32x, 40x and 20-60x adjustable).

Perfect for setting up those 1000m shots while your gunbearer readies the Barrett...

[Dooly]

Boom, tish.

No, you need one of these (http://www.leica-camera.co.uk/hunting_optics/televid_spotting_scopes/televid_77/).

$2200 new (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Binoculars-telescopes/Telescopes/auction-94712706.htm), and you get a selection of four eyepieces for different magnifications (20x, 32x, 40x and 20-60x adjustable).

Perfect for setting up those 1000m shots while your gunbearer readies the Barrett...

Bloody hell.........a bit much just to watch a little old lady change her undies.:gob:

[Swoop]

1.7km?

Get a good tripod and a spotting scope, forget the bino's.

[beyond]

For general viewing get a pair of 8x40's
Anything more than 8x magnification means you can't hold them still enough to get a good clear image and they aren't too heavy to hold for long periods.
Most the top brand stuff is good including Nikons but you get what you pay for.

Go cheap and your viewing times will be severely shortened from eyestrain.

If you want to watch the birds getting their rags off you will need a high power good qulaity terrestrial telescope and it might pay to win the lotto. :)

[Dooly]

Thanks for the replies.

Checked my existing one and it is a Nikon 8x40.
So I guess I'm looking for one that gives more distance, or zoom?

[beyond]

Nikon 8x40 are good binos.

More magnification will mean a steady hand (lay off the coffee) or a good solid stand or tripod to mount it on. Even a 10x50 can be hard to hold still enough to get a clear image without shake.

You could spend a bit more and get a Vibration Reduction model with higher magnification like a 10x50 oe 12x50 but they start getting up a bit in price.

[skidMark]

i always just thought they were good for spying on yer neighbours shagging?