Does anyone know anything about binoculars?

**Dooly** · 10th April 2007, 11:06

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** · 10th April 2007, 11:18

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** · 10th April 2007, 11:21

As always, Wikipedia 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** · 10th April 2007, 11:36

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** · 10th April 2007, 11:39

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/List...px?id=94668869
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=94668869

**Paul in NZ** · 10th April 2007, 11:48

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** · 10th April 2007, 11:57

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

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** · 10th April 2007, 12:12

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...px?id=94668869

Those should work then

**jrandom** · 10th April 2007, 13:11

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** · 10th April 2007, 13:18

Or buy a terrestial telescope on a tripod...

**scumdog** · 10th April 2007, 13:36

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** · 10th April 2007, 13:40

Originally Posted by Fish

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** · 10th April 2007, 14:16

Originally Posted by Finn

Be careful doing business with Jews.

Edit: Oh yeah, get a spotting scope.

...is that like a spotting knife?

**jrandom** · 10th April 2007, 14:30

Originally Posted by Dooly

...is that like a spotting knife?

Boom, tish.

No, you need one of these.

$2200 new, 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** · 10th April 2007, 14:32

Originally Posted by Fish

Boom, tish.

No, you need one of these.

$2200 new, 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.