Binoculars...

[janemac]

Hi there,
I am buying my better half some binoculars for Christmas and don't know where to start...
Would like some for spotting deer and birds when out walking and looking out to sea...
We have some small travel ones which say 10x25 on them which are ok but not great.
I have been looking on:
http://www.scopesnskies.com
They have some at sale price which is good but I don't know which to go for. Anyone got some binoculars that they'd recommend to me that are below £60 and not too heavy?

thanks :confused

[Kodiak]

For going out walking you do not want a large pair as they can get heavy after a while.

On saying that you want a pair with a decent optical width, the larger the optical with the more light is received and thus a clearer image is seen. 50mm I think for walking is too big as then the Glasses are Large.

Personally for the type of activity you describe I would go for a Pair of 8 X 40 Glasses.
There are 17 for sale at present on eBay and at a range of different prices and could be worth a look, here is a Link :-

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=8+X+40+Binoculars

[anneoctober]

Can anyone suggest a "compact" pair of binoculars? :)

[Tristan]

Have you thought of a spotting scope?

[MadPict]

If you are attracted to the larger binoculars bear in mind that they may be harder to view through due to shake etc. You may need to consider some sort of monopod as well.

The small good quality optic type may be a better option or as Tristan suggests a spotting scope if it is going to be used for narrow angle viewing such as the odd bird or boat...

[George Brims]

Two things can contribute to too much shake in binoculars - weight and high magnification. If the magnification is too high it can be almost impossible to keep the things steady on what you're looking at without some support. The same goes for telescopes. DO NOT buy your kids that 1000 power telescope at the toy shop if they express an interest in astronomy. Binoculars are a much better starting point.

With binoculars, good things to take along on hikes are a good walking stick (top close to eye level) and a bean bag. Pop the bag on top of the stick and rest the binoculars on top.

[Rheghead]

Try the RSPB shop for your binoculars. Their stuff is good quality for money and you can be guaranteed that you won't pay for something that is rubbish. Plus you will be helping out a valuable charity.

[janemac]

thanks for the advice. I think the rspb is a wonderful idea

[Rheghead]

Here is a link to the RSPB shop.

http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/c/Binoculars.htm?utm_source=rspbwebsite&utm_medium=navigation&mediacode=T06ITH0221

[anneoctober]

Here is a link to the RSPB shop.

http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/c/Binoculars.htm?utm_source=rspbwebsite&utm_medium=navigation&mediacode=T06ITH0221
Many thanks rheggie! Have ordered RSPB 8x25 compact binocs @ £69.95. Will keep you all posted etc. Oh and HOW obvious was it to look at RSPB site...........:o