Birdwatching/Astro Binoculars: Bintel Take a Bow!

[xstream (John)]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

Hey John. We have another thing to enjoy at Pilliga next year - had no idea you kept an eye out for birds. Did we tell you that an owl landed on our outside couch this year at the Poet's cottage? That's what really piqued my interest. I have the freebie version of the App you mention, just haven't yet spent on the full App yet.

Yes Rod. I used to breed endangered and notable species, I've always had a soft spot for our feathered friends.
You did mention about the Owl, I think we were guessing if it may have been a Mopoke.

Just spend the $40.00 on the App. You won't regret it.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Originally Posted by Rodstar

Brian, when I have enough fee cash, I might just look at those image stabilising bins. Are they a lot more heavy?

I guess the specs are somewhere. In practice, no, I don't find them a problem for use with birding or astro. I had the 12x36 first, and found them fine for cruising star fields, etc, as well as being plenty light enough as to not be a factor. But in direct comparison I find the 10x42's better quality optics give finer detail in daytime use. They weigh more, but in practice I don't have any problem even if I'm studying a bird for several minutes at a time.

Actually, the real test for IS binoculars is to try viewing some text from a distance. The difference between IS being turned off or on is both obvious and remarkable.

I use them a few times per week. I've changed the batteries once in the past 6 months, about 6 weeks ago.

Try them. Once I did I was hooked.

Good luck.

[Andrew C]

I think for those who have used binoculars for long enough to be really comfortable with them for birdwatching or other terrestrial observation, there is not a lot of value in moving to IS, unless perhaps most of your birding is looking at waterbirds, where extra magnification (greater than 10x) is desirable and the IS really does become a necessary feature. That may not be the case for astro, but then it is usually possible to find a post to lean the binocs on for the odd occasion you are straining to look at the moons of Jupiter, or Saturn. Saturn, by the way, is a really good subject to use to assess the resolving quality of a pair of (supported) binoculars.

On another but related topic, I would be interested to hear from anyone who has explored the availability of quality wide angle binoculars for birdwatching (i.e. 8 degrees FoV or wider).

[dannat (Daniel)]

andrew i havnt found the wide for bins useful for birding - i prefer extra mag, havnt had much trouble locoing creates in the field

[anj026]

Originally Posted by Andrew C

On another but related topic, I would be interested to hear from anyone who has explored the availability of quality wide angle binoculars for birdwatching (i.e. 8 degrees FoV or wider).

The Nikon 8x30 EII has 8.8 degrees FOV and is available from Singapore or Hong Kong. It is an excellent binocular, old fashioned and not waterproof but first class optics.

Here is a review;
http://www.holgermerlitz.de/meopta8x32.html

[faaarwest2k (Scott)]

This sounds awesome!

[sil (Steve)]

It's interesting to hear others experiences with their binoculars. I'd been after a compact pair for ages but never found a pair I could afford or had the image quality I was after. I wanted something ultra-portable to aid my wildlife photography (spotting the wildlife before I get close enough for them to spot me and scamper away).

I ended up picking up second hand (here on IIS) Leica Trinovid compact 8x20 binoculars. Optics and build quality are superb and well worth the wait and price to pick up. I also use them for scanning the skies while my camera or scope are on astrophotography duty. Picking out Jupiter and four moons or Saturn is dead easy with them. The Orion Nebula also is easy to make out too, better than I would have expected. This is under light polluted skies too.

Over the years with photography I guess I have learnt to hold a telephoto lens steady for shots so pocket binoculars aren't too much of a hassle to keep relatively still. Certainly with photography one thing I've learnt (the hard way, much like many amateur astronomers too) is with optics you get what you pay for. You can end up spending a small fortune on cheap equipment, then upgrading slightly, and again and again until you've spent more than a top of the range item. The fun of buying new toys is exciting, but you'll be better off equipment-wise and money-wise if you be patient, save that bit extra, and buy the better quality toy up front.

[Draco (Draco)]

well said sil

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Just thought I would report back on how I am faring with the Nikon Monarchs. In short, they are fabulous, and I am very happy.

I have been out birding about 10 times now, as well as spending much time in the backyard observing more common varieties. I have accumulated about 40 species of bird so far, and am always thinking about where I might go birding next.

The binos are incredibly comfortable to use - light, intuitive, they snap into focus, the eye relief is perfectly comfortable with glasses on, and the views are exceptional.

I have become rather adept at picking up birds in flight, and following their path through the sky. It is incredible once you know what to look for, just how much detail you can see even as the bird is moving through the sky.

I find it hard to imagine ever wanting anything more than what I have. The Nikon Monarch 5, 8x42 are superb for bird watching.

I have been so impressed that I bought a second pair as a farewell gift to one of our staff who recently retired. He also reports being absolutely delighted with them.