NBR - School Me on Binoculars

[MTBMaven]

My wife and I are heading to South Africa on June 15th. Just purchased the tickets last week. We will be going on a safari in Krugar National Park and maybe on a private game reserver (finances willing). I would like a nice set of binoculars for the trip. Any recommendations?

I know a good set will set you back a few bucks. I'm looking for bang for buck and not necessarily top of the line.

[Rockinthecasbah]

are these all going to be during the day ? or do you want something with night vision also ?

[wrxkid]

The first number is magnification, and the second number is field of view. so...
10x50 = 10 times magnification and 50mm wide. I went through the same thing when looking for my Binocs. Go with good glass makers like Nikon or bushnell. Hope this helped alittle.

[MTBMaven]

@Rockinthecasbah: Day only. I think nightvision will raise the price significantly no?

@wrxkid: Thanks for the info. Isn't there something with getting too much magnification or too wide a FoV that results in a bouncy binoc?

[DBD]

Look through these to get an idea of what you are looking for.
Binochulars

I would recommend ...
What do you consider bang for the buck? 100, 500, 1000+ $?

Suggestions;
Manu/Model $$$$$
Nikon Monarch ATB $250 to $400
Nikon Action Extreme $175 to 300

Leupold or Ziess (any) they start at $400 to 5K

Barska Atlantic 12x50 $90 guess this would be bang-for-buck

Bushnell - any model from the $80 price point and up maybe even get a pair with the 5 or 6mega pixle camera attached

edit:Most of the in house Cabela's branded stuff is good. They usually have it made by one of the better manufacturers.

If you only buy one then I would suggest a minimum of a 50mm lens, like a 12x50 or 20x50, because you will get a greater field of view and since you are not looking through a scope, unless you are hunting as well, you do not need to zoom in on a small area of the animal.
Also, the larger lens will allow more light in so you will see more colors.

[wrxkid]

Originally Posted by MTBMaven

@Rockinthecasbah: Day only. I think nightvision will raise the price significantly no?

@wrxkid: Thanks for the info. Isn't there something with getting too much magnification or too wide a FoV that results in a bouncy binoc?

exactly. stay away from a high mag but low FOV, You'll get great single object stuff, but if you have a shakey hand, it will drive you nuts.

The Nikon extreme series is excellent. Bought one for my G/F who's an avid birder and she loves it. OH and watch out for weight too. You dont want something that's going to kill your neck.

[OTHRIDER]

I own a mid-level Nikon Monarch 10 x 42 (rubberized, roof prism) which has outstanding optics.

Here's a helpful link to get some of your q's answered - http://www.just-binoculars.com/binocular_facts.htm#Exit

After a few decades of glassing I can offer these tips

1. Stay away from "auto focusing" styles.
2. Avoid the biggest bino you can buy. Unless you have a monopod you'll hate lifting the weight quickly.
3. The higher the magification, the harder it is to hold still.
4. If you're like 90% of folks, you will benefit from separate eyepiece adjustments (focusing).
5. Practice using the binos before your trip - your eyes will adjust quickly and you won't suffer from eye-strain headaches as easily. You will also develop the "skill" to quickly pick up the animal in one motion rather than scanning the countryside.
6. Bring a quality lense cleaning kit with you (it'll work with you camera as well.

My father in-law used my Nikon on his three week Africa tour and loved the bino. Nice, light and crystal clear.

If you're going to do lots of safari-style travel, add one of these Bino-Buddies to your list. It'll eliminate chest bounce and help you to hold the bino very steady - http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0006294710055a.shtml

Have a GREAT trip!

[mtnbikerfred]

I like the Eagle Optics 10x42 allot