binoculars

Leonard Lookner · Post by **Leonard Lookner** » Apr 28th, '10, 11:08

Simple question. I wish to buy a new pair of binoculars. I have dealt with an inexpensive pair for long enough. There are many to choose from and am wondering what advice this forum might offer. So far Steiner seems to have the upper hand.

mgphl52 · Post by **mgphl52** » Apr 28th, '10, 11:29

I bought the Tasco Offshore 8x50 with Compass form Optic Sale and we are very happy with them. They are also a bit less now than when I got them last year!

-mike & Toni

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Apr 28th, '10, 13:24

Leonard Lookner wrote:Simple question. I wish to buy a new pair of binoculars. I have dealt with an inexpensive pair for long enough. There are many to choose from and am wondering what advice this forum might offer. So far Steiner seems to have the upper hand.

I have Nikons. I didnt see any need to spend the extra cash for Steiners.

http://www.opticsale.com/nikon-8208-oce ... -prd1.html

rtbates · Post by **rtbates** » Apr 28th, '10, 15:12

A few years back I bought a pair of stabilized binocs. What a difference. My regular pair is 7x50 Zeiss that I bought 2nd hand years ago. Retail 20 plus years ago was $1100, so they are rather good, but my Nikon StabilEyes 12x32 put them to shame...

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Apr 28th, '10, 15:41

rtbates wrote:A few years back I bought a pair of stabilized binocs. What a difference. My regular pair is 7x50 Zeiss that I bought 2nd hand years ago. Retail 20 plus years ago was $1100, so they are rather good, but my Nikon StabilEyes 12x32 put them to shame...

The stabilized models have finally reached a price point where I think they are worth serious consideration, especially if one is considering forking out the kind of cash Steiners go for. If I was buying a new pair today I could see myself going for stabilized.

Cathy Monaghan · Post by **Cathy Monaghan** » Apr 28th, '10, 15:47

We really like the Fujinon binoculars that we have. They're old so I don't know how they compare to new ones. I think the Fujinon models are bigger and heavier than the Steiners but both have excellent optics. We have the Poseidon model with the buit-in compass. Anyway, I've used both and prefer the Fujinon.

Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

Leonard Lookner · Post by **Leonard Lookner** » Apr 29th, '10, 06:41

I guess the other question is the built in compass. It does seem to add clutter to the view and between GPS, the binnacle and an Iphone is it really necessary? Is there a good argument for the extra 100.00 dollars that it cost?

Bob Ohler · Post by **Bob Ohler** » Apr 29th, '10, 08:09

The Fujinon's are a tad too heavy for me. When I can afford to do it again, I am going with Steiners and I will leave the Fujinon's here at the house for watching the traffic on the Bay.

The compass is nice, especially following anchoring, to determine if we are dragging at all. This simply takes the place of a hand held compass of course.

Fair winds,

Bob O.

jerryaxler · Post by **jerryaxler** » Apr 29th, '10, 08:43

I use the compass to check after anchoring and to check relative bearing in a crossing situation especially at night. There is a night light in my binoculars. Of course you could use a hand bearing compass, but I find the binoculars easier to use and they're always nearby.

rtbates · Post by **rtbates** » Apr 29th, '10, 10:43

Russell wrote:
rtbates wrote:A few years back I bought a pair of stabilized binocs. What a difference. My regular pair is 7x50 Zeiss that I bought 2nd hand years ago. Retail 20 plus years ago was $1100, so they are rather good, but my Nikon StabilEyes 12x32 put them to shame...
The stabilized models have finally reached a price point where I think they are worth serious consideration, especially if one is considering forking out the kind of cash Steiners go for. If I was buying a new pair today I could see myself going for stabilized.

A stabilized binoc comes into it's own when you need to see something in detail BEFORE you end up too close to it. I can read boat names for instance at a distance that with my Zeiss it's just a jumble of letters jumping every which way..

MarcMcCarron · Post by **MarcMcCarron** » Apr 29th, '10, 14:02

nikon best bet - easy to find on ebay

russkendall · Post by **russkendall** » May 2nd, '10, 00:01

We bought a new pair of Fujinon Stabi Jrs two years ago for about $500 on sale. Wow! Nothing but great things to say about them and how much easier they make seeing far away small things while the boat is moving.

Russ

mike ritenour · Post by **mike ritenour** » May 2nd, '10, 08:37

Through an upgrade program we were able to obtain a new pair of Steiners.

The new Commander 7x50 XPC's is probably the best light gathering, sharp bino. I've ever had.

Rit

The Cape Dory Board

binoculars

binoculars

Great deal on Tasco Offshore

Re: binoculars

stabilized

Re: stabilized

binoculars

I would vote f/ Steiner w/ compass

Binoculars

Re: stabilized

nikon

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