Looking for binocular recommendations

[col]

Iv had my Bushnel 8x42's  for a lot of years now and have decided to upgrade and get some new ones. Bird and nature stuff and even looking up too, but because there are so many to choose from i thought I'd ask for your help to decide which ones to go for. Up to 10x50 ish as my new monopod will help steady the views

Thanks guys

[Ruud]

Would you mind porro prisms? They are heavier and bulkier, but you tend to get better quality for the same money, especially above 42 mm aperture.

10x50s should have a field of view of about 6.5°. You may have to settle for average edge sharpness and colour fringing. Transmission should definitely be above 80%.

For roof prisms, phase coating makes a difference: it prevents loss of contrast and saturation. Find a shop where you can try the impressive Nikon Monarch 7 8x42. At £360 they are good value and may be a significant improvement over you currents binoculars, but do they fit your budget?

Have a look here: https://www.allbinos.com/binoculars_reviews.html 

Also check out tests, reviews, impressions and discussions on bird watching sites. What are deal breakers for you? For me they'd be poor transmission and contrast, more than average false colour and less than average edge performance.

Here are a few few places to visit:
https://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/binoculars-for-bird-watching.html
https://www.birdforum.net/reviews/
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics.html
https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-use.php
https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
http://www.binocularsky.com

[Dark Vader]

I have both the Olympus DPS1 and Strathspey marine 10x50s and I find both are very good for the money. 

The Opticron adventurer 10x50 has good reviews, and if you fancied something a bit bigger the Opticron oregon 11x70 might be worth a look. I've been tempted by the Oregons myself for the extra light gathering. Hth

Andy

[col]

Thanks Ruud, that's a very helpful reply though I was looking at something up to £200, though that is negotiable. 

Dark Vader thanks very much too, I don't know why I didn't think about opticron as I have their 20x80 Oregon binoculars and I'm very impressed with them. 

[BinocularSky]

I've got a few binocular reviews here which may help you decide. One that's not there, but which is very good if you are looking for a centre-focus 10x50 is the Nikon Action EX - it was the "star" of a comparison review I did for Sky at Night mag about 18 months ago.

 

[Stormbringer]

I have the Nikon Action Ex 12x50 and 8x40 bins and they are excellent for the price. They are my grab and go bins for walks down the shore /boat trips etc and good for looking up 

 

Edited May 31, 2020 by Stormbringer