please help!

[uptheowls]

Hello I am new to all this and wondered if someone could give me some advice please? My 6 year old son would like some binoculars for his birthday. I want some so he can see plenty of detail but some he can handle,without getting fustrated!! Been looking on internet but more confussedthan ever now!!!

[kniclander]

the most important thing probably is that they are small and light and that the middle focusser wheel is within reach of his fingers when he is hoding them and moves easily. Unfortunately, small and light tends to mean roof prism not porro prism and more ££££.

you probably also want low mag, not more than 7 or 8x so the view is not too impaired by shaking (and also cos they're likely to be lighter)

If you have an idea of what you want to spend, that might narrow it down a bit.

[uptheowls]

Thankyou, we were thinking upto 50 if you can get something decent for that.

[nicnac]

Opticron Vega 2 10x50 are pretty good, weigh in at about 800g though and cost about £60.

At six his arms might tire pretty quick, you thought about compacts for now? cheap and cheerful just in case his interest wanes

[uptheowls]

Thanks, do you soon lose vision if alot of movement in arms?

[nicnac]

not really, say he was focusing on the moon at top mag with these bins and his arms tired the image would wobble because his arms aren't steady, you can match them up with a camera stand or tripod for stability though

[kniclander]

Opticron Vega 2 10x50 are pretty good, weigh in at about 800g though and cost about £60.

At six his arms might tire pretty quick, you thought about compacts for now? cheap and cheerful just in case his interest wanes

agree - my son is nearly 5 and he uses my old compacts (roof prisms) as anything heavier was too heavy for him (even a smallish pair of 7x30s). seriously, little kids aren't very strong and if his arms hurt he just won't use them. Compacts are a good idea although I'm not sure what you'd get for £50:icon_scratch: But that might be the best thing to start looking for.

[nicnac]

praktica 10x42mm, £58.69 and waterproof (Argos)

[uptheowls]

I have been looking at compacts definitly need these.Andrew has been stood in the kitchen holding tins up of various weights!!! I would have bought ones for too heavy many thanks. I have seen some Bresser Prismatics 10x40 cheapest so far is £30. Does anyone know how good these are?

[Capricorn]

Personally I wouldn't go for 10x40, the magnification is more then I would say is useful and at 40mm objectives you do not get the best light collection for the magnification. Also the field of view would be a bit smaller, being 10x.

It is a small point but may make a difference.

I use standard birding ones, 8x42. You can get pretty small 8x42's but I cannot recall who makes them and the cost. I was looking at a few makes at the Rutland Birdfair.

Almost the best idea is where are you and someone may know of a good binoculars shop/supplier close. (Cannot recall who the Owls are).

[uptheowls]

Thanks. Owls are Sheffield Wednesday! I live a few miles away in the Hope Valley.There is a good bird watcing shop in Buxton about 25 mins away so that may be my best bet. Thanks a lot.

[Capricorn]

Thought it was Sheffield just not sure which one. And you are right I have no idea about football.

Had a look and there are binoculars termed mid-compact. These tend to be 8x32, so probably a decent size and still small.

Problem is when it comes to makes and cost.

Best selection I can see is from:

ukoptics.co.uk based at Clitheroe, Lancs.

The Bresser Safari 8x32 £69

Opticron 8x32 £89

Barr & Stroud Sahara 8x32 £89

Opticron have a good name, but are more.

Also found:

D Hinds at telescopeplus has Celestron Ultima's at £85, 8x32 and they look good.

Looks like they are all a fair cost.

[uptheowls]

Thanks! Everybody so helpfull! I will check out the ones you found. May have to get Grandmas to chip in too!! I am definity an owl and not a Blade!!!!!!!!!!!!