RE: Bins
Thanks to all for your help suggestions. In the end I didn't buy Pentax, I bought some Viking Vistron 8x42s, which are a decent quality entry-level pair: http://www.vikingoptical.co.uk/viking/bins.htm#vistron They have all I need, are well made, and are quite a bit cheaper than the Pentax equivalents. No doubt the Ps are better, but I tried these in the shop and was quite satisfied - small, bright, easy to focus, no colour-fringing or aberration that I could see. The reviews also seem to be pretty good. Of course, since I bought them the birds have all fled. -- Bob You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
That's the last time I try to steer someone towards Pentax. :-) You need to get the bino's with the built in MP3 bird call software. 200+ bird sounds at the touch of a button. Tom C. From: Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks to all for your help suggestions. In the end I didn't buy Pentax, I bought some Viking Vistron 8x42s, which are a decent quality entry-level pair: http://www.vikingoptical.co.uk/viking/bins.htm#vistron They have all I need, are well made, and are quite a bit cheaper than the Pentax equivalents. No doubt the Ps are better, but I tried these in the shop and was quite satisfied - small, bright, easy to focus, no colour-fringing or aberration that I could see. The reviews also seem to be pretty good. Of course, since I bought them the birds have all fled. -- Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
I used to know somebody who was perhaps the best birder in East Africa. He used green Leitz rubber-armoured (and waterproof) 8*40 binoculars, and said that the lack of magnification compared to 10*50 was not very much, and the slight disadvantage was more than offset by the bins being smaller, lighter, quicker to home in on the bird, and faster to focus. This was some time ago, but I believe that 8*40 was then pretty much de rigeur in the birding (ugh) fraternity, and I doubt if things have changed much since then. His camera was an OM1 with a complete set of Novoflex lenses. John On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:34:15 -, mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bob W wrote: thanks for replying. I am kind of veering towards the 10x50s, although they are rather more than I really want to pay for fairly casual use. This is because of the combination of magnification and brightness, but then there is a reduced field of view. I'm given to understand that anything where the exit pupil diameter / magnification is less than 5 is considered a bit too dim for birds. I have previously used 8 x something-less-than-40, and thought it was ok. I have a pair of 12x50 which have only a 5.5 degree fov, so finding things is quite difficult, and they are rather dim for me. I used some in Africa which were fantastically bright - Nikon, I think - and I really appreciated the brightness. I think the big difference between birding binoculars and others, such as hunting ones, is the close focus. Again, the pair I have do not focus at all closely, are very slow to focus, and are basically useless for looking at birds. They might be ok for looking at lions, but they are in short supply round the Thames Estuary. I expect the alligators eat them all. You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. Seasonal greetings to all. -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. unfortunately the few dealers in London that I know of have a very limited range. Even at the Wetlands Centre in Barnes the range seems to be restricted to the extremes - either very cheap stuff or the very top end Leica, Swarowski etc. which are well beyond my budget. Regards Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
John Forbes wrote: I used to know somebody who was perhaps the best birder in East Africa. He used green Leitz rubber-armoured (and waterproof) 8*40 binoculars, and said that the lack of magnification compared to 10*50 was not very much, and the slight disadvantage was more than offset by the bins being smaller, lighter, quicker to home in on the bird, and faster to focus. They are not just waterproof, they are sealed and filled with dry nitrogen. Which goes some way to justifying the price - about four times what Bob was proposing to spend, the last time I looked. This was some time ago, but I believe that 8*40 was then pretty much de rigeur in the birding (ugh) fraternity, and I doubt if things have changed much since then. His camera was an OM1 with a complete set of Novoflex lenses. John On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:34:15 -, mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bob W wrote: thanks for replying. I am kind of veering towards the 10x50s, although they are rather more than I really want to pay for fairly casual use. This is because of the combination of magnification and brightness, but then there is a reduced field of view. I'm given to understand that anything where the exit pupil diameter / magnification is less than 5 is considered a bit too dim for birds. I have previously used 8 x something-less-than-40, and thought it was ok. I have a pair of 12x50 which have only a 5.5 degree fov, so finding things is quite difficult, and they are rather dim for me. I used some in Africa which were fantastically bright - Nikon, I think - and I really appreciated the brightness. I think the big difference between birding binoculars and others, such as hunting ones, is the close focus. Again, the pair I have do not focus at all closely, are very slow to focus, and are basically useless for looking at birds. They might be ok for looking at lions, but they are in short supply round the Thames Estuary. I expect the alligators eat them all. You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. Seasonal greetings to all. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
On Mon, 01 Jan 2007 15:47:32 -, mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: John Forbes wrote: I used to know somebody who was perhaps the best birder in East Africa. He used green Leitz rubber-armoured (and waterproof) 8*40 binoculars, and said that the lack of magnification compared to 10*50 was not very much, and the slight disadvantage was more than offset by the bins being smaller, lighter, quicker to home in on the bird, and faster to focus. They are not just waterproof, they are sealed and filled with dry nitrogen. Which goes some way to justifying the price - about four times what Bob was proposing to spend, the last time I looked. Perhaps I didn't make myself perfectly clear. I wasn't proposing that Bob buy Leitz binoculars; I was saying that experienced bird-watchers prefer 8x40 to 10x50. John This was some time ago, but I believe that 8*40 was then pretty much de rigeur in the birding (ugh) fraternity, and I doubt if things have changed much since then. His camera was an OM1 with a complete set of Novoflex lenses. John On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:34:15 -, mike wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Bob W wrote: thanks for replying. I am kind of veering towards the 10x50s, although they are rather more than I really want to pay for fairly casual use. This is because of the combination of magnification and brightness, but then there is a reduced field of view. I'm given to understand that anything where the exit pupil diameter / magnification is less than 5 is considered a bit too dim for birds. I have previously used 8 x something-less-than-40, and thought it was ok. I have a pair of 12x50 which have only a 5.5 degree fov, so finding things is quite difficult, and they are rather dim for me. I used some in Africa which were fantastically bright - Nikon, I think - and I really appreciated the brightness. I think the big difference between birding binoculars and others, such as hunting ones, is the close focus. Again, the pair I have do not focus at all closely, are very slow to focus, and are basically useless for looking at birds. They might be ok for looking at lions, but they are in short supply round the Thames Estuary. I expect the alligators eat them all. You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. Seasonal greetings to all. -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/m2/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
Hello Bob I don't have these. But I do have two older pairs of Asahi Pentax bins: 9x30 and 8x40. Both quite old (1995, 1975). And both excellent. I have bought both of them used and payed only 50-100 USD for each pair. I believe 8 times enlargement is perhaps often not quite enough for bird watching (usually they are 8-12 times). I also believe that 9 -10 times is about the limit for what you can hold steady enough by hand alone. I also belive 42mm binoculars are often too heavy/bulky for walking or for the camera bag. I believ my 9x30 are just about perfect :-) Perhaps you should go for something like 8x33 or 8x36. I guess dedicated birding bins are very expensive, but do they have to be dedicated? Mine arent.. http://www.pentaxsportoptics.com/?utm_source=www.pentaximaging.comutm_mediu m=webutm_campaign=cross-link Regards Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk +45 56 63 77 11 +45 23 43 85 77 Skype: jensbladt248 -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] vegne af Bob W Sendt: 30. december 2006 02:02 Til: 'Pentax-Discuss Mail List' Emne: Bins This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.0/609 - Release Date: 12/29/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.0/610 - Release Date: 12/30/2006 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
Hi, thanks for replying. I am kind of veering towards the 10x50s, although they are rather more than I really want to pay for fairly casual use. This is because of the combination of magnification and brightness, but then there is a reduced field of view. I'm given to understand that anything where the exit pupil diameter / magnification is less than 5 is considered a bit too dim for birds. I have previously used 8 x something-less-than-40, and thought it was ok. I have a pair of 12x50 which have only a 5.5 degree fov, so finding things is quite difficult, and they are rather dim for me. I used some in Africa which were fantastically bright - Nikon, I think - and I really appreciated the brightness. I think the big difference between birding binoculars and others, such as hunting ones, is the close focus. Again, the pair I have do not focus at all closely, are very slow to focus, and are basically useless for looking at birds. They might be ok for looking at lions, but they are in short supply round the Thames Estuary. I expect the alligators eat them all. -- Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jens Bladt Sent: 31 December 2006 15:42 To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: RE: Bins Hello Bob I don't have these. But I do have two older pairs of Asahi Pentax bins: 9x30 and 8x40. Both quite old (1995, 1975). And both excellent. I have bought both of them used and payed only 50-100 USD for each pair. I believe 8 times enlargement is perhaps often not quite enough for bird watching (usually they are 8-12 times). I also believe that 9 -10 times is about the limit for what you can hold steady enough by hand alone. I also belive 42mm binoculars are often too heavy/bulky for walking or for the camera bag. I believ my 9x30 are just about perfect :-) Perhaps you should go for something like 8x33 or 8x36. I guess dedicated birding bins are very expensive, but do they have to be dedicated? Mine arent.. http://www.pentaxsportoptics.com/?utm_source=www.pentaximaging .comutm_mediu m=webutm_campaign=cross-link Regards Jens Bladt http://www.jensbladt.dk +45 56 63 77 11 +45 23 43 85 77 Skype: jensbladt248 -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] vegne af Bob W Sendt: 30. december 2006 02:02 Til: 'Pentax-Discuss Mail List' Emne: Bins This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.0/609 - Release Date: 12/29/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.16.0/610 - Release Date: 12/30/2006 -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
Bob W wrote: thanks for replying. I am kind of veering towards the 10x50s, although they are rather more than I really want to pay for fairly casual use. This is because of the combination of magnification and brightness, but then there is a reduced field of view. I'm given to understand that anything where the exit pupil diameter / magnification is less than 5 is considered a bit too dim for birds. I have previously used 8 x something-less-than-40, and thought it was ok. I have a pair of 12x50 which have only a 5.5 degree fov, so finding things is quite difficult, and they are rather dim for me. I used some in Africa which were fantastically bright - Nikon, I think - and I really appreciated the brightness. I think the big difference between birding binoculars and others, such as hunting ones, is the close focus. Again, the pair I have do not focus at all closely, are very slow to focus, and are basically useless for looking at birds. They might be ok for looking at lions, but they are in short supply round the Thames Estuary. I expect the alligators eat them all. You've pretty much hit it on the head. The combination of close focus/magnification/(objective diameter/exit diameter)/price/weight and other features like waterproofing that works for you is something that only you can decide. Quite often, good dealers will have open days for you to experience different models. Might be worth trying to find one of those before committing. Seasonal greetings to all. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
On 30/12/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? I have looked through a pair of these once and it was unbelievable. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Image-Stabilising-Weather-Binoculars/dp/ B7EE9B The image stabilisation has to be experienced. I'm not in the market for a pair, but if I were, I would consider them seriously. A hefty price, but once seen. Really, give them a try. There are less expensive versions: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_ce/203-9185258-4153512?url=search- alias%3Delectronicsfield-keywords=canon+binocularsGo.x=0Go.y=0Go=Go http://tinyurl.com/wdyrr Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
Bob - there is no place on this list for that kind of talk... Norm Bob W wrote: This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
I agree totally. Even though I love the Pentax binoculars, I really like the Canon IS glasses. For the pair I want though, it's 3x the price of the Pentax. Tom C. From: Cotty [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net To: pentax list PDML@pdml.net Subject: Re: Bins Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2006 12:45:42 + On 30/12/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? I have looked through a pair of these once and it was unbelievable. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Image-Stabilising-Weather-Binoculars/dp/ B7EE9B The image stabilisation has to be experienced. I'm not in the market for a pair, but if I were, I would consider them seriously. A hefty price, but once seen. Really, give them a try. There are less expensive versions: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_ce/203-9185258-4153512?url=search- alias%3Delectronicsfield-keywords=canon+binocularsGo.x=0Go.y=0Go=Go http://tinyurl.com/wdyrr Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
I suppose I should reply F Y A! -- Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Norm Baugher Sent: 30 December 2006 15:22 To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: Re: Bins Bob - there is no place on this list for that kind of talk... Norm Bob W wrote: This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
I'm sure they're very good, but I'm not about to spend that much money! The cheaper ones are under-specified in other important areas which I don't want to do without. -- Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cotty Sent: 30 December 2006 12:46 To: pentax list Subject: Re: Bins On 30/12/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? I have looked through a pair of these once and it was unbelievable. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Image-Stabilising-Weather-Binoc ulars/dp/ B7EE9B The image stabilisation has to be experienced. I'm not in the market for a pair, but if I were, I would consider them seriously. A hefty price, but once seen. Really, give them a try. There are less expensive versions: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_ce/203-9185258-4153512?ur l=search- alias%3Delectronicsfield-keywords=canon+binocularsGo.x=0Go. y=0Go=Go http://tinyurl.com/wdyrr Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
On 30/12/06, Bob W, discombobulated, unleashed: I'm sure they're very good, but I'm not about to spend that much money! There's only one way to guarantee that. *Don't* look thru the Canons! -- Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
RE: Bins
We have the Pentax 10X42 DCF HR II. I haven't compared Pentax -to- Pentax binoculars, but the the model we got is quite good. A friend had asked me about binoculars several years back. I told him about these, not trying to sway him. He bought a $35 pair of department store binoculars instead. When visiting he picked up ours, looked out the window, and said Wow. We use them all the time for bird watching. Close focus distance is further than what you've stated, but so are the birds usually. Tom C. From: Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List pdml@pdml.net To: 'Pentax-Discuss Mail List' pdml@pdml.net Subject: Bins Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2006 01:02:07 - This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
On 12/29/06 8:02 PM, Bob W, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? I am not particularly a bino person but I have this exact model. It is good for walk-about purpose but x8 might be a bit short for bird watching, depending how close you want to see them. If you just watch birds in urban ravine etc, it might be good as it is compact and light. I like it very much for general purpose. It has rubber armour and it never fogged in the last 10 years or so since I bought it new. I have a big spotting scope for my other shooting hobby and that brings everything very close, but perhaps not too practical for bird watching because of very narrow field of view. 8x42 is actually very good compromise between the power and the FOV, and that was the main reason I picked it. I do not know much about other models. Ken -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
I can highly recommend the Canon Stabilized binocs. I've had a pair for several years they are great. Be sure to check them out in your buying survey. Kenneth Waller - Original Message - From: Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Bins This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
Bob W wrote: The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? I'd go with the 10x50s for even casual birding. Not sure of the weight difference if you are concerned about size. -- Christian http://photography.skofteland.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Bins
Bob, Like Tom, we've got a pair of the 10x42 DCF HR II WP. They are great. I think they were the top choice for birding 2-3 years ago. The 10x is my preference for more reach. I also think the eye relief specs are important for eyeglasses wearers - one is 27mm the other 22mm (ie 10x vs 8x). The newer SP10x50's might be nicer, but pricey! Generally speaking, your in the right church and pew, just find a seat. These babies will knock your sox off! Regards, Bob S. On 12/29/06, Bob W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This must be some kind of first for this millennium - an on-topic post about Pentax equipment which is neither photographic nor endoscopic. I am thinking about buying some birding binoculars. I am not a bird-watcher, but I do enjoy looking at them when I go on jaunts at the weekends, particularly around the Thames Estuary, and I'd like to be able to look at them a bit more closely. My understanding of birding binoculars is that they should be about 8x42, focus quickly to less than 2 metres, preferably be reasonably waterproof and bumpproof, and lightweight. I already have an old pair of Pentax field glasses, but I think they were designed for watching tanks attack Stalingrad, and they are not suitable for my needs. The spec for birding binoculars seems to make them quite expensive in general, but Pentax look as though they produce something which gives relatively good bang:buck http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pentax-8X42-DCF-WP-Binoculars/dp/B70GS8 Do any of you have these, and would like to comment? Any others I should consider? Thanks, Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
