Birdwatching binoculars - advice please

[Jacqui M Cotswold]

I'm relatively new to this amazing sport of diving (I've just passed my OD course) and as well as discovering a love for scuba, I've rediscovered an old passion.....twitching.......

I'm rusty to say the least on my bird identification - especially fresh water and sea birds, but birdwatching does seem to be a great way to pass the surface time between dives and I need some advice on binoculars.

I suspect the combination of lightweight, clarity and magnification all go to make binoculars very expensive, but does anyone have any recommendations on make, model, price bracket and outlet/retailer to try?

Thanks. Jacqui.

[PeteM]

I'm relatively new to this amazing sport of diving (I've just passed my OD course) and as well as discovering a love for scuba, I've rediscovered an old passion.....twitching.......

I'm rusty to say the least on my bird identification - especially fresh water and sea birds, but birdwatching does seem to be a great way to pass the surface time between dives and I need some advice on binoculars.

I suspect the combination of lightweight, clarity and magnification all go to make binoculars very expensive, but does anyone have any recommendations on make, model, price bracket and outlet/retailer to try?

Thanks. Jacqui.

These (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0007UQNPY/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8) came out really good in both a Which? magazine report and a BBC Wildlife magazine report. Both rated them best medium priced bins and very good value for money

[Craig]

Jacqui,

If you have a local RSPB centre you can go in and try lots of different binoculars and get a feel for what you like and what they cost. They also run regular events where distributors come to demonstrate various models. If you can get to one of those then you should be able to get a good idea of what you want and might even find a bargain.

[ChristianG]

Don't discount monoculars, they allow one eye, if necessary, to see "locally", cost less (half that expensive glass), weigh less, are smaller size for size than bis and are often the preferred option for such as birdwatchers because, well, because of all those things. It seriously helps, though, that you can keep a normal perspective on things to locate that elusive bird, something you can't do with bis, they only give you the magnified whole which can make the things act like a needle in a haystack.

Against that, ATN has Omega binoculars (http://www.atncorp.com/units/dayoptics) which are water resistant and extremely rugged. They also have an enormous range of monoculars of which I happen to own two and, yes, I think they make good gear but my monoculars do not see the inside, anywhere else for that matter, of a boat.

[stuart jones]

Hi, have a look at 7dayshop.com 12x50 on there water proof fog proof very cheap but very good just throw into kitbag.Had mine about 12 months no probs.

[NickBCotswold]

dear all,

on behalf of jacqui - many thanks for all the advice! shes now awaiting delivery after following some advice on this forum!!! she passes on her thanks!!!

nick.

[PeteM]

dear all,

on behalf of jacqui - many thanks for all the advice! shes now awaiting delivery after following some advice on this forum!!! she passes on her thanks!!!

nick.

What did she go for?

[NickBCotswold]

What did she go for?


sorry pete, both been away hence the delay.....

she went for these... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0007UQNPY/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8 and is really pleased with them.... taking them to hope cove this weekend!

Nick