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Binoculars for football

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trkyshootr View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/19/2006 at 15:50

Last year, based on advice from forum members, I bought some Pentax 10x43 SPs for hunting.  I am very pleased with the binoculars.  I am back again, for my secretary.  She'd like to buy her husband some binoculars for use at college football games (big stadium - University of Alabama).  She'd like to spend no more than $300.  I was thinking that something in the 6x30 or 7x35 range would be appropriate.  I've looked at the Leupold Katmai, the Canon 7x42 AWP, and the Nikon 7x35 Action Extreme.  The Canons and, especially, the Nikons, are probably heavier than the ideal.  There's also a significant price difference between these models, and I don't know how that bears on their image quality.

 

I think that a wide field of view and, secondarily, light weight or compact size are probably the most important attributes.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks. 

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anweis View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2006 at 11:03

It's a tough one, because most compact size binos don't have a wide field of view. Nikon also has some decent compacts, you may want to check those for field of view.

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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/21/2006 at 11:41

Personally, especially for sports-watching, I would recommend a good compact.  Considering the amount stuff we end up with at our seats in stadiums (cameras, seat cushions, blankets, cheering-parafanalia, drinks, snacks, etc.) not to mention the fairly small amount of space available to begin with, the last thing I want to carry around is a full-size binocular.  In such a lighted venue, large objective lens size isn't going to give any meaningful advantage and the ability to simply slip the binocular in a pocket where it's totally out of the way can neither be overstated nor ignored.  Generally you will be watching specific actions (ie. wherever the ball is) so, field of view is not quite as important as it might at first seem. Having said all that, I still think you should buy good, high-quality optics rather than a $30 cheapy. The superior resolution power, build quality, ruggedness, etc. make the extra few dollars very well spent as the glass will serve for a long time. If the arena you are visiting is an outdoor venue you will want to ensure that your getting something that is at least weather-resistant and preferably waterproof.

 

Pentax makes their waterproof DCF MP in both 8x28 and 10x28 which would be a great choice. These cost under $300.  Other options might include:

 

Zeiss 8x20 and 10x25 ClassiC compacts. Cost roughly $350 and are warranted waterproof by Zeiss.

Brunton 8x25 and 10x25 Eterna. $250 and are waterproof.

Bushnell 9x25 Legend. $150 and waterproof

Pentax 8x25 and 10x25 DCF MC II. $120 and weather-resistant

Bushnell 8x26 and 10x26 Legend (reverse porros) $100 and waterproof

 

 

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wheels Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/22/2006 at 13:49
Bushnell 7x26 Custon
wide field of veiw, on the bright side for a compact and sharp optics. Only fault is they're not waterproof.
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ar15a292f View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ar15a292f Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2006 at 11:44
I use a Nikon 7x35 Action porro prism binocular.  The optics are sharp and the field of view is outstanding.  They are not waterproof.  The best thing about them is that the are refurbished and I only paid $38 for them, including shipping.
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trkyshootr View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trkyshootr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2006 at 22:14
She wound up buying the Nikon Action Extreme 7x35 from SWFA.  She got them yesterday and said that they're nice.  We'll get his response next week, on his birthday.  Thanks for the replies.
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