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SteveW View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
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Joined: September/18/2008
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SteveW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Newbie
    Posted: September/18/2008 at 03:00
Hi guys, I want to start observing as soon as I can, but I am a complete novice so I'll be need you help to answer a few questions. Ok, so I was debating between a telescope and a binocular, and after reading several sites, and going through this forum, it seems to me that binoculars are definitely the better choice for someone like me who has never seriously observed.
So now that I have decided that I am getting a binocular, which one should I get? http://www.swisslink.com/products/product.php?id=34&sid=15  or http://www.swisslink.com/products/product.php?id=428&sid=15
waiting for your suggestion
Thanks
Steve
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RifleDude View Drop Down
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Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/18/2008 at 07:47
Welcome to OT, Steve!
 
Frankly, I wouldn't spend my hard earned money on either of those binoculars.  To me, buying bargain basement optics is the same as tying your money to a rock and throwing it into a lake, because that is about as much value as you will get in return for your investment.  You simply cannot get a good pair of binoculars for $60.  Those are low end Chinese junk that won't have good resolution, will cause eyestrain, and won't hold up to hard use over time.  Anytime you see an optic advertised as having "ruby coated" lenses, turn and run in the opposite direction.  In my opinion, truly useful, reasonably good quality binoculars start at about $150 for a porro prism style (dogleg shaped barrels) and $300 for roof prism style (straight barrels). 
 
How much are you realistically willing to spend?  Will you be carrying the binocular for long periods of time such that weight and size might be an issue?  What kind of observation will you be doing?  Do you wear eyeglasses?  Will you be potentially using the binocular in wet conditions so that waterproofness would be important?  Knowing some of these questions will help us give you a better recommendation.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
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Bird Watcher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/18/2008 at 19:32
If money is an issue for you find a sporting goods store in your area and look at the Nikon Action binoculars. Very reasonably priced for a beginner like yourself. Look through several different ones until you find one that is comfortable for you. Here are a few suggestions as far as size, 7x35, 7x50, & 8x40.

If you can find the 7x50, it has the best eye relief of the three, especially if you wear eyeglasses.


Edited by Bird Watcher - September/18/2008 at 19:38
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