rtrg wrote:
I am looking for an inexpensive binocs with a combination of CLOSE FOCUS AND WIDE ANGLE. These specs need to be 8 FEET (1.5 to 2 meters), and 9.5 to 11 degrees or more. The shorther the focal length and the wider the angle the better. Zoom would be a nice addition but not absolutely needed. Quality is not important, nor is a high magnification. A 7x35 with these specs will probably work. Center wheel focusing is a must. Names. models, specs, and prices needed. How is CLOSE FOCUS determined? How is it stated? In what terms? It is rarely marked on the packaging. Any recommendations welcome. reeltoreelguy@gmail.com. |
Good luck. That is kind of an oxymoron as it may not exist, especially with the angles you list. First we kind of need your definition of inexpensive for one thing. What do you expect from wide angle? Industry standards typically define wide angle as a minimum of 60* apparent field of view. This is most simply done by taking the angular fov in degrees and multiplying it by the magnification. The angular fov is not always given, but you can get it by dividing the total listed foeld of view (listed as x many feet at 1,000 yards) and divide by 52.5, which is the feet per degree/1,000 yards. SO if a 10x binocular is listed as having a 315' fov (pretty common) that gives an angular fov of 6*. Multiply by the 10x magnification and the afov is 60*, or typically considered wide angle.
Your listed specs are Ultra Wide angle and probably can be found only in older UWA porros, which won't focus much closer than 25 feet or so. That is 75-85* afov and that is not made anymore.
Close focus distance is just about always listed in a binoculars specification sheet. It will say the close focus distance is down to so many feet. That differs with binoculars and with different eyes. Roof prism binoculars will focus closer than porros. Back the wheel all the way toward the close side of focus and see for yourself how far away it will focus an object, then measure that distance. The closer the focus, the greater the likelihood the image will separate and the binocular may need to be used with only one eye. The closest focusing thing there is ,is the Pentax Papillio, which will come down to 18 inches. It is a small glass and fairly inexpensive, comes in 6.5 and 8.5x, but I'd not call it wide angle., and for sure is not in your spec range.
Forget zoom binoculars. They are the most fragile and most prone to break thing there is. They also are contra indicated in your wish for wide angle, zooms are also the narrowest views you can get, in some cases less than half of what you want.
The Kruger Caldera 8x42 is the closest thing that pops to mind. It is 8.4* (438'). This is the widest fov you can get in a good modern roof prism binocular. It figures to about 67* afov. It will almost focus on your toes while standing up, has terrific optics and may be above your inexpensive range at $379. But for what it is it is a bargain.
Now I wonder if I just fed a troll...
------------- Steve "Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron
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