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Old 12-08-2011, 12:37   #1
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Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations ?

Time to replace my broken binoculars....Looking for a good pair of mid-range binoculars for boat use.

Any recommendations or warnings?

What is everyone using?
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Old 12-08-2011, 12:49   #2
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

Must get ones with a bearing compass!!!

Don't go too expensive as they don't last long in the cockpit. Even if kept below they deteriorate quickly.

I bought some Nikons that are good.

A friend got Stieners at a good price.

Shop around, wait for a boat show etc.
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Old 12-08-2011, 12:50   #3
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

There are plenty of good mid priced binoc's available in most sports stores. I use a pair that has low magnification, sealed lenses, (you don't want condensation inside), plastic case, with a ruby anti glare coating. I paid way less than $100. The higher magnification is useless, (it jumps around too much to see anything). Try focusing the pair your testing while jogging in place. Easy to focus, and comfortable on your face. If one of your eyes is very different than the other, be sure it has individual focus. Smaller, mine is hand sized, is easier to keep handy, in a water proof case.
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Old 12-08-2011, 12:52   #4
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

Think about a pair of cheaper night vision, in bays or coastal you'll see more than the radar.
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Old 12-08-2011, 12:53   #5
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

I bought mine last month at west marine. They were regular price $239...on sale for $69. They are 7 X 50 and have nice optics and focus real easy. I saw them in the west marine newsletter last week. Maybe they still have some.
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Old 12-08-2011, 13:42   #6
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

There is a difference, cheap today might mean replacing more often, so not so cheap in the long run. I have a pair of Fuji binocs and have had them for the last 16 years. I've had them repaired once, and a couple of times have had the lens caps replaced. They are still the best I've found despite the price. My dad had a Steiner but I found them to be dark. If I were to replace these, and I must admit I have no reason to, I would get a pair with stabilizers.

The Fuji's have been great, expensive yes, but I've taken care of them and amortized over the years, not really all that expensive.

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Edit: I forgot to add a link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002GTTF4?...RY834JHG5DZ4G&
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Old 12-08-2011, 13:45   #7
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

I have never used stabilized binoculars but people who have swear by them. (by them not at them)

7 1/2 x 50 are the highest magnification for standard binoculars, otherwise the image is to unsteady for boat use. I think you must try them before you buy and it would be nice if you could try a few for comparison sake. The eye focal length (distance from rear lens to the the eye) is very important especially if you wear glasses. Edit: eye relief is the term I was looking for.

http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...binoculars.php
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Old 12-08-2011, 13:59   #8
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

I use Steiner but I'm seriously considering another brand next time. The only problem is that my Steiner doesn't break so I don't need new. Now that I think of it... I have my Steiner since as long as I remember and it's the only one I ever bought

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Old 12-08-2011, 14:04   #9
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Re: Time of new eyes. Why Binoculars

I got my first Steiners last year. I'll never go back to anything else. I've used most brands, including many of the mid-range Japanese models like Nikons and Fujinons, for years. Good Steiners cost close to a grand and are worth every penny. I still have some of my older glasses I use in the dinghy or ashore for birding and the like, but my Steiner Commander XP 7x50's stay in the pilothouse, are adjusted for my vision, and are only ever touched by me. They dont have a bearing compass because they obstruct a portion of field of view and some of the lighted models destroy night vision. I have that function on several of my cheaper glasses anyway. The Steiners change everything, especially at night. Unlimited focus means you can clearly see objects 30 miles away, like distant mountains. The optics are incredibly crisp, nothing else I've used compares. They are mil-spec waterproof and used by numerous national forces worldwide.
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:00   #10
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

I hav a set of Canon Stabilized binos.... They are the shiz. Not cheap, but when you need to see, you need to see!
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:25   #11
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

I have a pair of fuji that I got years ago (don't know where they are or I'd see what power they are) I know my old 7x35 military nocs have taken a beating and I usually use those, I'm so use to them. I have some smaller ones as well. I got a cheap pair of ruby lensed off name joms that are just plain hugewith a very large picture, but good enough to see accross the lake, 5 miles or so. But, when I want to see at night or have a clearer pic, guess what, I use my Sony video camera with night shot and unlimited zoom. The night shot or any red system like it will not work well 100 meters off, but the picture is lighter, almost like the old star-lite. It will light up a lake cove and around docks as you come in. Some target scopes are good too as well as your rifle scope, depends on what you want to see.

If I need a bearing I use the GPS, but it would be cool to have nocs with that feature built in.
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:31   #12
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

Quote:
Originally Posted by capngeo View Post
I hav a set of Canon Stabilized binos.... They are the shiz. Not cheap, but when you need to see, you need to see!
i have them also got mine in 2007 and they are super, they give you the exstra when needed.

18 x 50 .IS
i also have a 7 x 50 cheep once for closer things to look at,
But use the Canon when i need to se someting fare away.
Or like reading names on ships, or signs on land. with the 7 x 50 i can hardly se there is a sign. thats the big diff.
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:34   #13
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

Wimps...

ciao!
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:40   #14
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

I think the Navy One Binocular by Weems & Plath at about $335 is an excellent mid priced binocular. We have sold a lot of them over the years and I don't remember ever having a return. I really like the Canon stabilized binoculars. They are more expensive with the 10 X 35 at about $400. For a non stablized binocular it's hard to beat Steiner, but you pay for it.
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Old 12-08-2011, 15:48   #15
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Re: Time for New Binoculars - Any Recommendations?

well Nick, they look a bit heavy,
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