# inexpensive binoculars **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 21, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779 "2013-10-21T02:49:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 13\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/1 "2013-10-21T02:49:29Z")
I want a pair for general use, some birding & I want to go under $100. I googled reviews and read a bit; what do folks think of these three? Nikon 8244 Aculon A211 7x35 1.5 pounds? Leupold BX-1 Yosemite Porro Prism 6x30 1.7 pounds Bushnell Natureview Porro Prism 6x30 1.7 pounds 8x40 1.5 pounds? I get that when the first number is bigger it means more magnification but that is not necessarily better for looking at birds, if they are flying instead of posing for you. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/2 "2013-10-21T03:18:43Z")
I’d go with either the Bushnell or Leupold ones- they’re all BAK-4 prisms, but the Nikons don’t appear to be fully multicoated, while the others are. Otherwise they appear to be functionally identical, with the possible exception of close focus, where the Bushnells edge the Leupolds out. You probably won’t notice much difference between 6x and 7x binoculars, to be honest. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/3 "2013-10-21T03:29:51Z")
If you can spend a bit more, I have [these Nikons](http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7295-Monarch-10x42-Binocular/dp/B0033PRQBA) that I like a lot. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/4 "2013-10-21T14:05:41Z")
I am leaning towards the Bushnell 8x40; Chefguy, I’m not going to spend that much money but there were helpful reviews there so thanks. maybe I will move up in a few years, meanwhile I’m going on the cheap. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/5 "2013-10-21T15:54:51Z")
As general guideline, I’ve found that a good size for starter birding binoculars is 8x35 or 8x40. With less magnification, you’ll struggle to see detail - and you rarely see birds close enough for that to be too much magnification. Smaller front elements don’t capture enough light to get clear viewing, and also often don’t have enough eye relief around the viewing end; I end up watching my eyelashes more than birds. Avoid zooms; they tend to have terrible image quality. I’ve owned several pairs of binoculars in my life and have been pretty happy with Nikon, Olympus and Bushnell. For $100, it’s unlikely you’ll find fully multicoated optics, but I wouldn’t worry too much about that. For around the $100 mark, either the 8x42 or the 10x42 versions of these would probably suit you very well, although they might be slightly heavier than you are prepared to lug around: > **[Amazon.com: Bushnell H2O 10x42mm Binoculars, Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism...](https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-10x42-H20-Waterproof-Binoculars/dp/B006U0Z3BA)** > > Buy Bushnell H2O 10x42mm Binoculars, Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars for Boating amd Travel: Binoculars - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Nikon alternative: [Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8x42 Binocular (Black)](http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8245-ACULON-Binocular-Black/product-reviews/B00B7LQ73U/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_one?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0) You might also want to review: [Sportsmanguys.com : BBQGuys](http://www.sportsmanguys.com/content_content_10114.html) ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/6 "2013-10-21T16:34:16Z")
An obvious alternative is used binoculars–try Craigslist or eBay. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/7 "2013-10-21T18:10:42Z")
> [@Dervorin](#): > > Avoid zooms; they tend to have terrible image quality. I’ve owned several pairs of binoculars in my life and have been pretty happy with Nikon, Olympus and Bushnell. For $100, it’s unlikely you’ll find fully multicoated optics, but I wouldn’t worry too much about that. Supposedly the Bushnells and Leupolds he listed have both full multi-coatings and BAK-4 prisms. The only real difference is the short focus between the two, with the Bushnells having better performance there. I think if I was buying cheap binoculars, I’d stay away from cheap (i.e. sub $100) roof-prism models, and stick with Porro prism ones- less to go wrong and easier to manufacture accurately. ---
**Author:** ![Ximenean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/aca169/32.png) [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2013, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/8 "2013-10-21T20:27:52Z")
There’s a good guide to buying binoculars [here](http://binocularsky.com/binoc_basics.php). He’s using binoculars for astronomy, but what he says applies to any binoculars. According to him, you shouldn’t get too hung up on tech specs like BaK4 and so on. There are good BaK4 prisms, and there are cheap and nasty ones, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the binoculars are better. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/9 "2013-10-22T05:50:39Z")
Things that fit into the , “You get what you pay for.” category YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![brachyrhynchos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/brachyrhynchos/32/376_2.png) [@brachyrhynchos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brachyrhynchos)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/10 "2013-10-22T08:07:05Z")
In addition to Ximenean’s guide, here’s one from Eagle Optics: [http://www.eagleoptics.com/articles/birding/binoculars-for-beginning-birders](http://www.eagleoptics.com/articles/birding/binoculars-for-beginning-birders) I’d suggest getting to store with a variety of glasses to try. Focus both close and far away, and compare the views. How bright are each image? How much depth of focus and how wide of a field do they have? How comfortable are they to hold? Don’t avoid the somewhat more expensive glasses because you might find it worthwhile to save a little more and end up with a much better pair. My first pair of glasses were really not worth the little money I spent on them and I didn’t realize how bad they were until I bought my second pair. They world opened up to me with the second pair. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/11 "2013-10-22T13:08:02Z")
> [@Ximenean](#): > > There’s a good guide to buying binoculars [here](http://binocularsky.com/binoc_basics.php). He’s using binoculars for astronomy, but what he says applies to any binoculars. According to him, > you shouldn’t get too hung up on tech specs like BaK4 and so on. There are good BaK4 prisms, and there are cheap and nasty ones, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the binoculars are better. Of course not, but all else being equal, BAK4 prisms will outperform BK7 prisms. But, if you have excellent BK7 prisms vs second-rate BAK4, you have a different situation. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/12 "2013-10-22T13:55:28Z")
I ordered Bushnells 8x40 for $62.95 on amazon so the question now becomes Moo, to quote Joey on Friends. thanks for helping, especially you Bump, although I’d like to point out I’m a woman. > [@](#): > > I’d suggest getting to store with a variety of glasses to try. Focus both close and far away, and compare the views. How bright are each image? How much depth of focus and how wide of a field do they have? How comfortable are they to hold? that would have been ideal, but I didn’t do it. I did look on CL and ebay for used ones. > [@](#): > > Don’t avoid the somewhat more expensive glasses because you might find it worthwhile to save a little more and end up with a much better pair. My first pair of glasses were really not worth the little money I spent on them and I didn’t realize how bad they were until I bought my second pair. They world opened up to me with the second pair. my plan is to take good care of these and if I want better ones later, so be it. then I sell these on CL or similar. meanwhile, I think these will be a good start. thanks again, all!! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-binoculars/671779/13 "2013-10-22T15:12:18Z")
For other shoppers reading this thread: Also look at the difference in wide view vs regular binocs. For birding, it might make a difference. IMHO, avoid the zooms. Headaches causers, ime. 10X is probably the highest power many people can hand hold comfortably for long periods of time. I use an 8x42 weather sealed Pentax I got 25 years ago for astronomy, a used Bushnell 7x50 for carrying on hikes and stuff. I got my wife a 12x60 and she prefers the 7x50. A good 7x50 also will give you a pretty good range of lighting conditions to use it in. Nice bright twilight viewing.