Binocular advice?

[tbmrt]

Would like to get a pair of binoculars that would be good for use on our cruises, seeing wildlife in trees, ports when we're docked, etc.

 

Any input appreciated....I tried researching but it is very confusing.

 

Thank you.

[josephsschmoe]

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Schmoe (representing the Schmoes of Tallahassee) suggests that you pick up a pair of 10 x 50's from Amazon for somewhere around $30. This will be fine for your first pair of binoculars and they will be quite serviceable. If you like them, you can purchase a more expensive pair with better optics later.

 

Mr Schmoe offers that $30 binoculars will offer 90% of the serviceability of $300 binoculars at 10% of the cost.

 

Make your purchase early enough so that you can become comfortable with them before the cruise. If something is not working, you will have time to resolve the problem prior to travel.

 

Mr Schmoe did, at one time, purchase a defective pair of binoculars from a local retailer (this is before Al Gore invented the internet). The binoculars were exchanged with a smile. Manufacturing has greatly improved during the last 30-40 years so quality control should not be a problem.

 

Many sources recommend 7 x 35's for a starter pair. There is nothing wrong with this but Mr. Schmoe finds that 10 x 50's offer greater utility.

 

Mr and Mrs Schmoe always cruise with binoculars.

 

The Schmoes store their binoculars in their vehicle between cruises. You will be surprised at how frequently you will use them when they are readily available.

 

Good luck.

[kbarnum]

I was in the same "boat" last year. I found these on Amazon and they work great for spotting distant ships, island detail and searching around port. Not sure if I wouldn't upgrade for an Alaskan Cruise? I searched for 2 months before deciding on these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006U3ZIWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

[snowyboy]

Would like to get a pair of binoculars that would be good for use on our cruises, seeing wildlife in trees, ports when we're docked, etc.

 

Any input appreciated....I tried researching but it is very confusing.

 

Thank you.

 

They normally have some good ones for sail on ship duty free. Cannon

[josephsschmoe]

This is what the Schmoe's use.....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Impulse-10x50-Binoculars/dp/B00LPMCD70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1445949050&sr=8-2&keywords=10+x+50+binoculars&refinements=p_89%3ABushnell|Celestron

 

They work fine....if you like them, you can spend more $$ on better optics later

[josephsschmoe]

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Schmoe (representing the Schmoes of Tallahassee) suggests that you pick up a pair of 10 x 50's from Amazon for somewhere around $30. This will be fine for your first pair of binoculars and they will be quite serviceable. If you like them, you can purchase a more expensive pair with better optics later.

 

Mr Schmoe offers that $30 binoculars will offer 90% of the serviceability of $300 binoculars at 10% of the cost.

 

Make your purchase early enough so that you can become comfortable with them before the cruise. If something is not working, you will have time to resolve the problem prior to travel.

 

Mr Schmoe did, at one time, purchase a defective pair of binoculars from a local retailer (this is before Al Gore invented the internet). The binoculars were exchanged with a smile. Manufacturing has greatly improved during the last 30-40 years so quality control should not be a problem.

 

Many sources recommend 7 x 35's for a starter pair. There is nothing wrong with this but Mr. Schmoe finds that 10 x 50's offer greater utility.

 

Mr and Mrs Schmoe always cruise with binoculars.

 

The Schmoes store their binoculars in their vehicle between cruises. You will be surprised at how frequently you will use them when they are readily available.

 

Good luck.

[kbarnum]

This is what the Schmoe's use.....

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-Impulse-10x50-Binoculars/dp/B00LPMCD70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1445949050&sr=8-2&keywords=10+x+50+binoculars&refinements=p_89%3ABushnell|Celestron

 

They work fine....if you like them, you can spend more $$ on better optics later

 

Wow, those seem large. I went with the 8x's zoom as when the Zoom gets more focused, 10 and greater it is harder to find things on the horizon with the motion of the boat. I also like taking them with me and the size of the H20's are very portable. Also compare weight, if you are using them regularly the heaver they are, even in dealing in a few ounces the more fatigue you will get. I use them on my boat as well, so the waterproof and the sealed fog proof may not be as important to you. You should be able to have a lot of choices in the sub $100 range.

[teecee60]

Would like to get a pair of binoculars that would be good for use on our cruises, seeing wildlife in trees, ports when we're docked, etc.

 

Any input appreciated....I tried researching but it is very confusing.

 

 

The first number is magnification, the second is lens size in millimeters. The cost will depends on SIZE... and QUALITY.

 

Do you want smaller and easy to carry... "compact" is 25mm, "standard" is 35mm, "large" is 50mm.

 

Just a little larger (42mm or 50mm) will give GREAT views but MAY be too bulky.

 

Visit a sporting goods store to see what size you would feel comfortable with.

 

Avoid Tasco at the bottom of the quality range, Bushnell is a little better, with Nikon MUCH better.

 

You can get an EXCELLENT pair of high quality 8x42 or 10x50 Nikons for around $125 online.

 

It's tough to beat the "bang for the buck" of the ones in the link provided by josephsschmoe.

Edited October 27, 2015 by teecee60

[DuncanHusky]

The Wirecutter (one of my favorite review sites) recently posted a very useful review of binoculars with recommendations at various price points. Very handy!

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-binoculars/

 

Read the article for a good shopping guide and which models might fit your needs the best, but the short version is that they recommend the following:

Deluxe option:

Nikon 7576 Monarch 8 x 42 Binocular - $297 (on Amazon)

 

Best overall:

Nikon Monarch 3 8x 42 mm - $218

 

Best on a budget:

Nikon 7238 Action Ex Extreme 8 X 40 mm All Terrain Binoculars - $116

 

Best Travel-Size:

Nikon 8217 Binoculars TRL Blazer - $76

 

I hope this helps!

[chemmo]

i would suggest you visit a store and try a few pairs out. It is one thing understanding the technicalities and another about how they sit in your hands and ease of focusing. Good as the Internet is many small specialised shops or larger department stores can give practical advise and the opportunity to try before you buy.

[rnrcruzin]

We were in the same situation prior to our Alaska cruise. I settled for Leupold Yosemite 8x35. They are not too big. They are water proof and fog free. And offer, in my opinion, very good optics. I went to Gander Mountain on a rainy overcast day and tried several different sets of glasses. The Leupold's for my taste offered the brightest, clearest optics.

 

You may want to go to a Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, or Cabellea's and try several. If you find a pair you like then see if you can find them on line at a cheaper price. Good Luck in your search.

[hcat]

Whatever you select, lightweight, portable and carry on packable are also a plus!

[Fouremco]

i would suggest you visit a store and try a few pairs out. It is one thing understanding the technicalities and another about how they sit in your hands and ease of focusing. Good as the Internet is many small specialised shops or larger department stores can give practical advise and the opportunity to try before you buy.

I agree. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, you should also see how they work with the binoculars, as some are much better than others.

[Bruin Steve]

As to binoculars, I have a pair that I think, for a number of reasons, are absolutely fantastic...and a relative bargain.

 

http://bushnell.com/wildlife/binoculars/perma-focus/10x-50mm

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/223523-REG/Bushnell_175010_10x50_Permafocus_Binocular.html

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bushnell-PermaFocus-10-x-50mm-Binocular/4328445

 

These aren't "high end" professional quality optics...but they are great for the average person. What makes them remarkable is that you do NOT have to focus them at any time...or at all...Somehow, they remain completely in focus all the time...I've heard it doesn't work for everybody...but it sure does for me...and I usually wear glasses! Yet, I can use these WITHOUT my glasses...and everything always comes into complete focus no matter the distance. Before I tried them, I wouldn't have believed it.

And, for the price of these, you are NOT going to find a better pair … (Note: There's a $15 rebate through October 31)

They also come in other sizes, in other focal lengths...But, for my uses, these are great...

[kencr]

I bought a 10x25 Bushnell for $50. They can fold down to a 31/2 by 5 by 2 to fit into a included travel case. This can be attached to your belt or around your neck. It weighs less than a pound. These can found at sporting goods stores.

[ghstudio]

1) if you wear eyeglasses, it's imperative that you try the binoculars before you buy them.

 

2) Do not get over 8x magnification unless you have extremely steady hands or you are buying image stabilized binoculars (expensive and heavy).

 

3) Remember that binoculars in your cabin don't help you if you are on deck or on an excursion...similarly, binoculars on the bus don't help you when you are walking around on an excursion. Weight is very important.

 

4) Do not rely on the celebrity provided binoculars which are about as cheap as you can buy and almost always broken.

 

5) I would not wait for duty free which is likely one of the most expensive places you can buy binoculars or anything else, unless you are in a country that has VAT. Buy them at home if possible....

[Earthworm Jim]

I just bought some small, cheap (under $20) binoculars like these:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Powerview-10x25mm-Compact-Binocular/dp/B00004SABC/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1445974362&sr=1-2&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A8067692011%2Cp_36%3A1253503011

 

My theory is:

 

1) They are so cheap you aren't losing much if they are lost or stolen

 

2) Lower quality binoculars that are small and lightweight enough for your pocket or to attach the case to your belt see things much better than better binoculars that you don't have with you since left them in your cabin or at home because they are too heavy to carry

Edited October 27, 2015 by Earthworm Jim

[Beanb41]

I bought a small pair and a larger set onboard the Solstice for around $30 each from the on board shop. I found them better quality and cheaper than buying similar sets from the "photographers" on board. Sure they aren't flash but were more than adequate.

[josephsschmoe]

Mr Schmoe posted an incorrect link yesterday. The exact model of binoculars favored by the Schmoes is no longer sold.

 

The following link reflects the currently sold version of the binoculars that Mr and Mrs Schmoe use...

 

http://www.amazon.com/Celestron-UpClose-10x50-Binocular-71256/dp/B006ZN4TZS/ref=dp_ob_title_sports

 

The binoculars in the link posted yesterday should be perfectly satisfactory also.

 

Neither pair are very expensive and they both will get the job done. They should both work fine

[TanTien]

Hi All,

 

As a binocular-obsessed owner with at least 10 pair, ranging anywhere from $30-$800, I started a thread on this some time back and the information is applicable here.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=43661906

 

Depending on your budget, the best bins will be what you use them for. Don't go by price alone and don't cheap out on your first pair. If I had bought good, solid binoculars to begin with, I would now have less and spent less overall.

 

Cheaper binoculars (like the inexpensive ones they sell on the ship) are cheap for a reason: they won't last. They will not survive bumps and drops, or will loosen up or will fog up or any number of problems that, if you buy a reputable brand with a lifetime guarantee, like, Vortex, Alpen, Eagle Optics, they will be ones you'll use for many many cruises, looking at wildlife and views of all sorts.

 

If you're an older cruiser, anything with an objective of over 42 will probably be a waste because the exit pupil (the shaft of light that hits your eye) will be larger than your pupils will accommodate, so, unless you are into stargazing and have strong arms, don't waste your money and the size on anything like 50 mm objectives, they are large, heavy, bulky, and don't add that much to your viewing pleasure.

 

There are plenty of solid binoculars that are in the $100-$300 range that offer great performance for the price and. Anything under $100 is typically going to disappoint you in the long run.

 

Always happy to provide advice and feedback.

[tbmrt]

My husband and I will share the same binoculars. Both wear progressive glasses...Eyesight for both not awful, but glasses needed (seniors!).

 

Should I set the diopter settings on our shared pair of eyeglasses or just leave things "as is" since we're both sharing a pair and it would be too much trouble to reset the diopter settings after each of us look through the binoculars.

 

Tx for all your help

[GottaKnowWhen]

My husband and I will share the same binoculars. Both wear progressive glasses...Eyesight for both not awful, but glasses needed (seniors!).

 

 

 

Should I set the diopter settings on our shared pair of eyeglasses or just leave things "as is" since we're both sharing a pair and it would be too much trouble to reset the diopter settings after each of us look through the binoculars.

 

 

 

Tx for all your help

 

 

Buy a 2nd pair if the setting is at all different. If you want a quick look at something, the last thing you want is to be futzing with diapter settings.

[ghstudio]

My husband and I will share the same binoculars. Both wear progressive glasses...Eyesight for both not awful, but glasses needed (seniors!).

 

 

 

Should I set the diopter settings on our shared pair of eyeglasses or just leave things "as is" since we're both sharing a pair and it would be too much trouble to reset the diopter settings after each of us look through the binoculars.

 

 

 

Tx for all your help

 

 

If you both wear glasses, then the diopter setting will be the same...zero...you will see through the distance part of your glasses. Make sure you buy binoculars that work well with glasses...not all do.

[ghstudio]

If you both wear glasses, then the diopter setting will be the same...zero...you will see through the distance part of your glasses. Make sure you buy binoculars that work well with glasses...not all do.

 

 

See the following for a list of binoculars that work well with glasses..

 

http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-eye_relief-16-longeyerelief.html

[jules815]

I was in the same "boat" last year. I found these on Amazon and they work great for spotting distant ships, island detail and searching around port. Not sure if I wouldn't upgrade for an Alaskan Cruise? I searched for 2 months before deciding on these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006U3ZIWQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

 

We bought a very similar pair on Amazon a few years ago. I think we paid right around $100.

 

I can't believe all the years we cruised without them. We use them all the time. There are so many things to see from the balcony.