Alaska--tips for binoculars? - The DIS Discussion Forums

meajuly5 · 12-03-2012, 03:34 PM

Looking for suggestions for binoculars to view wildlife from balcony--likely without a tripod--to give us a gift. Any suggestions?

Capt_BJ · 12-03-2012, 04:46 PM

how much are you willing to spend?

GOOD binoculars are not inexpensive

as a 'professional sailor' I spent a lot of money on quality optics (well the government did, to give me my equipment!)

My last favorite was Steiner ... what the ship bought ran around $1,000 a pair. But for your use you can get good ones for $250. I wouldn't buy a set costing less.
http://www.best-price.com/search/lan...FQ0GnQodtQUAUQ

this would be for a basic 7x50 pair which is what were my 'regular' glasses. We also had much more powerful sets on fixed mounts (tripods), and gyro stabilized ones . . . .

this is a good page to read before you begin your search
HOW TO CHOOSE A MARINE BINOCULAR:http://www.opticsplanet.com/binmarine.html

Gilland18 · 12-03-2012, 04:55 PM

We actually survived nicely with a considerably cheaper pair of binos, but the pp is correct. The really good ones cost plenty. I use mine for birds and wildlife and am satisfied with "good enough". That being said, binoculars generally have 2 numbers, like 8x32. The 8 refers to magnification, the 32 to the size of the barrel of the binoculars. The bigger the numbers, the more magnification and the more light allowed through. I've read, and my experience supports, that you don't want to go over 8 or 10 magnification without a tripod. The other number, you find a balance between size and the weight and the cost. What a wonderful gift.

meajuly5 · 12-03-2012, 06:27 PM

Thanks for this great info. 250-300 is what I was hoping to spend. My camera lense is my typical bino

12-03-2012, 03:34 PM	#1
meajuly5 Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 416	Alaska--tips for binoculars? Looking for suggestions for binoculars to view wildlife from balcony--likely without a tripod--to give us a gift. Any suggestions?

12-03-2012, 04:46 PM	#2
Capt_BJ So Many Times Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne, FL Posts: 1,171	how much are you willing to spend? GOOD binoculars are not inexpensive as a 'professional sailor' I spent a lot of money on quality optics (well the government did, to give me my equipment!) My last favorite was Steiner ... what the ship bought ran around $1,000 a pair. But for your use you can get good ones for $250. I wouldn't buy a set costing less. http://www.best-price.com/search/lan...FQ0GnQodtQUAUQ this would be for a basic 7x50 pair which is what were my 'regular' glasses. We also had much more powerful sets on fixed mounts (tripods), and gyro stabilized ones . . . . this is a good page to read before you begin your search HOW TO CHOOSE A MARINE BINOCULAR:http://www.opticsplanet.com/binmarine.html __________________ Captain BJ WDW more than I can count incl EPCOT opening 40+ cruises including DCL x 7 incl inaugural years of Magic and Wonder retired 29 yr USCG, 12 years at sea, 4 in Command

12-03-2012, 04:55 PM	#3
Gilland18 Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: central Iowa Posts: 330	We actually survived nicely with a considerably cheaper pair of binos, but the pp is correct. The really good ones cost plenty. I use mine for birds and wildlife and am satisfied with "good enough". That being said, binoculars generally have 2 numbers, like 8x32. The 8 refers to magnification, the 32 to the size of the barrel of the binoculars. The bigger the numbers, the more magnification and the more light allowed through. I've read, and my experience supports, that you don't want to go over 8 or 10 magnification without a tripod. The other number, you find a balance between size and the weight and the cost. What a wonderful gift. __________________ Kim WDW 1984, Polynesian/Wonder 2003, Pop Century 2006, Wonder Alaska 2011, Wonder EBPC 2012

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12-03-2012, 06:27 PM	#4
meajuly5 Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 416	Thanks for this great info. 250-300 is what I was hoping to spend. My camera lense is my typical bino