Thread: Newbie: Suggestions for first binoculars?

Both 8x and 10x binoculars are ideal and readily available. Which you choose comes down to personal preference. But IMO, the benefits of the extra magnification in the 10x is often overstated. I've had 4 pairs of 10x binos and I'm now running 8.5's. Yes, the 10's offered just that bit extra in magnification, but I doubt you'd be able to see the difference in a simple blindfold test...budum tish.

However, the slightly wider field of view and brightness in the 8x does make a noticeable difference, and for me, it lends itself to a more relaxed view.

The '10x is for tops, 8x for bush' argument isn't accurate. It doesn't take eyesight or glass quality into account, nor somebody's proneness to shake when holding a pair of binos. You'll see more with a 7x with brilliant top drawer glass v.s a 8/10x with mediocre glass. This is the same with rifle scopes and spotting scopes. I don't know why this is - but I guess it's got something to do with higher magnifications using more glass (thicker glass) - and the more you've got of something, the more its weaknesses will be compounded.

As a general rule of thumb, if you want more magnification, it's best to spend more.

The same goes with optical design. If you do not want to spend a lot - DO NOT purchase Roof Prism binoculars (more complicated in design). Pick up a pair of Porro Prism binoculars instead. They'll give you just as good image quality (often better) at a fraction of the price.

If you want to spend less than $1500 on binos, but you'd like $4k worth of optical performance, here's a bino that'll fit the bill:

https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/prod...0-w-binoculars

Pros:
1) They're made in Austria by Swarovski - quality.
2) They'll hold their value
3) They won't ever go obselete - they're of a traditional 'porro prism' design
4) They're bomb proof
5) They're better optically (in many respects) compared to expensive Roof Prism binoculars.
6) Reasonably priced

Cons:

1) They're not as ergonomic as a pair of Roof Prism binos.
2) They're not as easy to look through - you've got to take care with positioning your eyes due to limited eye relief and a more primitive eye-cup design.
3) They're not the 'latest and grestest whiz bang' (but does that really matter? They've been around for over 50 years and are time proven).

You've really got to try them first. If they fit you well, they could be the last pair of binos you'll ever need.