Denise,
binoculars can be quite a personal choice and it is normally best if you can try a few pairs before deciding, then there’s the question of budget, from $200 to the sky’s the limit and while the returns diminish somewhat as the price goes up, the top line binoculars are really a joy to use. I use Leica 10 x 42s and I expect they’ll outlast me.
First there’s magnification and size, 8x is quite popular and 10x is the limit for steady hand holding for most people. If you have steady hands go with 10x, 8x will be a little brighter and a wider field making it easier to find the subject. for size, 42mm is a good choice and if you want something smaller/lighter more compact then 30-32 mm is about as small as I would suggest, so that’s 8×32, 10×32, 8×42 or 10×42.
Regarding brands, the Nikon monarchs are good value and quite light, next step up would be something like Kowa or Pentax. For top of the line Leica or Swarovski. Prices range from $500 or so for the Monarchs to $900-$1000 for the Kowa to $2300-$2700 for the Leica/Swarovskis, there’s a Swarrovski SLC 8×32 that’s’ a relative bargain among European binoculars at about $1400. If they are too much Gerbers in this size range go for about $400. These are all roof prism style that have straight barrels, which are more compact but harder to make with high optical quality. Many of the binos listed above will be waterproof and nitrogen filled, and relatively rugged. Those are approximate prices at Bintel where they have many of the binos in stock to try. You will likely find them cheaper on line, but without trying them you may find the ones you buy don’t really suit you.
Chris Ross
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