Hi, have you reviewed any of the following models by Luna Optics? LN-G3-B50 (Binoculars) and LN-G3-M50 (Monocular)? Their specs appear to be top notch but I'm surprised I don't see too many reviews or feedback about them. The few reviews typically indicate they are very good and I would appreciate any input. Thanks
Celestron skymaster Pro 15x70 or celestron skymaster 15-35x70 or celestron skymaster Pro 20x80 for long distance and astronomy? Which one you recommend sir?
Hi David, yes, I totally agree. One of the main factors to consider is just how often you use the binoculars as this will definitely have a bearing on how much to spend. For example as a guide, binoculars were an important part of my job and I would use them every day and thus having a good set was important. On the other end, if you only bring them out now and again, spending huge amounts would be for many people a waste.
A very good starting point for you to look at price/quality wise, is the viewing angle of any bino's you choose. The cheaper (probably not so good) bino's have a narrow field of view (FOV) While the more expensive bino's normally have a wider FOV. A bino with less than, say 4.5 degrees of viewing angle, will be more like looking down a tunnel, than ones with a viewing angle of around 6.5 plus. An FOV of 8 degrees plus (typically 8.1 degrees) is excellent for comfortable viewing for any use I find, but these do tend to be the expensive choices of bino, whatever the make. I have looked through a lot of bino's costing less than £100 and they are not as good as ones costing around twice as much or more, nor should they be. They all cost a lot less than £200 for a reason after all. Some cheap ones can look as if it is misty all the time, when compared to good quality bino's, so don't expect razor sharp images if the bino's are cheap(ish) Cheaper made bino's will also go out of colimation very easily, when compared to more expensive ones, that are made to a higher quality and better materials. Don't make the mistake I made years ago and buy cheap ones for less than £50, thinking that they would be good enough for my occasional use. They soon 'bent' out of shape and became annoying to use i.e.a waste of money. A very good set to try are the Opticron Discovery range. There are several sizes to choose from in the range and all are made to a high standard. They currently cost (2022) from £172 up too £209. No, i don't work for Opticron, I own some of them and find them as good as my Celestron Granite ED bino's, which themselves are very well made and give excellent views (but also cost twice as much as the Opticrons) Bino's are getting better all the time it seems, so do look at several types and price points before buying some if you can.
Great video. Since my pockets aren't very deep, I've been looking at used binoculars and found Pentax to be very good! One bad thing is that there are so many models and difficult to evaluate since most owners have no concept of what they have. One example is when I went to pick up a pair and found the optics very-very good except for the "red-gold" coating on the occular lenses. Being a bird watcher, you don't want "red-gold" lenses. For the asking price, I couldn't resist. ($5.00 USD)
I found Pentax binos to be a big drop in price for a small drop in quality compared to the big 3. I'm having to retire my pair because both eye cups are now buggered. One has been broken longer than the other and I did get it repaired quite a few years back, but it was never quite right and quickly went back to being stuffed up. But considering I DID buy them in 2007, I guess I've had a pretty good run. It's a pity they're not repairable because the optics are still great. I'm now shopping for a pair of Swarovskis. I've looked through many and they really are the cream of the crop.
I started birding with a pair of Nikon Pro Staff 3s 10x40. I think they were about $125. Decent starter binos, still have them for loaners. One day early on, while out with the club, a member let me use his Leicas for a while. I was blown away at the difference. People can use all sorts of verbal gymnastics to try and describe the difference but you really have to see it for yourself to truly understand. I purposed in my mind then and there that if I were to stick with birding I would one day treat myself to a pair of good quality ED glass binos. Got a pair of Eagle Optics Golden Eagles a couple of years later and have been quite happy ever since.
Hi, many thanks for the feedback and yes I agree. If you use your binoculars often enough then it is worth spending a bit more to get the best view possible. If you only very rarely use your binoculars then it does not always make sense to spend the extra amount.. just make sure you get a good quality reasonable performance low cost pair. 👍😜
When people used to el cheapo bins, use a mid range, they often go woa!, same when I used a Leica the first time, and I were already used to Bauch and Lombs, Nikon and Steiners, woaaa!
It stands for Extra Low Dispersion Glass (ED Glass) - you can read my full guide to it here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/extra-low-dispersion-glass-ed-glass-09/
I like that (pay once, cry once) - I think it is a good philosophy and unlike electronics, the good thing about binoculars is they will still work and be relevant for many, many years to come: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/are-out-of-date-old-stock-binoculars-still-worth-buying-now-06/
that's too simplistic. best to start with a used/closeout deal mid range pair, one that can be resold with minimal loss,and discover whether they will sit in the case, and then go from there. I started my 8x42 journey with Bushnell Legend Ms at $125.00 new on closeout. I could sell them for more today, but they are so good that's not going to happen. They are almost as good optically as my Nikon Monarch HGs. The ramp in price vs. performance is punishingly geometric. The Bushnell's have a lifetime warranty. The current model is the Forge, and it's 95 percent the same binocular at $450.00.
I have an old german made set of HQ binoculars called Carl Zeiss Jena TELAREM 18x50 DRP (from pre war Wehrmacht 1936) got it from my grandfather who used to be a german officer (Captain=Hauptmann) during WW2, this wonderfull old piece of equipment still works superb! Mechanics smooth and optics super sharp, this old set puts many new binos to a shame...
Schlipperschlopper absolutely ! I worked in the photographic industry Zeiss and Leica optics which the latter being the best ,but are very expensive ,now the Japanese companies like Panasonic using Leica and Sony using zeiss are excellent binoculars .Now there are much more compact and a mid range say 10 x 50 you won't go wrong .I have a 10 x 43 Barr & Stroud a British made in Glasgow in 53 they made optic for submarines etc.
I got some 10X25 aluminium housing binoculars branded "Australian Geographic" for about $15 maybe 20 years ago, and they've served me very well travelling, sailing and hiking. They fit in a small pack with a belt sling. The best binoculars are the ones you'll take with you.
Three binoculars worth a look at are the Celestron 'Granite' ED 8x42 and the Opticron Discovery WP PC 8x50 and 10x50 sizes. I have all three and find the Opticrons, although cheaper than the Celestron Granite, are just as good as it in the tests I carried out. If there is a difference, then I couldn't "see" it in all honesty. I think this is down to the Opticrons "upping their game" rather than Celestron falling down on the job. The price of the Opticrons in 2020 was about £200, while the Celestron Granite was around £350 when I purchased it several years before. If you can try out the Opticrons first, then please do so, I don't think you will be dissappointed. They are all light enough to hold steady, but do feel heavy when compared to cheaper bino's of lesser quality. I initially bought the three of them for bird watching, at which they are fantastic and focus down to around 5 feet, but for general night viewing they are all wide angle which makes them a delight for the night sky. None of them are classed as cheap I know, but you do get what you pay for in these cases. I certainly do not regret getting them at all, so give them a look if you can, you might find they are just what you have been looking for in a set of bino's. If you find what you think are better quality bino's than these models, please let us all know about it, as we all want to get the best kit we can afford or upgrade what we already have don't we.
The first pair of binoculars I got were a pair of Eyesky 10x42. I thought they were pretty good because I didn't know any different. They fell apart after repeated use. The diopter and the focus wheel got stuck and then they went out of collimation. And finally, the warranty was useless as it cost more to send them back to China than they were worth. Lessons have been learned.
But you didn't waste a lot of $ and you got a relatively better ratio of use/$ than the WAYYY over priced rubber cupped, labeled adjuster, leather carrying case, fancy shipping box Leicas right? AND...did not enjoy the use they provided? THE most overused untrue statement thrown around is "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR". Eg, 2500 Cannon ISB and about 1/3rd of the items i've bought....expensive but shameful quality. The more apropos statement is "pay more feel better" . The seller promulgates the high cost choice memes.
The great thing about binoculars is that unlike electronic devices, if you get a good set today and look after them, they will still be relevant for many years to come. Likewise if you got a good set 50 years ago, whilst lacking a in a few areas, they are still usually better than buying a modern poor quality cheap pair.
Hey this was really helpful, I’m just starting on birdwatching, and I was thrilled because some of the cheapest present good resolution Power vs Objective... But you made realize a better way to buy based on quality. Not many products have such a well explained review. Thanks!!!
As someone who is just getting into binoculars, this is gold man. Really really good stuff. You got a new subscriber here, no need to doubt that. Looking forward to what you have got in store next. Thank you :-)
Hi Marius, thank you for the feedback, kind words and the subscription. And yes, I have a number of projects in the pipeline... I just also have some house renovations as well as very bad weather going on at the moment... which is frustrating... but hopefully next week things can return to normal.
I recently went to see about buying some binoculars because I’m visiting the national parks. I totally expected to see prices range from $20-$100 or so. I had no clue about the world of binoculars! I saw pairs for $1,000 ,$1,500, $2,500, and even as high as $4,000. I never KNEW they could be that pricey. Naturally, I came to RUclips to learn why. Thanks for your informative video. I loved the segment where you went to the factory and showed all the effort that goes into them.
if you have used good optics, then you look through cheap ones it is obvious why they are cheap. Whilst if youve only ever had cheap optics, they work fine.
Hands Down--Vortex are best binoculars! Under $1000 don't have all the bells and whistles but clarity is exceptional! They are reasonably priced, great warranty and excellent customer support. My sister has less expensive Vortex, I have Viper HD. My one regret is I didn't check for tripod connection--which would help for star gazing.
Hi Jennie, yes for sure Vortex are well known for their great performance to price ratio and this is indeed what I like about them. I'm a little confused as I am pretty sure that the Viper HD is tripod adaptable? You sust need to unscrew the dust cap on the front of the hinge like this: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-tripod-adapters.php
Really amazing microphone. So crisp and clear, keep it up. But lol that man at 9:08 doesn't know how to wear his head cover, its meant to cover his hair as well. :)
An excellent video, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Undoubtedly the best video around on the subject. Describes perfectly what differentiates binoculars at opposite points on the price spectrum. Very helpful for anyone considering buying a pair.
I loved my vortex diamondback binoculars so I bought the razer uhds and for more than twice the price there is next to no difference, people say edge to edge but next to never do you look at a flat plain where the edges will be in focus and the middle unless your looking at a cliff.
Hi, good starting point: it boils down to "You get wht you pay for". However, you did not get to the bottom of things. A few years ago, on a sightseeing trip I had the chance to try a few cheap binoculars. And the take awawy was: They magnify alright, but they do not show more details than properly fitted and clean spectacles (if you do not have perfect eyesight). My experience is, be careful with anything under top-notch binos. What else comes only with the best: a large and bright and crisp field of view. And, good binos last a lifetime.
Another great video and advice, I have had some larger binoculars for astronomy for a while but these require a tripod and I have been looking at getting my first pair of hand held binoculars for birds, butterflies and general wildlife for around £200. I decided to order the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 today and the advice from your videos was a massive help and I have subscribed to your channel :-)
Hi, thanks very much for the feedback and for subscribing to my channel, it is honestly very much appreciated. For me it is always heartening to hear that I have helped and motivates me to continue. Please also feel free to contact me if you need any further help or advice. 👍
@@vyshus7629Depends on nebula, for example the orion nebula can be seen even with lower aperture binoculars than 8x42 because it can already be seen with even naked eyes.
I have owned a superb Zeiss Victory pocket binocular for 10 years. It is very expensive. This means that I have to leave it at home if I have to face theft or damage from bad weather or from a fall if I am backpacking around the Balkans. Accordingly I bought a Nikon Trailblazer in NYC last week. Price: $79. I am concerned with optical quality rather than build quality. Optically, I cannot tell the difference between the two. P.S. The top quality Zeiss, made in Hungary, comes in a cheap plastic case with no padding.
40+ year birder here. Basically, for great QPR in optics the sweet spot is around $500-$1000. You can get great bins for $250 that are more than enough for casual use though. Above $1000 you get into the territory of luxury pieces that are fun to look through or necessary professional equipment depending on who you are and what you're doing. At the very high end, I have tested the $3000+ optics extensively and even those incredibly well-made bins don't last forever under difficult conditions (marine or tropical rainforest) and everyday professional use. Fortunately the best manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for their high-end products.
I am subscribed to your channel and watch all your videos. His explanation is technical and, at the same time, accessible, clarifying practically all doubts. However, it would be useful to make a comparison
I just can't bring myself to spend more money on my binoculars than I spent on my compound bow when I'm only using them to look down range to check the target. The most I'm going to spend is around $150. Do you have any suggestions around that price range? This video was extremely helpful. I now realize why some binoculars cost upwards of $1,000 or more. Thank you for the detailed (but not over detailed) information. 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Rob, thanks for the question and yes, you can actually find a few really good instruments at around the $150 mark, but there are also many more bad ones, so you just need to be careful. I have a page on the Best Budget Binoculars under $200 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/best-budget-binoculars.php - There are a number on there that come within your budget of $150 - I hope this helps.
I would add a quick user perspective on more expensive piece: - more durable - more comfort/less annoyances/ease of use - less variance and higher optical quality The last point is actually huge and slightly more difficult to explain. It is the difference that make the really cheap binos almost useless. With some cheap binos, you see the things bigger, but you don't see almost any additional detail compared to plain eyesight. Carrying them gives almost no benefit in spotting stuff of identification of stuff.
Any recommendations for a mid range set for watching rocket launches from 90 to 100 miles away..been looking at celestion and barska but have seen mixed reviews..thank you
Hi Scott - It depends on which Celestron you are talking about - I have found that the new Celestron SkyMaster Pro series is a BIG step up in quality and performance from the standard SkyMaster series binoculars - for example take a look at my review on the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Pro-15x70-Binoculars-Review-259.htm
What are the difference between bird watching binoculars and astronomy binoculars!! Can you also use bird watching binoculars for astronomy!! If you can, make a video on that!! Also are 16x32 binoculars good for astronomy!!
Technically there is not difference and yes, you can use binoculars for both uses. For example a 7x50 binocular makes and excellent birding binocular and a good wide field Astro binocular. Whilst something like a 15x70 makes an excellent Astronomy binocular and when mounted on a tripod can be good for viewing birds out in the open in the fa distance - Like on a field or at the coast for example. No, I would say a 16x32 binocular would not be good for astronomy as it only has small 32mm lenses and a tiny 2mm exit pupil. For more and why, check out my complete guide to the exit pupil www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/exit-pupil-06/ and How Different Configurations Affect a Binocular www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/how-different-configurations-affect-a-binocular-04/
You can use a 8X42 roof for astronomy, and a 10X50 porro for bidwatching but often in their higher ends they become more different. Birdwatchers like fast central focus and close focus capabilites, also light weight because they walk a lot! they like 8x32, 8X42 or 10X42. Astronomers, like light transmision, light gathering, tan that often means a big and heavy porro, and hate to refocus binoculars, many top end had individual eye focus, they need to operate in low light so they go for 50mm, 56mm, 63mm, 70mm, 80 or eve 100mm objetives. 10X50s, 15X70s, 20X80s or 25X100mm are very common, and often they are porros. In fact there is a huge overlap between military, marine and astronomy bins, due to the need to see large objects over large distances in low light. The Fujinon FMTSX family or the Nikon SP or the Chinese KUO BAE8 who rule astronomy now, all come from a Marine Military background. As were the Soviet Tentos or the Zeiss Jena/ Docter Nobilems 8x50s. Or the Steiner Nighthunter XP.
Hi Masakyro - yes I have definitely used them and in terms of astronomy, they do have a number of advantages and I would say they sit right in between the binoculars and telescopes. They are more portable and easy to carry about than a large telescope, yet less so than a binocular. However, they do have a higher magnification than binoculars for more detail and spotting scopes with angled eyepieces make it easier to look into the sky. The are more versatile than a telescope as you can also effectively use them for land based objects and a spotting scope with a variable magnification makes it easier to first locate the point in sky you are interested in and then zoom into it. However magnifications are not as high as most telescopes and thus you wont get as much detail, but more so than a binocular. Hope this helps?
Nikon has a huge range - their top end models like the EDG are excellent and among the very best. However like many of the other camera brands making binoculars they also make quite a few cheap instruments which is fine, but they do rely on their name being so well known and so if you look closely often their specifications are not as good as as those of other similar products at the same price, but with a less well known name.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Nikon covers the whole range, from the birding 129USD Prostaff3 to the 2K USD EDG, and from the 170 USD Aculons to the 6K USD WX in astronomy
Another great, helpful video so I'm subscribing. I noticed that in cold weather my cheap Celestron's focuser gets super stiff and hard to turn, which is compounded when wearing gloves! Do higher end models use grease (I'm assuming it's grease) with a greater temperature range? Any other cold weather differences between cheapo and quality binoculars?
Thanks for the sub and feedback, much appreciated. As for your question, yes they will use a light grease - I am not sure the technical specifications. Cold weather can greatly affect a binocular - as the materials contract in cold condition, like body parts, I have heard of instances where the optics become misaligned. In these cases a polycarbonate shell is sometimes preferable to a metal one - Steiner use polycarbonate bodies on I think all their binoculars and this is one of the reasons why which was explained to me on a visit I had to their factory: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/bbr-visits-steiner-2-03/
Hi for general birding it is usually (but not always) a good idea to keep the magnification down - so 8x or even 7x binoculars are a more popular option, not 12x or 16x. Check out my guides on Birdwatching binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/birding/ which has advice and recommendations. Hope this helps
Yes, in some ways I agree, but the overall build quality and how they handle also makes a difference. It is no good putting the best glass into a very cheap chassis as things like the focus mechanism will probably let you down. The packaging is also a good indicator of the quality of the rest of the product. Not definite, sure, but an indication.
There are a lot of rubbish binoculars on the market nowadays. To keep prices down companies often get their products manufactured in the People's Republic of China. Unfortunately this often results in very poor quality binoculars. As a binocular fan on a budget what I do is buy pre-owned Japanese binoculars. Often these binoculars are up to 30 to 40 years old. After a bit of a clean up these binoculars are much more enjoyable to use than inexpensive binoculars currently on the market.
who knows why more affordable binocular brands have lifetime warranty, but lil bit more expensive brands give all only approx 10 years warranty to their binoculars.
Amazing review , I'm starting looking for binoculars,like many other reviews I agree quality comes with price ,now I'm gonna keep watching your videos because now I have to find out which one is the most convenient for my use , bird watching,also surveillance so that combination might be difficult to find in one size or brand ! My budget is about 1000 CAD ,would you recommend save a little bit more for a good pair of binoculars like Vortex Razor I don't know much about prices, thank you and wishing you the best in your channel , you got a new subscriber.
Hi Erick - no doubt you could save more and get a higher-end instrument, but I have to say 1000 CAD is not a bad budget at all and you can get some very good instruments at that price - have you checked out some of my recommendations based on price on BBR? www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
Yes, good question - it definitely can make a big difference to image quality - I am in the process of making some content about that - but for now check out my guide to Anti-Reflection Lens Coatings on Binoculars - which is just one area where cheap binoculars differ from expensive ones and which makes a big difference to the image: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/anti-reflection-lens-coatings-on-binoculars-04/
Hi Ayza - sorry for the very late reply - your comment slipped through the net and I missed it - sorry - Anyway I would most certainly go for the Pro version of the Skymaster over the standard Skymaster also I usually stay clear of variable magnification binoculars (or zoom binoculars as some call them) I explain why here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/zoom-binoculars.php - then for long-distance both the 15x70 and 20x80 are good for that which to pick will depend on a number of factors - I go through them in my guide to Long-Range binoculars here www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/high-powered-long-distance-viewing-binoculars.php - hope this helps and once again sorry for the slow reply
@@Bestbinocularsreviews thanks sir I will love to go through the links of your videos about binaculars for long distance. Much appreciated really. Thanks sir
Thanks, definitely very informative. The pricing between the very high end vs the very low end is apparent. But what about the lower end vs the low end? I'm going on an Alaskan cruise and want to purchase pair of binoculars just for the cruise. The best budget pair (under $50 euros) from some brief research is Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars. In comparison to binoculars in the $100-$150, is the performance that much better? If so which pair of binoculars would you recommend in the $100 range? Thanks.
Hi, thanks for the comment and kind words. If you can, try and stretch your budget to $100. I have a guide to the best cheap binoculars that I have tested on the BBR website: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
I would like to see a comparison between the Vortex viper HD 10x50 ($550.00) vs the nikon aculon 10x50($179.00). The viper is slightly smaller and has a smaller exit pupil and its field of view is only 10 feet wider. I don't understand why people prefer roof prism to porro prism.
Hi Jim - love to help - unfortunately, I don't have either instrument on me, so would be hard to make a video, but you can compare the main stats and features- I go over how I do it here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/which-binoculars-to-choose-08/ As for roof prism vs Porro prism - it is a good question and I do plan to make a video ob the subject. I do have an article I wrote many years ago that touches on the subject: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/cheap-binoculars-roof-or-porro-prism-best-02/ it may be worth checking out, but I should really update it.
Roofs are more compact and lighter, something birders and hunters like, but porros are optically better for the price, often being the equals of roof 2 or 3 times the price. BTW I own the Nikon 10X50 Aculons, a 7X50 Steiner Military and just got a second hand Fujinon FMTRSX 7X50! All porros. In you dont mind the bulk, (I use them for astronomy) or need close focusing capabilities, porros have much better optics for the price range. Now I need a 8X32 roof for bird watching. And a 10X50 Fuji FMTSX.
Someone once said- “Cheap binos will suck the eyeballs out of your head.” Spend a little time with high end glass, then go back to cheap ones, and you’ll know exactly what he was talking about. Fortunately these days there are quite useable binoculars available for well under $500 which I would say is reasonable for anyone who would use them quite a bit.
Thank you. This has been very useful. However I do wish you had covered views through the binoculars and the optics more. I think you really need to consider the use case before you pay for the extra quality, because weather sealing and holding focus are going to matter a lot more out in rugged terrain or on the water than they will in your back yard.
Glad it was helpful and yes, I do plan on making more content and reviews of the binoculars with footage taken through the optics in the future - watch this space!
Thank you for your videos. I bought for Christmas the Bresser condor 10x42. It breaths quality. So glad I found your channel before my purchase! Continue your job
I have a $2500 cannon 18x50 image stab binocular that has all the features of the cheap examples you itemize: plastic ocular covers, non indexing ocular adjuster, carrying case etc. The function and lense quality is noticeably better but the 'extras' are minimalist! Maybe only Leica and Steiner fit you descriptions?
Would you say that binoculars are better for star gazing rather than a telescope? Im very novice and dont want to buy the wrong choice for what im looking for.
Hi Sasha, thanks for the quest. I would not say that no, using Binoculars is very different to using a telescope and you get a different experience. In summer, you get far less detail, but in return you get a more immersive experience using two yes and a wide field of view making them much easier to use than most telescopes. So ideally you would have both. For more info, you can see all my guides to Astronomy binoculars here :www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/astronomy/ Hope this helps and please feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Hey Best Binocular Reviews! I was hoping if you could chime in between the following binos: GPO Passion ED or Hawke Frontier ED X? Does one have superior image quality and low light viewing than the other? What about build quality?
Hi Colton, Thanks for the questions. They are extremely closely matched and it is a bit too much to go into here in the comments section for me to give you a worthy comprehensive answer, but take a look at the full reviews on BBR and compare them side by side which I am sure will help: GPO Passion ED 8x42 Binoculars Review www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/GPO8x42PassionED-235.htm and Hawke Frontier 8x42 ED X Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Hawke-Frontier-8x42-ED-X-Binoculars-Review-232.htm - Pick the areas that are most important to you and see which is strongest in those areas. The good news is both are excellent binoculars, especially at this price level and I am sure neither will be a bad choice for you.
A very informative video since I'm in the market for some new binoculars. But I must say I had a good laugh at the 9:09 mark, because apparently the purpose of a hair net escaped that guy in the background.
thank you for video and advices. So - my decision - looking for cheap ones, as expensive binoculars are heavy, they made by high salary staff and have unnecessary extras.
Recommendation: Please consider a higher quality with your RUclips videos. We all desire the highest quality (clarity) for the binocular price we pay… and many of us would like to see similar with your posts. 👍
Hi, thanks for the question - I do have an article on the best hunting binoculars under $600 in my hunting section: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/hunting/ However, I wrote it some years ago and need to update it with binos I've come across since then. I'll try do that in the next couple of days, but until then take a look at this BinoWizard search I have made for you tinyurl.com/HuntingBinos500 that contains some excellent choices in your price range - all of which I have tested and reviewed.
I always use a cheap set if I am going somewhere random, like a day out with family. Simply because everyone wants a go and they are cheap to replace! My more expensive Nikons I keep for my personal adventures. However. I have not had a cheap set fail on me yet after years of use and the optics are surprisingly clear!
Thanks a lot of info I often wonder why most high end are around 8× or 10 × and not 12 or more ? Ps just watch your other video 8x against 10x all clear now thanks again
If it really is more about quality of materials and less about quality of view, I think I stick to my cheap 8x40 (miranda, only £15) Has served me well over the years and if I ever forget to take it back home after an outing in a faraway bush, well no harm done.
Hi Al - A double blow - As you may have seen in my Night Hero Binoculars Review, www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/night-hero-binoculars-review-04/ they are basically a scam and do not work as advertised. Have you tried contacting them? But as they have no scruples in selling a product that does not work, I doubt their customer service is going to be very good!
Hi, thanks for the question: apart from a few ex-sample models here and there, I don't personally sell any binoculars, but I do list a number of online retailers from all around the world.. including Canada: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/buy-binoculars.php
I wonder what your take is on Swarovski NL pure. I have been using Bushnell Forge 10x42 for a couple of years and I ready for the next step in birding experience. Is worth the money??
Hi RvD - I actually have just received a pair in for testing, which I will begin to do so this week- look ut for posts about it both on here an on the BBR website: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/swarovski-binoculars.php
You talk so much about the physical aspect of both but miss out the most important aspect, which is the view quality. I was hoping you do some video comparison on how it looks like when we put our eyes in for the view. That probably could be the tipping point.
Sure, but are have you compared the view to a higher end binocular with an equivalent configuration, especially in poor light conditions? There is no doubt that the view on more expensive instruments is better, but depending on your needs, financial circumstances or uses, a good lower end binocular could be perfectly sufficient.
I was hoping you would answer the more difficult question of deciding within high quality optics what to buy. It's easy to decide to not by cheap crap, but how about this: Within Vortex alone, you can buy the Viper 12x50 for $750, the Razor HD 12x50 for $1,500 or the Razor UHD (ultra HD) 12x50 for $3,000. If hypothetically I would spend any amount of money, why would I choose to spend $3K when I could spend $750?
Hi, yes if you are only ever going to use the binoculars very infrequently, I would agree spending a lot of money on them would be a waste. Just make sure you get a good set of cheap binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
no, if you want a zoom facility buy the vortex viper hd 15-45x65 spotting scope, trust me you wont regret it, buy it toghether with a bushnell advanced tripod it has a zoom from 15 and goes all the way up to 45x but its spotting scope meaning its mono, not bino but its is a beast.
Hi Stefan, thanks for the question. As I have not see, used or tested the Minolta 8x23 binoculars, I cannot comment too much on them. What I will say is that from a quick look at their specs they look ok..ish for a cheap reverse Porro prism compact binocular, but can't say more than that. I would be much happier recommending binoculars that I have actually tested. Take a look at my section on Compact binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/compact-binoculars/ Also, whilst a little more expensive.. one of the best binoculars I've tested in this category are the Vortex vanquish binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Vortex-Vanquish-10x26-Binoculars-Review-249.htm
@@Bestbinocularsreviews hello, thank you for the answer, here in my country there are not much of that kind of stuff and binoculars, i have a chance to get this one pretty easy so i wanned to ask you for your opinion, thank you for the answer once again, have a good day!
Hi Jason, thanks for the question, I feel both are truly exceptional and actually quite similar in many ways as you can see from the respective reviews on BBR: Maven B2 11x45 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/MavenB211x45BinocularsReview-179.htm and the Vortex UHD's www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Vortex-Razor-UHD-10x42-Binoculars-Review-255.htm - So I feel it is impossible to answer as which is definitively the best as this will largely depend on your personal preferences and how or what you want to use the binos for. In terms of the included extras, I would say that with the inclusion of a really good quality harness, Vortex is the winner - but this is only important if you don't already have one and you want one - But then also they are quite a lot more expensive. The optical performance of both is as good as it gets, so hard to split them here, take a look at their respective fields of view, close focus, and eye-relief to see which best matches your needs. Build quality on both is once again excellent and whilst the Maven has the best focus wheel by far (I think the best on the market), it does not have a lockable diopter like the Vortex UHD - although it is tight and small enough that this should not be an issue...
Hi, thanks for the comment, but hard to say what I think about a brand in a few lines in a comments section- they make many different models, most are among the best in their class for sure - you can check out all my reviews of them here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brand-Swarovski-Binoculars.html
Great review please can you make one with spotting scopes including a cutaway scope , I have a vanguard Endeavour ED 82 20 X to 60 x zoom which has a flatter 2d image throughout the zoom range Vs my 8x celestron nature DX which I rate highly for the £80 to 100 price range . I'm also wondering how much better picture quality I'm getting Vs a cheaper 20 to 60 X equivalent scope as my scope has a lesser sharpness and pop out 3d bright image over the whole zoom range ? Thanks
Aagh that is because you have not dug a little deeper!! 😜 The ones you mention have massive marketing budgets so get in your face. Take a look on BBR: for most reviews I write, I list places where you can buy them in the US. The Maven binoculars I feature in this video are actually made in the USA & Maven is based in Lander, Wyoming: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/maven-binoculars.php and whilst the GPO binoculars are made in Germany, they also have a North American division based in Midlothian, Virginia: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/gpo-binoculars.php and lastly the Vortex Binoculars also featured are from family-owned and run American company located right to the heart of Wisconsin! www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/vortex-binoculars.php - by the way, Bushnells are mostly made in China and Nikon is as we know Japanese :-)
➡️Full Article on BBR: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/expensive-vs-cheap-binoculars-04/
Hi, have you reviewed any of the following models by Luna Optics?
LN-G3-B50 (Binoculars) and LN-G3-M50 (Monocular)? Their specs appear to be top notch but I'm surprised I don't see too many reviews or feedback about them. The few reviews typically indicate they are very good and I would appreciate any input. Thanks
Celestron skymaster Pro 15x70 or celestron skymaster 15-35x70 or celestron skymaster Pro 20x80 for long distance and astronomy? Which one you recommend sir?
Optical quality tests would be of greater value than a discussion of how widely used plastic focusing wheel is
Biggest difference for me is I spent $39 rather than $500 for something I use 3 times a year and the grandkids can use them. Good video
Hi David, yes, I totally agree. One of the main factors to consider is just how often you use the binoculars as this will definitely have a bearing on how much to spend. For example as a guide, binoculars were an important part of my job and I would use them every day and thus having a good set was important. On the other end, if you only bring them out now and again, spending huge amounts would be for many people a waste.
So basically the build quality is all that really matters. I was hoping there’d be a good amount of difference in the performance between the 2.
A very good starting point for you to look at price/quality wise, is the viewing angle of any bino's you choose. The cheaper (probably not so good) bino's have a narrow field of view (FOV) While the more expensive bino's normally have a wider FOV. A bino with less than, say 4.5 degrees of viewing angle, will be more like looking down a tunnel, than ones with a viewing angle of around 6.5 plus.
An FOV of 8 degrees plus (typically 8.1 degrees) is excellent for comfortable viewing for any use I find, but these do tend to be the expensive choices of bino, whatever the make. I have looked through a lot of bino's costing less than £100 and they are not as good as ones costing around twice as much or more, nor should they be.
They all cost a lot less than £200 for a reason after all. Some cheap ones can look as if it is misty all the time, when compared to good quality bino's, so don't expect razor sharp images if the bino's are cheap(ish) Cheaper made bino's will also go out of colimation very easily, when compared to more expensive ones, that are made to a higher quality and better materials.
Don't make the mistake I made years ago and buy cheap ones for less than £50, thinking that they would be good enough for my occasional use. They soon 'bent' out of shape and became annoying to use i.e.a waste of money.
A very good set to try are the Opticron Discovery range. There are several sizes to choose from in the range and all are made to a high standard. They currently cost (2022) from £172 up too £209. No, i don't work for Opticron, I own some of them and find them as good as my Celestron Granite ED bino's, which themselves are very well made and give excellent views (but also cost twice as much as the Opticrons)
Bino's are getting better all the time it seems, so do look at several types and price points before buying some if you can.
Great video. Since my pockets aren't very deep, I've been looking at used binoculars and found Pentax to be very good! One bad thing is that there are so many models and difficult to evaluate since most owners have no concept of what they have. One example is when I went to pick up a pair and found the optics very-very good except for the "red-gold" coating on the occular lenses. Being a bird watcher, you don't want "red-gold" lenses. For the asking price, I couldn't resist. ($5.00 USD)
I found Pentax binos to be a big drop in price for a small drop in quality compared to the big 3. I'm having to retire my pair because both eye cups are now buggered. One has been broken longer than the other and I did get it repaired quite a few years back, but it was never quite right and quickly went back to being stuffed up. But considering I DID buy them in 2007, I guess I've had a pretty good run. It's a pity they're not repairable because the optics are still great. I'm now shopping for a pair of Swarovskis. I've looked through many and they really are the cream of the crop.
I started birding with a pair of Nikon Pro Staff 3s 10x40. I think they were about $125. Decent starter binos, still have them for loaners. One day early on, while out with the club, a member let me use his Leicas for a while. I was blown away at the difference. People can use all sorts of verbal gymnastics to try and describe the difference but you really have to see it for yourself to truly understand. I purposed in my mind then and there that if I were to stick with birding I would one day treat myself to a pair of good quality ED glass binos. Got a pair of Eagle Optics Golden Eagles a couple of years later and have been quite happy ever since.
Hi, many thanks for the feedback and yes I agree. If you use your binoculars often enough then it is worth spending a bit more to get the best view possible. If you only very rarely use your binoculars then it does not always make sense to spend the extra amount.. just make sure you get a good quality reasonable performance low cost pair. 👍😜
When people used to el cheapo bins, use a mid range, they often go woa!, same when I used a Leica the first time, and I were already used to Bauch and Lombs, Nikon and Steiners, woaaa!
what does ed mean
It stands for Extra Low Dispersion Glass (ED Glass) - you can read my full guide to it here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/extra-low-dispersion-glass-ed-glass-09/
4 years on and I found this an invaluable resource in explaining the binocular landscape, helping me decide which way to go. Well done!
Hi Mike, You're very welcome and thanks for the comment, much appreciated 👍
over the years Ive found it better to always buy the best you can afford, pay once, cry once,
I like that (pay once, cry once) - I think it is a good philosophy and unlike electronics, the good thing about binoculars is they will still work and be relevant for many, many years to come: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/are-out-of-date-old-stock-binoculars-still-worth-buying-now-06/
that's too simplistic. best to start with a used/closeout deal mid range pair, one that can be resold with minimal loss,and discover whether they will sit in the case, and then go from there. I started my 8x42 journey with Bushnell Legend Ms at $125.00 new on closeout. I could sell them for more today, but they are so good that's not going to happen. They are almost as good optically as my Nikon Monarch HGs. The ramp in price vs. performance is punishingly geometric. The Bushnell's have a lifetime warranty. The current model is the Forge, and it's 95 percent the same binocular at $450.00.
I agree, but what about when there are 15 different pairs that all cost the same price?
It's buy once, cry once but lens tech and coatings will keep improving very quickly. Prices will come down while function goes up
@@macgyver3434 15 different binoculars that are all the same price? Rigghttt.
I have an old german made set of HQ binoculars called Carl Zeiss Jena TELAREM 18x50 DRP (from pre war Wehrmacht 1936) got it from my grandfather who used to be a german officer (Captain=Hauptmann) during WW2, this wonderfull old piece of equipment still works superb! Mechanics smooth and optics super sharp, this old set puts many new binos to a shame...
Schlipperschlopper absolutely ! I worked in the photographic industry Zeiss and Leica optics which the latter being the best ,but are very expensive ,now the Japanese companies like Panasonic using Leica and Sony using zeiss are excellent binoculars
.Now there are much more compact and a mid range say 10 x 50 you won't go wrong .I have a 10 x 43 Barr & Stroud a British made in Glasgow in 53 they made optic for submarines etc.
I remember seeing some older binoculars in museums in Europe. The build quality must have been amazing.
I got some 10X25 aluminium housing binoculars branded "Australian Geographic" for about $15 maybe 20 years ago, and they've served me very well travelling, sailing and hiking.
They fit in a small pack with a belt sling.
The best binoculars are the ones you'll take with you.
Three binoculars worth a look at are the Celestron 'Granite' ED 8x42 and the Opticron Discovery WP PC 8x50 and 10x50 sizes. I have all three and find the Opticrons, although cheaper than the Celestron Granite, are just as good as it in the tests I carried out.
If there is a difference, then I couldn't "see" it in all honesty. I think this is down to the Opticrons "upping their game" rather than Celestron falling down on the job. The price of the Opticrons in 2020 was about £200, while the Celestron Granite was around £350 when I purchased it several years before.
If you can try out the Opticrons first, then please do so, I don't think you will be dissappointed. They are all light enough to hold steady, but do feel heavy when compared to cheaper bino's of lesser quality. I initially bought the three of them for bird watching, at which they are fantastic and focus down to around 5 feet, but for general night viewing they are all wide angle which makes them a delight for the night sky.
None of them are classed as cheap I know, but you do get what you pay for in these cases. I certainly do not regret getting them at all, so give them a look if you can, you might find they are just what you have been looking for in a set of bino's. If you find what you think are better quality bino's than these models, please let us all know about it, as we all want to get the best kit we can afford or upgrade what we already have don't we.
The first pair of binoculars I got were a pair of Eyesky 10x42. I thought they were pretty good because I didn't know any different. They fell apart after repeated use. The diopter and the focus wheel got stuck and then they went out of collimation. And finally, the warranty was useless as it cost more to send them back to China than they were worth. Lessons have been learned.
How long did it last?
But you didn't waste a lot of $ and you got a relatively better ratio of use/$ than the WAYYY over priced rubber cupped, labeled adjuster, leather carrying case, fancy shipping box Leicas right? AND...did not enjoy the use they provided?
THE most overused untrue statement thrown around is "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR".
Eg, 2500 Cannon ISB and about 1/3rd of the items i've bought....expensive but shameful quality. The more apropos statement is "pay more feel better" . The seller promulgates the high cost choice memes.
I use a pair of Hensoldt Fero D16's my grandfather had, they're old, but they're incredible to look through. No wonder the German military used them
The great thing about binoculars is that unlike electronic devices, if you get a good set today and look after them, they will still be relevant for many years to come. Likewise if you got a good set 50 years ago, whilst lacking a in a few areas, they are still usually better than buying a modern poor quality cheap pair.
Hey this was really helpful, I’m just starting on birdwatching, and I was thrilled because some of the cheapest present good resolution Power vs Objective... But you made realize a better way to buy based on quality. Not many products have such a well explained review. Thanks!!!
Hi Adrian, glad to have helped and many thanks for the feedback and the kind words - it is much appreciated.
As someone who is just getting into binoculars, this is gold man. Really really good stuff. You got a new subscriber here, no need to doubt that. Looking forward to what you have got in store next. Thank you :-)
Hi Marius, thank you for the feedback, kind words and the subscription. And yes, I have a number of projects in the pipeline... I just also have some house renovations as well as very bad weather going on at the moment... which is frustrating... but hopefully next week things can return to normal.
I recently went to see about buying some binoculars because I’m visiting the national parks. I totally expected to see prices range from $20-$100 or so. I had no clue about the world of binoculars! I saw pairs for $1,000 ,$1,500, $2,500, and even as high as $4,000. I never KNEW they could be that pricey. Naturally, I came to RUclips to learn why. Thanks for your informative video. I loved the segment where you went to the factory and showed all the effort that goes into them.
if you have used good optics, then you look through cheap ones it is obvious why they are cheap. Whilst if youve only ever had cheap optics, they work fine.
Its like saying if you are uneducated you won't know the benifit of education and it is okay staying tht way
Well said, I know it from my experience.
This is an exceptionally good video. Thank you
Hi Francis, you're very welcome & glad you liked it - also many thanks for the kind words & feedback, it is much appreciated 😜👍
Hands Down--Vortex are best binoculars! Under $1000 don't have all the bells and whistles but clarity is exceptional! They are reasonably priced, great warranty and excellent customer support. My sister has less expensive Vortex, I have Viper HD. My one regret is I didn't check for tripod connection--which would help for star gazing.
Hi Jennie, yes for sure Vortex are well known for their great performance to price ratio and this is indeed what I like about them. I'm a little confused as I am pretty sure that the Viper HD is tripod adaptable? You sust need to unscrew the dust cap on the front of the hinge like this: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-tripod-adapters.php
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Unfortunately, no or I can't find it. I'll check with Vortex--thanks for the possibility
Really amazing microphone. So crisp and clear, keep it up. But lol that man at 9:08 doesn't know how to wear his head cover, its meant to cover his hair as well. :)
Thanks and haha, yeah you are right! Don't think they were expecting a stranger to be wandering around their factory with a camera ... #realfootage 😜
An excellent video, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Undoubtedly the best video around on the subject. Describes perfectly what differentiates binoculars at opposite points on the price spectrum. Very helpful for anyone considering buying a pair.
Hi Anthony, many thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind words, it is very much appreciated 👍 😊
I loved my vortex diamondback binoculars so I bought the razer uhds and for more than twice the price there is next to no difference, people say edge to edge but next to never do you look at a flat plain where the edges will be in focus and the middle unless your looking at a cliff.
First time viewer. Loved the video dude!! Thanks for the info. Stay safe and stay healthy!! James
Hi James, Many thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind words - it is much appreciated and stay safe as well.
Hi, good starting point: it boils down to "You get wht you pay for". However, you did not get to the bottom of things. A few years ago, on a sightseeing trip I had the chance to try a few cheap binoculars. And the take awawy was: They magnify alright, but they do not show more details than properly fitted and clean spectacles (if you do not have perfect eyesight). My experience is, be careful with anything under top-notch binos. What else comes only with the best: a large and bright and crisp field of view. And, good binos last a lifetime.
Lots of great buying tips. The tour of Steiner is also very cool in this video. Thank you.
Hi Sean, Glad you enjoyed it and many thanks for the feedback and kind words.
I wish this existed for every product, not just which model is better which brand is better
but what are the essential comparison points of quality
One of the best explanations I’ve found. Thank you !!
You're very welcome!
Another great video and advice, I have had some larger binoculars for astronomy for a while but these require a tripod and I have been looking at getting my first pair of hand held binoculars for birds, butterflies and general wildlife for around £200. I decided to order the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 today and the advice from your videos was a massive help and I have subscribed to your channel :-)
Hi, thanks very much for the feedback and for subscribing to my channel, it is honestly very much appreciated. For me it is always heartening to hear that I have helped and motivates me to continue. Please also feel free to contact me if you need any further help or advice. 👍
Can you see nebulas if focus hard through your eyes while using those?
@@vyshus7629Depends on nebula, for example the orion nebula can be seen even with lower aperture binoculars than 8x42 because it can already be seen with even naked eyes.
This was really helpful :D
I have owned a superb Zeiss Victory pocket binocular for 10 years. It is very expensive. This means that I have to leave it at home if I have to face theft or damage from bad weather or from a fall if I am backpacking around the Balkans. Accordingly I bought a Nikon Trailblazer in NYC last week. Price: $79. I am concerned with optical quality rather than build quality.
Optically, I cannot tell the difference between the two.
P.S. The top quality Zeiss, made in Hungary, comes in a cheap plastic case with no padding.
40+ year birder here.
Basically, for great QPR in optics the sweet spot is around $500-$1000. You can get great bins for $250 that are more than enough for casual use though.
Above $1000 you get into the territory of luxury pieces that are fun to look through or necessary professional equipment depending on who you are and what you're doing.
At the very high end, I have tested the $3000+ optics extensively and even those incredibly well-made bins don't last forever under difficult conditions (marine or tropical rainforest) and everyday professional use. Fortunately the best manufacturers offer lifetime warranties for their high-end products.
I am subscribed to your channel and watch all your videos. His explanation is technical and, at the same time, accessible, clarifying practically all doubts. However, it would be useful to make a comparison
Thank you for your expertise, I’ve been learning quite a lot. Take care.
Thanks for the kind words and glad to have helped, and you too take care. All the best. J
Great video! Thanks for the great bino training...
🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼
Hi, you are most welcome and thanks for the kind words, they are much appreciated 👍😜👍
The sharpness of the lens is the difference. More details and brilliant colors.
I just can't bring myself to spend more money on my binoculars than I spent on my compound bow when I'm only using them to look down range to check the target. The most I'm going to spend is around $150. Do you have any suggestions around that price range? This video was extremely helpful. I now realize why some binoculars cost upwards of $1,000 or more. Thank you for the detailed (but not over detailed) information. 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Rob, thanks for the question and yes, you can actually find a few really good instruments at around the $150 mark, but there are also many more bad ones, so you just need to be careful. I have a page on the Best Budget Binoculars under $200 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/best-budget-binoculars.php - There are a number on there that come within your budget of $150 - I hope this helps.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews thank you. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. 🙏🙏🤘🤘
I would add a quick user perspective on more expensive piece:
- more durable
- more comfort/less annoyances/ease of use
- less variance and higher optical quality
The last point is actually huge and slightly more difficult to explain. It is the difference that make the really cheap binos almost useless. With some cheap binos, you see the things bigger, but you don't see almost any additional detail compared to plain eyesight. Carrying them gives almost no benefit in spotting stuff of identification of stuff.
Hi - excellent points, all of which I agree with, thanks.
Any recommendations for a mid range set for watching rocket launches from 90 to 100 miles away..been looking at celestion and barska but have seen mixed reviews..thank you
Hi Scott - It depends on which Celestron you are talking about - I have found that the new Celestron SkyMaster Pro series is a BIG step up in quality and performance from the standard SkyMaster series binoculars - for example take a look at my review on the Celestron SkyMaster Pro 15x70 Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Celestron-SkyMaster-Pro-15x70-Binoculars-Review-259.htm
good advised. thank you for the ideas, the do's and dont's.
What are the difference between bird watching binoculars and astronomy binoculars!! Can you also use bird watching binoculars for astronomy!! If you can, make a video on that!! Also are 16x32 binoculars good for astronomy!!
Technically there is not difference and yes, you can use binoculars for both uses. For example a 7x50 binocular makes and excellent birding binocular and a good wide field Astro binocular. Whilst something like a 15x70 makes an excellent Astronomy binocular and when mounted on a tripod can be good for viewing birds out in the open in the fa distance - Like on a field or at the coast for example. No, I would say a 16x32 binocular would not be good for astronomy as it only has small 32mm lenses and a tiny 2mm exit pupil. For more and why, check out my complete guide to the exit pupil www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/exit-pupil-06/ and How Different Configurations Affect a Binocular www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/how-different-configurations-affect-a-binocular-04/
You can use a 8X42 roof for astronomy, and a 10X50 porro for bidwatching but often in their higher ends they become more different.
Birdwatchers like fast central focus and close focus capabilites, also light weight because they walk a lot! they like 8x32, 8X42 or 10X42.
Astronomers, like light transmision, light gathering, tan that often means a big and heavy porro, and hate to refocus binoculars, many top end had individual eye focus, they need to operate in low light so they go for 50mm, 56mm, 63mm, 70mm, 80 or eve 100mm objetives. 10X50s, 15X70s, 20X80s or 25X100mm are very common, and often they are porros. In fact there is a huge overlap between military, marine and astronomy bins, due to the need to see large objects over large distances in low light. The Fujinon FMTSX family or the Nikon SP or the Chinese KUO BAE8 who rule astronomy now, all come from a Marine Military background. As were the Soviet Tentos or the Zeiss Jena/ Docter Nobilems 8x50s. Or the Steiner Nighthunter XP.
I’m curious about the usability of monocular spotting scopes to look at the night sky…..have you tried any?
Hi Masakyro - yes I have definitely used them and in terms of astronomy, they do have a number of advantages and I would say they sit right in between the binoculars and telescopes. They are more portable and easy to carry about than a large telescope, yet less so than a binocular. However, they do have a higher magnification than binoculars for more detail and spotting scopes with angled eyepieces make it easier to look into the sky. The are more versatile than a telescope as you can also effectively use them for land based objects and a spotting scope with a variable magnification makes it easier to first locate the point in sky you are interested in and then zoom into it. However magnifications are not as high as most telescopes and thus you wont get as much detail, but more so than a binocular. Hope this helps?
@@Bestbinocularsreviews A bit late but thanks for the explanation. ✨👌🏼💯
Quality optics is without question the reason why there is such a vast difference in cost. Thanks for the upload.
You are welcome, glad you liked it. 👍
Hi, thanx for the video those nikon is also good brand in binoculars and it is handmade also
Nikon has a huge range - their top end models like the EDG are excellent and among the very best. However like many of the other camera brands making binoculars they also make quite a few cheap instruments which is fine, but they do rely on their name being so well known and so if you look closely often their specifications are not as good as as those of other similar products at the same price, but with a less well known name.
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Nikon covers the whole range, from the birding 129USD Prostaff3 to the 2K USD EDG, and from the 170 USD Aculons to the 6K USD WX in astronomy
Nice video. Thanks for the explanations. Good to hear Saffer
Hi Angie, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated and glad to be of help . I'm actually from Zim, but have lived and worked in SA :-)
Another great, helpful video so I'm subscribing.
I noticed that in cold weather my cheap Celestron's focuser gets super stiff and hard to turn, which is compounded when wearing gloves! Do higher end models use grease (I'm assuming it's grease) with a greater temperature range? Any other cold weather differences between cheapo and quality binoculars?
Thanks for the sub and feedback, much appreciated. As for your question, yes they will use a light grease - I am not sure the technical specifications. Cold weather can greatly affect a binocular - as the materials contract in cold condition, like body parts, I have heard of instances where the optics become misaligned. In these cases a polycarbonate shell is sometimes preferable to a metal one - Steiner use polycarbonate bodies on I think all their binoculars and this is one of the reasons why which was explained to me on a visit I had to their factory: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/bbr-visits-steiner-2-03/
Could you please enlighten us which is better for nature & bird watching : Tasco Essentials 16x50 or UsoGood 12x50 comes with mini TriPod ?
Hi for general birding it is usually (but not always) a good idea to keep the magnification down - so 8x or even 7x binoculars are a more popular option, not 12x or 16x. Check out my guides on Birdwatching binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/birding/ which has advice and recommendations. Hope this helps
i have a çheap' steiner in use for a few years now fixed for 8x30. very happy with it. I think I will buy a gpo 8x42 for companion
Will be a good combination, us the larger one for the best views and in more trying light conditions and the 30mm Steiner for convenience.
Great review, thanks 😊
You are welcome and many thanks for the feedback - much appreciated
I thought it's all about how many lights will get through the glass. Not a package.
Yes, in some ways I agree, but the overall build quality and how they handle also makes a difference. It is no good putting the best glass into a very cheap chassis as things like the focus mechanism will probably let you down. The packaging is also a good indicator of the quality of the rest of the product. Not definite, sure, but an indication.
There are a lot of rubbish binoculars on the market nowadays. To keep prices down companies often get their products manufactured in the People's Republic of China. Unfortunately this often results in very poor quality binoculars.
As a binocular fan on a budget what I do is buy pre-owned Japanese binoculars. Often these binoculars are up to 30 to 40 years old. After a bit of a clean up these binoculars are much more enjoyable to use than inexpensive binoculars currently on the market.
Good idea, I got a battered up but usable Fujis FMTRSX that way. And also have a eye on some Minolta MKs.
Thank you! I've learnt a lot watching your videos 😊
Hi Carlos, many thanks for the feedback and kind words, very much appreciated.
who knows why more affordable binocular brands have lifetime warranty, but lil bit more expensive brands give all only approx 10 years warranty to their binoculars.
Amazing review , I'm starting looking for binoculars,like many other reviews I agree quality comes with price ,now I'm gonna keep watching your videos because now I have to find out which one is the most convenient for my use , bird watching,also surveillance so that combination might be difficult to find in one size or brand ! My budget is about 1000 CAD ,would you recommend save a little bit more for a good pair of binoculars like Vortex Razor I don't know much about prices, thank you and wishing you the best in your channel , you got a new subscriber.
Hi Erick - no doubt you could save more and get a higher-end instrument, but I have to say 1000 CAD is not a bad budget at all and you can get some very good instruments at that price - have you checked out some of my recommendations based on price on BBR? www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thanks Jason ,really appreciate your help checking out your recommendations.
I wish I could get any of those binoculars. Even the cheap one expensive here in my country.
same here lol,
When you look through them, what is the difference between cheap and expensive? Is build quality the only difference or how does it affect the image
Yes, good question - it definitely can make a big difference to image quality - I am in the process of making some content about that - but for now check out my guide to Anti-Reflection Lens Coatings on Binoculars - which is just one area where cheap binoculars differ from expensive ones and which makes a big difference to the image: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/anti-reflection-lens-coatings-on-binoculars-04/
Celestron skymaster Pro 15x70 or celestron skymaster 15-35x70 or celestron skymaster Pro 20x80 which one is the best for astronomy and long distance?
Hi Ayza - sorry for the very late reply - your comment slipped through the net and I missed it - sorry - Anyway I would most certainly go for the Pro version of the Skymaster over the standard Skymaster also I usually stay clear of variable magnification binoculars (or zoom binoculars as some call them) I explain why here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/zoom-binoculars.php - then for long-distance both the 15x70 and 20x80 are good for that which to pick will depend on a number of factors - I go through them in my guide to Long-Range binoculars here www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/high-powered-long-distance-viewing-binoculars.php - hope this helps and once again sorry for the slow reply
@@Bestbinocularsreviews thanks sir I will love to go through the links of your videos about binaculars for long distance. Much appreciated really. Thanks sir
Thanks, definitely very informative. The pricing between the very high end vs the very low end is apparent. But what about the lower end vs the low end? I'm going on an Alaskan cruise and want to purchase pair of binoculars just for the cruise. The best budget pair (under $50 euros) from some brief research is Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars. In comparison to binoculars in the $100-$150, is the performance that much better? If so which pair of binoculars would you recommend in the $100 range? Thanks.
Hi, thanks for the comment and kind words. If you can, try and stretch your budget to $100. I have a guide to the best cheap binoculars that I have tested on the BBR website: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
This was very helpful. Thank you and God bless.
Hi Laura, Glad it was helpful and many thanks for the kind words - very much appreciated
I would like to see a comparison between the Vortex viper HD 10x50 ($550.00) vs the nikon aculon 10x50($179.00). The viper is slightly smaller and has a smaller exit pupil and its field of view is only 10 feet wider. I don't understand why people prefer roof prism to porro prism.
Hi Jim - love to help - unfortunately, I don't have either instrument on me, so would be hard to make a video, but you can compare the main stats and features- I go over how I do it here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/which-binoculars-to-choose-08/ As for roof prism vs Porro prism - it is a good question and I do plan to make a video ob the subject. I do have an article I wrote many years ago that touches on the subject: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/cheap-binoculars-roof-or-porro-prism-best-02/ it may be worth checking out, but I should really update it.
Roofs are more compact and lighter, something birders and hunters like, but porros are optically better for the price, often being the equals of roof 2 or 3 times the price. BTW I own the Nikon 10X50 Aculons, a 7X50 Steiner Military and just got a second hand Fujinon FMTRSX 7X50! All porros. In you dont mind the bulk, (I use them for astronomy) or need close focusing capabilities, porros have much better optics for the price range. Now I need a 8X32 roof for bird watching. And a 10X50 Fuji FMTSX.
Someone once said- “Cheap binos will suck the eyeballs out of your head.”
Spend a little time with high end glass, then go back to cheap ones, and you’ll know exactly what he was talking about. Fortunately these days there are quite useable binoculars available for well under $500 which I would say is reasonable for anyone who would use them quite a bit.
Thank you. This has been very useful. However I do wish you had covered views through the binoculars and the optics more. I think you really need to consider the use case before you pay for the extra quality, because weather sealing and holding focus are going to matter a lot more out in rugged terrain or on the water than they will in your back yard.
Glad it was helpful and yes, I do plan on making more content and reviews of the binoculars with footage taken through the optics in the future - watch this space!
Great video, you make excellent content
Thanks very much and likewise..I enjoy watching your videos 👍
I do find lighter bins easier to use. In my opinion all higher end bins above 700 grams should come with a harness
Thank you for your videos. I bought for Christmas the Bresser condor 10x42. It breaths quality. So glad I found your channel before my purchase! Continue your job
Hi João - Sorry for the late response, but glad I could help and hope you had a good Christmas / New Year.
Hi,Bresser condor 10×42 monocular ?
I have a $2500 cannon 18x50 image stab binocular that has all the features of the cheap examples you itemize: plastic ocular covers, non indexing ocular adjuster, carrying case etc. The function and lense quality is noticeably better but the 'extras' are minimalist! Maybe only Leica and Steiner fit you descriptions?
I love the guy rocking the hairnet (at 9:08) ...full beard and all....."Rules man.....rules......."
Haha yes!
love your video..... god bless you..... lots of love from India
Thank you so much!
Would you say that binoculars are better for star gazing rather than a telescope? Im very novice and dont want to buy the wrong choice for what im looking for.
Hi Sasha, thanks for the quest. I would not say that no, using Binoculars is very different to using a telescope and you get a different experience. In summer, you get far less detail, but in return you get a more immersive experience using two yes and a wide field of view making them much easier to use than most telescopes. So ideally you would have both. For more info, you can see all my guides to Astronomy binoculars here :www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/astronomy/ Hope this helps and please feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Hey Best Binocular Reviews! I was hoping if you could chime in between the following binos: GPO Passion ED or Hawke Frontier ED X? Does one have superior image quality and low light viewing than the other? What about build quality?
Hi Colton, Thanks for the questions. They are extremely closely matched and it is a bit too much to go into here in the comments section for me to give you a worthy comprehensive answer, but take a look at the full reviews on BBR and compare them side by side which I am sure will help: GPO Passion ED 8x42 Binoculars Review www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/GPO8x42PassionED-235.htm and Hawke Frontier 8x42 ED X Binoculars www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Hawke-Frontier-8x42-ED-X-Binoculars-Review-232.htm - Pick the areas that are most important to you and see which is strongest in those areas. The good news is both are excellent binoculars, especially at this price level and I am sure neither will be a bad choice for you.
I wish someone would start a Utube about proper technique with binoculars, ie, the use of binos like the Army's training for Forward observers?
Very helpful to me and appreciate your video.
Excellent, glad to have helped and many thanks for the feedback - it is much appreciated
What about sight quality? How does it lywhen you’re using them?
I love the guy at 9:08 in the upper right. That hair net is screaming for reinforcement troops
A very informative video since I'm in the market for some new binoculars. But I must say I had a good laugh at the 9:09 mark, because apparently the purpose of a hair net escaped that guy in the background.
Thank you
Very informative
Jm
Glad it was helpful and thanks for the comment
First surprise: there is a RUclips channel dedicated to reviewing binoculars. Second surprise over 12,000 people subscribe to it
Hi, yes - when I first stared I had not idea either, but there you go :-)
It was so helpful....keep it up :)
thank you for video and advices. So - my decision - looking for cheap ones, as expensive binoculars are heavy, they made by high salary staff and have unnecessary extras.
Recommendation: Please consider a higher quality with your RUclips videos. We all desire the highest quality (clarity) for the binocular price we pay… and many of us would like to see similar with your posts. 👍
What would you recommend for hunting around the $500 price?
Hi, thanks for the question - I do have an article on the best hunting binoculars under $600 in my hunting section: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/hunting/ However, I wrote it some years ago and need to update it with binos I've come across since then. I'll try do that in the next couple of days, but until then take a look at this BinoWizard search I have made for you tinyurl.com/HuntingBinos500 that contains some excellent choices in your price range - all of which I have tested and reviewed.
I always use a cheap set if I am going somewhere random, like a day out with family. Simply because everyone wants a go and they are cheap to replace! My more expensive Nikons I keep for my personal adventures. However. I have not had a cheap set fail on me yet after years of use and the optics are surprisingly clear!
Thanks a lot of info I often wonder why most high end are around 8× or 10 × and not 12 or more ? Ps just watch your other video 8x against 10x all clear now thanks again
Hi thanks for the question which you found the answer to yourself :-) Have a good day
If it really is more about quality of materials and less about quality of view, I think I stick to my cheap 8x40 (miranda, only £15) Has served me well over the years and if I ever forget to take it back home after an outing in a faraway bush, well no harm done.
I made a mistake in ordering the night vision atomicbeam glasses which I paid for on March 25 but have not received yet.
Hi Al - A double blow - As you may have seen in my Night Hero Binoculars Review, www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/night-hero-binoculars-review-04/ they are basically a scam and do not work as advertised. Have you tried contacting them? But as they have no scruples in selling a product that does not work, I doubt their customer service is going to be very good!
Jason,
Thank you for your time. Where is your outlet in Ontario?
Hi, thanks for the question: apart from a few ex-sample models here and there, I don't personally sell any binoculars, but I do list a number of online retailers from all around the world.. including Canada: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/buy-binoculars.php
I wonder what your take is on Swarovski NL pure. I have been using Bushnell Forge 10x42 for a couple of years and I ready for the next step in birding experience.
Is worth the money??
Hi RvD - I actually have just received a pair in for testing, which I will begin to do so this week- look ut for posts about it both on here an on the BBR website: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/swarovski-binoculars.php
You talk so much about the physical aspect of both but miss out the most important aspect, which is the view quality. I was hoping you do some video comparison on how it looks like when we put our eyes in for the view. That probably could be the tipping point.
I was just thinking the same, I bought a cheap one on Amazon and the view is very good.
Sure, but are have you compared the view to a higher end binocular with an equivalent configuration, especially in poor light conditions? There is no doubt that the view on more expensive instruments is better, but depending on your needs, financial circumstances or uses, a good lower end binocular could be perfectly sufficient.
I was hoping you would answer the more difficult question of deciding within high quality optics what to buy. It's easy to decide to not by cheap crap, but how about this: Within Vortex alone, you can buy the Viper 12x50 for $750, the Razor HD 12x50 for $1,500 or the Razor UHD (ultra HD) 12x50 for $3,000. If hypothetically I would spend any amount of money, why would I choose to spend $3K when I could spend $750?
Technical and well done.
Thanks!
What about svbony sv40 10X42 binocular? Is it good for birds watching.
I got steiner commander 7x50 second hand for 80 dollars. Brilliant optic
Yes, for the right uses, I too like the 7x50 Steiner's - thanks for the feedback.
So if I just need it for a concert thencheap is ok
Hi, yes if you are only ever going to use the binoculars very infrequently, I would agree spending a lot of money on them would be a waste. Just make sure you get a good set of cheap binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/by-price/
Is there a good quality pair of binoculars that have a zoom facility?
no, if you want a zoom facility buy the vortex viper hd 15-45x65 spotting scope, trust me you wont regret it, buy it toghether with a bushnell advanced tripod it has a zoom from 15 and goes all the way up to 45x but its spotting scope meaning its mono, not bino but its is a beast.
Some ultra expensive astronomy bins who are tripod mounted.
Great video!
Thanks! :-)
What are your thoughts of Minolta 8x23 compact binocular? Im a newbie and i really like that one to start with.
Hi Stefan, thanks for the question. As I have not see, used or tested the Minolta 8x23 binoculars, I cannot comment too much on them. What I will say is that from a quick look at their specs they look ok..ish for a cheap reverse Porro prism compact binocular, but can't say more than that. I would be much happier recommending binoculars that I have actually tested. Take a look at my section on Compact binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/compact-binoculars/ Also, whilst a little more expensive.. one of the best binoculars I've tested in this category are the Vortex vanquish binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Vortex-Vanquish-10x26-Binoculars-Review-249.htm
@@Bestbinocularsreviews hello, thank you for the answer, here in my country there are not much of that kind of stuff and binoculars, i have a chance to get this one pretty easy so i wanned to ask you for your opinion, thank you for the answer once again, have a good day!
Maven B2 11x45 or Vortex UHD 10x50 or 12x50. Which do you feel is the better optic, Maven or Vortex?
Hi Jason, thanks for the question, I feel both are truly exceptional and actually quite similar in many ways as you can see from the respective reviews on BBR: Maven B2 11x45 www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/MavenB211x45BinocularsReview-179.htm and the Vortex UHD's www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Vortex-Razor-UHD-10x42-Binoculars-Review-255.htm - So I feel it is impossible to answer as which is definitively the best as this will largely depend on your personal preferences and how or what you want to use the binos for. In terms of the included extras, I would say that with the inclusion of a really good quality harness, Vortex is the winner - but this is only important if you don't already have one and you want one - But then also they are quite a lot more expensive. The optical performance of both is as good as it gets, so hard to split them here, take a look at their respective fields of view, close focus, and eye-relief to see which best matches your needs. Build quality on both is once again excellent and whilst the Maven has the best focus wheel by far (I think the best on the market), it does not have a lockable diopter like the Vortex UHD - although it is tight and small enough that this should not be an issue...
What do you think about Swarovski?
Hi, thanks for the comment, but hard to say what I think about a brand in a few lines in a comments section- they make many different models, most are among the best in their class for sure - you can check out all my reviews of them here: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-brand-Swarovski-Binoculars.html
Yes, but how does what I see through them compare?
Great review please can you make one with spotting scopes including a cutaway scope , I have a vanguard Endeavour ED 82 20 X to 60 x zoom which has a flatter 2d image throughout the zoom range Vs my 8x celestron nature DX which I rate highly for the £80 to 100 price range . I'm also wondering how much better picture quality I'm getting Vs a cheaper 20 to 60 X equivalent scope as my scope has a lesser sharpness and pop out 3d bright image over the whole zoom range ?
Thanks
I have never heard of any of these companies here in the U.S. I'm familiar with bushnell nikon polaris etc.
Aagh that is because you have not dug a little deeper!! 😜 The ones you mention have massive marketing budgets so get in your face. Take a look on BBR: for most reviews I write, I list places where you can buy them in the US. The Maven binoculars I feature in this video are actually made in the USA & Maven is based in Lander, Wyoming: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/maven-binoculars.php and whilst the GPO binoculars are made in Germany, they also have a North American division based in Midlothian, Virginia: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/gpo-binoculars.php and lastly the Vortex Binoculars also featured are from family-owned and run American company located right to the heart of Wisconsin! www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/vortex-binoculars.php - by the way, Bushnells are mostly made in China and Nikon is as we know Japanese :-)