BINOCULARS

[MICKEY]

I'm in the market for a reasonably priced pair of binoculars.I was told to get a 10x50 power for the best overall performance. I was looking at a pair by Swift Instrument Co. of Boston. I will be using them on the Merrimack River and open ocean.Any suggestions?

[jdeno]

Mickey

I would suggest you use the internet to do some research as well as compare prices. I did this last year using my favorite search engine - av.com. Hint - marine+binoculars should narrow down your search. I remember finding a couple of reviews on marine binoculars which explained why 10x50 are the most appropriate. Prices are all over the place. I opted for a pair of Nikons, which is on the low end of the high end of MBs, without the compass. I remeber saving about $50 by finding the best price. I then called BoatUS since I am a member and gave them a chance at matching the price which they did. They are nice to have on the boat but some days they never make it out of the case. Good luck... John

[jdeno]

The glasses I have are 7x50. I think you will find that to be fairly common for marine binoculars.

[jagarland]

I agree. Everthing I have read says the best marine setup for binoculars is 7 X 50. These are appropriate because of the motion of a boat would make a 10 X 50 too hard to focus or something. At least that is the way I understood the various articles I have read. I have Tasco Offshore's and they are just fine albeit a little heavy. However, they are not much heavier (in some cases less heavy) than other more and less costly brands. As I remember they were in the $300+/- range. I bought them at Boaters' World where they are advertised for more. I pointed out Cabela's had them for less and they met the price.

Jack

End

[Bab]

Get 7x50s. 10x are very difficult to use while on a rocking boat. Be sure to get good quality glasses. Cheap ones with inferior optical quality will give you a headache. Feels like your eyes are being screwed out of your head. Try before you buy.

[ssully]

Go with German optics. Zeiss, Steiner etc.. Very pricey but they're the best. They will last forever. Cabelas carries them.

[mumichog]

Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Me (1-888-KTP-MAINE) has dozen of models to look at including the top flight German/Austrian brands (Besides having a HUGE fishing dept). Nikon offers a lot for the money - super sharp and clear optics with a very fair prices. I love mine.