MDL412 From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 53 posts, RR: 0 Posted (8 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 4163 times:
Hello everybody. I'm hoping to upgrade my Minolta 8x25 binoculars to something a little more robust for watching planes. Basically, I was considering zoom units under $120 or so. What kind of optics do you personally use when spotting? I'm thinking I need binoculars that have a good zoom, aren't TOO huge (to keep a lower profile so the airport cops don't bother me about them), and have accurate color representation (no tinting). The size of the lenses doesn't matter too much, since whenever I spot, there's plenty of outdoor sunlight that can saturate into the lenses anyway.
Thanks for any suggestions. I know that with zoom over 7x or so, a stand will need to be used to prevent jittering. Therefore, the set ought to have a tripod-mount.
GPHOTO From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2004, 817 posts, RR: 27 Reply 1, posted (8 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 4096 times:
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Just to add to the question from MDL412, it is possible to get binoculars with image stabilisation. Does anyone have these? Do they work? How do they work? and are they worth the price?
Timz From United States of America, joined Sep 1999, 6465 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (8 years 9 months 1 week 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 4060 times:
I'd say most people can handhold 10x binoculars okay; I've never used them, but I'm guessing image-stabilized 10x binoculars aren't worth it. But 18x and 20x may well be.
Do you wear glasses? If so, you may not want zoom binoculars. Indeed, any high-power binocular will likely be a pain with glasses.
If at all possible you should try binoculars before buying. But if it's not possible, and 10x is enough magnification, I recommend the 10 x 50 Orion Ultraviews-- especially if you wear glasses. Optically they're much better than you'd expect for $170.
PHLapproach From Philippines, joined Mar 2004, 1180 posts, RR: 22 Reply 4, posted (8 years 9 months 1 week 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 4018 times:
GPHOTO- There most certaintly is image stabilization binocs. I used them on a friends boat way back when. I really liked em'. Sorry dont remember the company.
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From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 53 posts, 
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and are they worth the price?
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From Philippines, joined Mar 2004, 1180 posts, 
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