I live on a beach and with all the fuzzy animals about I feel I am not getting the most out of my nature experience. I'm also brand new to bird watching so I'm a bit cautious about a hefty investment. Thus I want binoculars, but deciding upon an adequate pair is so bloody complicated given the insane selection. So I ask for opinions here.

I at least am pretty sure I want 8x42 power for the wider field of view and less shakiness. Durability, size, and weight are all important but I'm a stickler for value most of all.

I wear glasses so eye relief is important. There not a huge selection in town so I won't be able to physically handle most of these before buying.

My max budget is 450 Canadian, but I don't really want to spend that much so my main picks so far are:

Pentax DCF CS 8x42 ($200ish) - Can't find many reviews but the specs are really good
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... cular.html

Monarch ATB 8x42 ($265ish) - Super highly praised, widely reviewed, a reliable choice
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... cular.html

Bushnell Natureview 8x42 ($120ish) - Praised for cheapness, but probably too cheap
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... cular.html

----------
for the more expensive that I'm not sure are worth it:

Vanguard Spirit ED ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... cular.html

Minox BV 8x42 ($320ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... cular.html

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... ra_HD.html

Vanguard Endeavor ED ($450ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... _5x45.html

Thoughts?

Hello,

I received the Minox binocs (8x42) a couple of years ago as a present and they've been great. The price point seems to be good value for money. The key for me was to go and actually look through a few at the store. I tested both cheaper and more expensive ones and noticed some of the cheaper ones had a yellowish picture. I wouldn't spend anymore than that to start off...

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Julian Phillips
Amateur Birder
Vancouver

Odd, I see no way to edit my OP - Here's the post again with fixed links

I live on a beach and with all the fuzzy animals about I feel I am not getting the most out of my nature experience. I'm also brand new to bird watching so I'm a bit cautious about a hefty investment. Thus I want binoculars, but deciding upon an adequate pair is so bloody complicated given the insane selection. So I ask for opinions here.

I at least am pretty sure I want 8x42 power for the wider field of view and less shakiness. Durability, size, and weight are all important but I'm a stickler for value most of all.

I wear glasses so eye relief is important. There not a huge selection in town so I won't be able to physically handle most of these before buying.

My max budget is 450 Canadian, but I don't really want to spend that much so my main picks so far are:

Pentax DCF CS 8x42 ($200ish) - Can't find many reviews but the specs are really good
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673561-USA/Pentax_62555_DCF_CS_8x42_Binocular.html

Monarch ATB 8x42 ($265ish) - Super highly praised, widely reviewed, a reliable choice
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671382-REG/Nikon_7294_Monarch_ATB_8x42_Binocular.html

Bushnell Natureview 8x42 ($120ish) - Praised for cheapness, but probably too cheap
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/339135-REG/Bushnell_220842_8x42_NatureView_Binocular.html

----------
for the more expensive that I'm not sure are worth it:

Vanguard Spirit ED ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583075-USA/Vanguard_SPIRIT_ED_8420_8x42_Spirit_ED_Binocular.html

Minox BV 8x42 ($320ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/696958-USA/Minox_62028_BV_8x42_BRW_Binocular.html

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD ($340)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598315-REG/Bushnell_198042_8x42_Legend_Ultra_HD.html

Vanguard Endeavor ED ($450ish)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/706629-USA/Vanguard_ENDEAVOR_ED_8545_Endeavor_ED_8545_8_5x45.html

Thoughts?

I would just add that Vortex binoculars are another good budget option. I won a pair of 8x42 Vortex Diamondbacks at the Brant Festival this year and quite nice. The most appealing feature to me is their VIP warranty, which is a no-fault warranty. No matter what the cause, they will fix or replace your binoculars for life.

Here's a page to their warranty:
http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/vip_warranty

You can navigate around the site and look around the various binoculars they have from there. I believe the Diamondbacks run in the $250 to $300 range.

Jeremy Gatten
Saanichton, B.C.

You might want to check out the Eagle Rangers 8x42 that are available at Wild Birds Un limited. I have a pair and find them to be good quality and a good price. They are about $300.