The SAAF Forum

Hi guys, for some time I've been trying to decide on which one to get.
I'm completely clueless as to what to look out for!

So...advice would be welcomed
I'm specifically looking for something that will be good for viewing ships out at sea and planes in the air.
Bearing in mind that there are glares and reflections off the water and in the sky, what type of bi-nocs should I get?

I've been relatively impressed with the Olympus and Nikon brands.

Btw, if any of you have a spare around, feel free to make me an offer

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Roshan Bachan

Hiya Rosh....I believe from folk who do a lot of bird watching that 10x42 is the optimal size in terms of magnification and image proximity. With these one can study subject without worrying too much about "shake" and here Nikon would be an excellent buy. They offer 2 types of 10x42 at Long Beach Mall at Sun Valley....but heck they are pricey. I know I was looking for a pair only last week having broken the focus bridge on an ancient 16x50 pair I got from my grandfather.

Maybe check out some of the local 2ndhand shops like Cash Crusaders, Cash Converters etc...

Hope you come right.

Thanks Doug. How are the 12x25s?
How do I know which has more magnifying?

I suppose this is one of those tricky buy situations

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Roshan Bachan

Suggest you probably read up on the internet if possible as a means of research as it really is quite a wide field and I'm not expert. But basically if you are talking 12x25 for example you will have a magnification factor of 12 times. The 10x42 has a magnification of 10 times. There are all sorts of things to consider in terms of distortion and shake if over magnified as well. Maybe some folk have more info or personal recommendations for your chosen distant medium of sea/air. If all else fails pop in and ask the NSRI (lifeboat guys & gals) what they use on their boats

Good Idea! Thanks

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Roshan Bachan

Fully agree with Doug's suggestions.

10x42 = 10 times magnification 42 degree angle of view
12x25 = 12 times magnification 25 degree angle of view

You need to know what you want to use it for. Bird watching may want a strong magnification and narrow angle of view. Watching sports a wide angle of view (42 degree) is my choice. The larger the magnification the more the image can blur, unless it is a good pair.

Look at it this way, you will probably only buy it once and if looked after it will last you a lifetime. I would buy the best pair I can afford within my budget. It is no good buying cheap and when you're out there using it you have a blurred image. Also get a sturdy case, if the one you get with the binoculars are one of those soft cases, you need to buy something more sturdy.

Try before you buy .... take it outside and play with it before you buy.

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I have the brand "Redfield", made in China, sounds crap, never heard of it when I bought it. But the outdoor shop with 50+ binoculars on display assured me it was good value for money, and that it was not junk. Serving me well.
It is 10 x 42 and waterproof which is nice in the damp.


If I was watching ships, I would want more magnification than my 10 X that I have.
Watching aircraft at an air-show, higher magnification may not be a good idea.

My 2c worth.

Here's a post on binoculars, though not aimed specifically at what you intend to use it for. It does cover a lot of the theory for choosing what's right for you though.

http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.co. ... eeing.html

Hmmm, I always thought that the second number is the diameter in mm of the objective lens.

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A plan is simply a basis for change.

Correct, it is the size of the objective. Field of view is explained quite well here - http://www.nikon.com/products/sportopti ... sic_08.htm

Thanks all, you have been a great help!

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Roshan Bachan