Binoculars...probably one for a birding forum but...

[vickster]

Off to St Lucia soon and Costa Rica next year and will be spending some time birding and think I need some better/more appropriate binoculars.

I bought 10x42s for safari as advised but the received wisdom seems to be that for birding in forests 8x42s are better. I got Vortex Diamondback HDs for safari as recommended on here and they were great for seeing distant elephants and the like.
I'm now looking to get some 8x42s - could get the Vortex again but there seem to be a bunch of other options recommended on bird forums and websites - Celestron, Nikon, Hawke, the RSPB ones etc so I'm quite confused.
Budget up to about £300 and in black/green! I wear glasses so need some that are suitable and would like them to work well in low light as we will be morning and evening birding.
I realise £300 is mid range and there are likely much better for more £££ but I'd like to keep the cost sensible as an enthusiastic novice!

Probably new but would be prepared to buy from a retailer that sells used (probably not just from a random on eBay as I don't think I'd know as a novice if they were knackered!)

Any recommendations

 

[FrankCrank]

I use 8x40 Olympus, no issues. I often see folk along the towpaths with what look like more compact ones. Heard it's best to avoid zoom type.

 

[Bobby Mhor]

Mines are Hawke Endurance 8x42..
I've used a few diff pair over the years but got these 6 / 7 years ago?
and am most delighted with them..
Once again, it is what you want to fork out..
There used to be a forum poster who worked in optics sales who recommended these.
Quite a selection of badge engineered binocs out there...

 

[Dave7]

My suggestion for what it's worth.
Find a local optical specialist (there is bound to be one within reach).
Tell himm your maxi.um budget ie £300 in your case.
They will line up a choice of several for you to try so you go for the ones that suit you.
They may well have good 2nd hand ones to choose from which can be a good option.
Mine are Opticron 8x42 and are excellent but a tad more expensive.
Edit
Make sure the place has at least open space as against looking up the street from a high St shop.

 

[vickster]

Thanks all, there aren't loads of places locally, Jessops in Kingston I think but they seem to charge through the nose compared to some. I'm not a fan of getting info from a shop and then buying cheaper online!
I'll see who else there is in London

 

[vickster]

I use 8x40 Olympus, no issues. I often see folk along the towpaths with what look like more compact ones. Heard it's best to avoid zoom type.

Not sure what zoom type binoculars are?

 

[Time Waster]

Check out your local RSPB reserve centre. Our nearest one has a shop and sell binoculars, telescopes and spotting scopes. I doubt they'd sell ones that aren't suitable for birding but you could have a premium on the price ticket.

BTW RSPB have own branded ones and ones aimed at kids (if you're petit they might suit and are a bit cheaper).

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Thanks all, there aren't loads of places locally, Jessops in Kingston I think but they seem to charge through the nose compared to some. I'm not a fan of getting info from a shop and then buying cheaper online!
I'll see who else there is in London

Another vote here for buying in person from a shop that lets you try them outside. And ideally choose a dull day or wait until evening, to check how they perform in poor light.

 

[vickster]

Check out your local RSPB reserve centre. Our nearest one has a shop and sell binoculars, telescopes and spotting scopes. I doubt they'd sell ones that aren't suitable for birding but you could have a premium on the price ticket.

BTW RSPB have own branded ones and ones aimed at kids (if you're petit they might suit and are a bit cheaper).

I'm not petite

Nearest RSPB is miles away sadly. I think I read they are rebranded something or others (edit: Viking). £500 for the cheapest 8.42s
https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/binocu...s/rspb-binoculars/rspb-hd-binocular-8x42.html

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Not sure what zoom type binoculars are?

They let you turn a lever (usually) that zooms the view in or out. They’re awful.

 

[figbat]

I have a pair of Nikon Monarch M5 waterproof 8x42; decent glasses for the money.

 

[Dave7]

I'm not petite

Nearest RSPB is miles away sadly. I think I read they are rebranded something or others (edit: Viking). £500 for the cheapest 8.42s
https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/binocu...s/rspb-binoculars/rspb-hd-binocular-8x42.html

I was never Impressed with the rspb ones.
For the pleasure they will give you its worth travelling a distance to try them out.

 

[vickster]

I was never Impressed with the rspb ones.
For the pleasure they will give you its worth travelling a distance to try them out.

Agreed, it’s just time as I go away in 3 weeks!

 

[Ridgeback Roller]

I've used Opticron 8x42 for many years ( another spectacles wearer) and find them excellent, albeit a bit pricey. I keep a cheaper pair of Delta SL3s 10x42 in the car for impromptu occasions and tbh they're fine also for 99% of the time. Why not use what you already have for your trip? If the experience inspires you to go birding more often then it's worth investing in some better quality kit. I would echo what previous posters have said, always try and compare before you buy if possible,

 

[vickster]

I've used Opticron 8x42 for many years ( another spectacles wearer) and find them excellent, albeit a bit pricey. I keep a cheaper pair of Delta SL3s 10x42 in the car for impromptu occasions and tbh they're fine also for 99% of the time. Why not use what you already have for your trip? If the experience inspires you to go birding more often then it's worth investing in some better quality kit. I would echo what previous posters have said, always try and compare before you buy if possible,

Maybe I will for St Lucia but the CR trip is going to cost thousands so I’d like appropriate kit for the sake of a few hundred.
I have done some birding in the U.K. already.
I’ll look at Opticron, as with all of these things, there’s inconsistency between reviews. One man’s meat and all that!
These sort of sneak into budget
https://www.lcegroup.co.uk/New/Opticron-Verano-BGA-VHD-8x42_88811.html