/r/Binoculars

Photograph via //r/Binoculars

A place to ask questions, discuss and share stories relating to all types of Binocular usage including but not limited to Astronomy, Nature, Hunting and Marine.

Welcome to /r/Binoculars

A place to ask questions, discuss and share stories relating to all types of Binocular usage including but not limited to Astronomy, Nature, Hunting and Marine.

Please enjoy your time here and feel free to subscribe if you would like to.

Helpful Binocular Guides

Buyers 101 Astronomy

Bird Watching Hunting

Marine

Rules

1. Please remain kind and civil at all times. Please be respectful and remain kind and civil to all users at all times.

2. Do not directly advertise your own items on this page.

Do not advertise your business or sell personal items on this sub.

Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis for general chat about items for sale ie; deals on Craigslist/eBay/Amazon or Binocular retailers.

Linking to items in comments is fine as long as you gain no benefits from doing so.

3. Excessive promoting of users own content. Please be respectful of this sub and other users and do not excessively promote your website, reviews, channel or videos.

Related Subreddits

/r/Optics

/r/telescopes

/r/Binoculars

7,012 Subscribers

1

Bushnell Prime Binocular HELP

I just ordered “new” bushnell prime 8x32 binoculars off eBay. The interpupillary distance won’t budge, and neither will the focus ring for the right eye. Am I missing something or are these binoculars defective?? Thanks!

This is the user manual: https://www.bushnell.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-HuntShootAccessoriesSharedLibrary/default/dw4b4a59b2/productPdfFiles/BushnellPrimeBinoculars_5LIM_FullManual_web.pdf

0 Comments
2024/04/27
17:10 UTC

0

Why don't binoculars have electricity or technology inside them?

It's just optical lenses and dials. It irritates me so much. Why isn't there technology and electricity??

19 Comments
2024/04/27
16:33 UTC

3

Binoculars for star gazing as a beginner

Hi all, i bought a beginner friendly binocular that was under $100 just to get myself into it and i think it’s time to upgrade it but still wanna keep my budget more or less $500. I want something that’s design for star gazing, is budget anf beginner friendly. Also, what things should i consider when buyjng it? TIA

3 Comments
2024/04/26
04:52 UTC

2

Surprise Mix-Up: Received Pre-2017 Viper HD 8x42 (VPR-4208-HD) Instead of Diamondback HD (DB-214)! Keep?

As the title says, I received a pair of VPR-4208-HD instead DB-214. The cost was 320$.

3 Comments
2024/04/25
13:53 UTC

6

Why is one side on the caps slotted?

The strap pops out so easily what is the point of the slotted cap?

3 Comments
2024/04/24
22:08 UTC

3

Can you share binocular with family easily?

My family is going for an overseas holiday and I'm thinking of getting a binocular to get a better experience when visiting zoo and other attraction watching. I'm wondering how easy it is to share the binocular with my young kid (with glasses. I dont wear glasses) and wife. I know one needs to adjust the binocular to suits his eyes before usage. Or it is better for all individual to have their own adjusted pair since it is a hassle to keep on adjusting for each user?

5 Comments
2024/04/24
03:23 UTC

1

Celestron Upclose G2 vs Celestron Outland X

Hi all

I'm looking for buy a first pair of binocs for birdwatching and taking with me whilst doing wildlife photography. I don't have a big budget, certainly under £100 but ideally a bit less than that.

The Upclose G2s came up on some article online and then I discovered the Outland Xs. I'm drawn a bit more towards the Ouland just because of the fact their waterproof and fog proof. Also I notice they have different prisms and been googling about that but seems to be mixed reviews about how much difference it makes. Any thoughts?

7 Comments
2024/04/22
17:49 UTC

1

Does anyone have any knowledge about these binoculars?

These are my Grandfather’s old binoculars, passed down to me. I’ve googled but can’t seem to find this particular brand / model. Does anyone know anything about these? Is there anything special about them? (outside of their age and sentiment of course)

Thanks guys.

6 Comments
2024/04/21
17:40 UTC

11

Image Stabilization demo on the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars

Early bird catches the worm...I got out of bed early this morning & managed to capture our beautiful resident Variable Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus - I think! ). I was just using my phone held up to the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars, where the Image Stabilization really helps. He was not as close as I would have liked, so the #16x magnification also helped.

0 Comments
2024/04/21
15:32 UTC

2

GPO Passion 8x56 for handheld astronomy?

Hello everyone!

I currently own a Delta Forest II 8x42 for handheld astronomy and I want to buy a better quality binocular for the same use.

The binocular which I like the most is the GPO Passion 8x56. Do you guys think it would be a big step up from the Delta I currently own? I am 26 years old so I guess i would benefit from the 7mm exit pupil during the night.

I also plan to use it occasionally during the day to look at planes and animals.

I also open to recommendations in the 650-700 usd range. Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/04/21
09:11 UTC

1

Question about my Vivitar binoculars

Hello everyone! I apologize if this post is a little confusing, but I recently found a pair of digital binoculars in a junk drawer (Vivitar VIV-CV-1025V 10 x 25 to be exact). I found the firewire cable it might've came with, but the software on the official website doesn't seem to have an option for this model. Apparently it came with a CD-ROM for the image extraction software, but I cannot find it at this time. If anyone can link me to an older version that would be greatly appreciated!

7 Comments
2024/04/21
03:45 UTC

2

New binoculars for watching ships from my balcony.

I live on an island on the gulf of Thailand where lots cruise ships pass. I have a covered balcony and am up reasonably high. I am looking for something that I can see these ships at a distance of maybe 3 to 12 miles away. I don't mind weight and Chinese makes are freely available it's the best magnifications I am inquiring about as I don't have a clue.... thanks for reading.

5 Comments
2024/04/20
23:52 UTC

1

Steiner, Bayreuth, West Germany 8 x 30E

I recently found a pair of binoculars marked with the model "E" and a serial number starting with "25" among my late grandfather's possessions. According to my research, this suggests they were made in 1925, but West Germany wasn't formed until 1949. I suspect the serial code predates the practice of including the manufacturing year.

I'm curious about their production year and potential military use. I remember using this with my grandfather when I was a boy (over 35 years ago), so they hold sentimental value. Any insights into their history would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

https://preview.redd.it/4e0fz5bbzgvc1.png?width=3502&format=png&auto=webp&s=b7508977d3f5ca2426daf7353984bb8afcf2108b

https://preview.redd.it/1a9df72czgvc1.png?width=2218&format=png&auto=webp&s=d75e4e7e355bdc2e5ad6a836ee4f912344a256b2

https://preview.redd.it/enujm2vczgvc1.png?width=2434&format=png&auto=webp&s=fe72b96e3bca16217797294ad730ee6ae999e8da

4 Comments
2024/04/19
17:17 UTC

1

Anyone have a reason I see double and overlapping in some binoculars

I used to be able to look through binoculars perfectly fine, then suddenly I couldn't I have bushnell all purpose Binoculars and with two eyes open it overlaps and things look double but when I close one eye its fine. Same thing happens with my dads new vortex binoculars but with my brothers older Bushnell prime binoculars its perfectly normal.

8 Comments
2024/04/19
06:17 UTC

1

Nikon Monarch 7

Hey, I’m just curious on how good of a deal this was, or if it was a good deal at all. I wanted to get some better glass in a smaller form factor than my current 8x42 Celestron Nature DX ED (which are quite nice optically but seem to struggle with backlit subjects). I came across a pair of used like-new 8x30 Monarch 7, (not the new M7 but the slightly older monarch 7) being sold on Ebay for $220. I just got them in and they are truly in great shape and came with everything they would originally come with (box, lens covers, paperwork, neck strap). I probably should have asked beforehand but I felt like I typically saw these being sold for more like 300+ used otherwise. Thanks!

0 Comments
2024/04/18
23:14 UTC

2

First Pair

Hi all, I'm looking at purchasing my first pair of binoculars and was hoping to get some opinions on the 3 pairs I've narrowed my search down to... I should add that I wear glasses for long distance vision. I have no problems with removing them if that works, in fact would prefer to do so if I can. The 3 I am looking at are...

Atka 10x60

Nikon Aculon A211 10x50

Konus Titanium Oh 8x42

They would preferably be for all round, general use. Occasionally looking at astronomical events and general wildlife, birds, nature kind of things.

Any assistance and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

6 Comments
2024/04/18
13:07 UTC

1

Hawke Nature-Trek 10x32 vs. Nikon Aculon A211 10-22x50?

Hi, folks! I have a choice to pick either one of these as a prize through work. Both have pretty good ratings. My previous binoculars have all been really cheap, and these seem like a big trade-up. I'm a regular local hiker and like looking at everything from birds to the mountaintops across my valley, roughly ten miles away. (Though San Francisco -50 miles away- and points beyond are visible on clearer days.) What do you think is a better choice? Reviews out there are close...thanks!

13 Comments
2024/04/18
06:40 UTC

4

Best Binocular for purely astronomy, with best eye relief, no budget worries.

Hi all,

As the title says, I've been reading threads recommending all kinds of Binos from 7-15x. Many various opinions, and many options to suit varying needs. Most are capped by price limits, so I thought I'd make a post to help specify exactly what I'm looking for so you beautifully intelligent stargazers can help me!

- Price: Irrelevant, but I would prefer to not spend thousands just for the f*ck of it...I've seen the Canon 10x42L IS WP pop up, but I figured I'd ask here before spending that kind of cash, only to find out that they're gimmicky.

- Eye relief: I have astigmatism, but wear a pretty low script.

- Use: Astronomy

- Tripod: Can get if the pair requires, but ideally would be nice to have use of them without. Otherwise I would be happy to get one pair dedicated to each if there is not one that does it all.

- I am happy to get the right camping chair to obviously accommodate for the viewing needs, no problems. Also, I don't plan on whinging about weight or that my arms are tired, so I'm not overly fussed there (stars are cool, we can suck it up).

Update: thanks heaps for your replies fellas, I opted for the Canon 15x50 IS set. I will update anyone that’s interested. The only thing I was concerned with was the old tech in it (12x36 has updated IS tech, so I nearly got those. But the hold-to-IS was really off-putting).

14 Comments
2024/04/18
02:42 UTC

1

Nikon 8x25 trailblazers

I am possibly going this weekend to buy some Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 binoculars and was wondering if 55$ is a good deal or if theyd be a decent pair to start with. Thanks for any input on this specific pair

3 Comments
2024/04/18
02:13 UTC

1

Can you recommend me binoculars for birding?

Hello! The Merlin Bird ID app was my gateway into spotting birds, and now I would like to get some binoculars to accompany my newfound love of birding!

What I’m looking for in binoculars:

  • $150 USD or less
  • easy to use
  • can use in my backyard, out on walks, and when I’m hiking
  • additional plus if it’s lightweight

Does anyone have binoculars they recommend?

Thanks!

12 Comments
2024/04/17
18:12 UTC

1

Best monocular on budget?

Hello everyone, I'm searching a cheap but "good" monocular under 50€ In my mind I was thinking about a 8x25 or a 10x25 something that I can carry daily without thinking about.

5 Comments
2024/04/17
09:53 UTC

2

Does anyone know of a binocular that looks like this?

Hello,

Sorry if I make any errors, this is my first post in this subreddit. Having said that, I've been wanting a pair of binoculars that have what is called a "stadiametric rangefinder", the curved line that reads 2,4,6... from right to left. Does anyone know where I can get one? I've tried looking for old Soviet military ones but am just not sure if they're what I'm looking for. Any suggestions?

Binocular with rangefinder in bottom left

5 Comments
2024/04/17
08:06 UTC

1

What’s the highest magnification i can get with closer focusing, image stabilized binoculars?

I have Pentax 8.5x21 and Canon 10x30 and they’re both great. I want to stand in my garage and watch the birds at the feeder (13ft away). The Pentax aren’t good for that distance and it’s about the limit for proximity with the Canon. I want 13 feet distance in focus with even greater magnification. Is this doable, and if so are there any recommendations?

7 Comments
2024/04/16
23:00 UTC

2

Compactish with glasses

After reading here and a fair amount of searching I decided to just ask for help. I am looking for something on the smaller side that works well with glasses. I would like to be in the $300 range at max. While I don’t want to spend that much my assumption is that I should get years of use out of them.

I would be using these for sporing events, hiking, and occasionally at the lake. While I say compact, I am not sure that would be accurate since I believe I probably want 8x42 minimum. Where I start to get lost is with eye relief and twist vs. pull eye pieces. The recommendation seems to be 18mm or grater for eye relief. Some of the Vortex’s that are often recommended are 17mm. Is that really a bit deal?

Really looking for recommendations that others have had a good experience while wearing glasses.

Thanks.

8 Comments
2024/04/16
19:12 UTC

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