I've wanted a pair of binoculars for about two months now, and I did alot of research on the web before buying them. One pair I settled on buying about 1 month ago was the Bushnell 10x42 Ultra HD's. After tax they cost $350, which many people I've spoken to agreed was a great price/value tradeoff. They are comparable to Nikon Monarch binoculars in terms of price/quality/performance.
But, my research came across some Roof-Prism Discount binoculars sold at retail outlets in the US for $30. So my interest was peaked. I took the plung. I had a friend order them online and drop them off here in Windsor today, and I must say,,, I'm pretty happy with them. They have a smooth focus nob. They have a nice feel to them. They are beautiful. And honest to God... $38 Canadian with tax and delivery. At that price, I'm tempted to buy some another pair and keep a pair in my glove compartment.
I'm very excited to take these out into the field. Sure, they do not have ED glass or Bak-4 prisms... but hey ... I don't think they are 10x worse then the ultra HDs (but they are 10x cheaper!).
Ultra HD's vs Sportsman Binoculars
| Magnification X Obj Lens | 10 x 42 | 10 x 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Close Focus (ft/m) | 6.5/1.9 | 23 / 7 |
| Lens Coating | Fully Multi | Multi |
| Field of View ft@1000yds / m@1000m | 340/ | 305 / |
| RainGuard® HD | Yes | no |
| Eyecups | Twist-Up | Twist-up |
| Eye Relief | 15.2 | 13.6 |
| Adapt to Tripod | Yes | Yes |
| Focus System | Center | Center |
| Exit Pupil (mm) | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Prism Glass | BaK-4 | BK-7 |
| Water/Fog Proof | Yes | No |
| Prism System | Roof | Roof |
| Weight (oz/g) | 22.5 | 22.2 |
| Model | 191042 | 141042 |
| Size Class | Standard | Standard |
I can't wait to get out and look at some birds in stereo vision! Will this be the of my photographic rants on this blog? Probably not!
Good birding,
Dwayne
Post Script: I love these binoculars after using them for a few days, but the minimal focus distance is a little long. To look a butterfly on a gravel path, I had to be about 7m away from it ... so, great binoculars but I had a feeling they would not be *that* great.
Sounds like a bargain!
ReplyDeleteI was at Point Pelee today. Nothing new. Better days ahead.
At $38 you can't go wrong. Let me know how the work out. I may have to grab some next time I'm over there.
ReplyDelete