Attached is the final spreadsheet comparison for the purchase of small binoculars (7x50, 8x40). I posted an earlier version of this spreadsheet at the "angled bino spreadsheet comparison" thread. I noticed there were a few downloads of the earlier spreadsheet, so I thought I would share the finished research with others.
Some notes about the market research data.
While I did read many of the excellent reviews on this forum (and others), I only posted manufacturer specifications in the spreadsheet. I guess I gave the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt that they produced products as advertised. I realize this goes against the grain of product reviews on equipment related forums--however, I felt I had to draw the line somewhere. So I drew it with the manufacturers specs.
In the attached spreadsheet, I sorted various models by Field of View (as reported in the manufacturer's specs). I did not do any secondary sorts, such as exit pupil, eye relief, price and such.
The price data (and source) do not necessarily reflect the cheapest price obtainable, as I was more concerned with a quality wide FOV, purchased at a reasonable price.
My primary purchase issue.
My primary purchase issue was for a quality bino with a wide field of view. I plan to use the bino to learn the constellations in the night sky, as well as enjoy panoramic views of kentucky hills, valleys, and rivers.
My final purchase decision.
I decided to purchase the Swift 8.5x44 Audubon 820 from Digital Photo Club. I was going to make the purchase from Eagle Optics, because I really liked their website. However, the price spread was considerable [Eagle Optics -- $349.95 plus shipping cost, Digitial Photo -- $249.95, no shipping cost].
I can really use the $109.00 toward the purchase of my next skygazer purchase: Tripod and mount.
--------------------
Bob
38°N
Edited by BobinKy (04/30/07 06:21 PM)
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