gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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I'm new here and must say this is a wonderful forum! I originally sought this site out thinking I was looking for a telescope, but after some research it appears binoculars will be best for my situation. I'm a wildlife biologist who lives in Florida and is lucky enough to travel around the world into some very dark places. I've always been interested in the night sky and just recently decided to do something about it. 
A telescope sounded like a good idea, but I just don't think dragging it all over the place will work. Binoculars, on the other hand, can serve dual duty in my terrestrial world. I'm looking for advice on models that "average out" well both day and night. Any suggestions? Yes, I'm going to buy a tripod. Thanks!
BTW, I'm looking hard at the Canon IS line.
Edited by gator_grabber (12/01/07 08:32 AM)
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edwincjones
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4421
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Welcome to CNs,
I use the miyauchi 22x60s on a tripod as duel purpose birding (a two eyed spotting scope) and astronomy. It is better for birding than astronomy, but has (I think) been discontinued.
The 15x70 size should also work well for you purpose. I would refer you to the "best of 276+" reviews for specific binoculars at the top of this forum.
I have never used the IS binoculars, but would think they would be great without need for a tripod. Would the electronics be a problem for world travel-a question for the IS crowd?
edj
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n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Hello and Welcome to Cloudy NIghts...
There are lots of options here depending on what you want to do, how much you are willing to haul around, how much you are willing to spend. I think everyone needs a good pair of binos but then I think everyone needs a good small refractor too...
Jon
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edwincjones
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4421
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A pair of hand held binoculars and a spotting scope would also be a good combination, but the Canon IS 15 or 18 x 50s could do both.
edj
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n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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edwincjones
Post Laureate
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 4421
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and I have to ask
gator grabber/wildlife biologist from Florida
would hands free binoculars be needed 
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n w arkansas
Binocular, Solar, General Amateur Astronomy
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2457
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Welcome to C/N! If you've looked here in this binocular group much, you'll note that the Canon IS line is extremely competant- and has a fair sized following. They are indeed very good. I myself have a pair of the 10x42L's, probably the best overall in their lineup. The only downside for you with them might- and this is a small might- be a little more delicate than some in travelling. They probably won't stand the shock that some more ruggedized bino's will take, though I don't know anything about them being particularly fragile. Eliminates the need for a tripod. Your choice would center around magnification, which, of course, always centers around use. For astro use, higher magnifications would be a choice than for nature use. You'll probably want to be somewhere in the range of 8x to 10x for dual use. Darker skies will ideally allow use of larger aperture than light polluted skies would. Of course, for daytime use, you wouldn't need as much aperture. JUST from what you've stated, I could certainly recommend the 10x42L IS bino's... but there may- and are probably more factors to take into account in your decision. Of course, there's always the option of more than one... that could set you up with one for nature/wildlife use- and one for astro use! Still a smaller package for travelling than a telescope- and better tailored for each! Good luck- and welcome!
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Wes
Atlantic Beach, FL
Some bino’s from Miyauchi 5x32 Binon's up through Garrett 20x110 Signature's,
Some telescopes from a Stellarvue 80mm NHNG up through a couple of 8” reflectors…
And a wonderful 4.25" Delmarva Shiefspiegler!
Some good friends, made here on C/N.
Oh- several cats and a wonderful wife!
Anyone want a cat???? :-O
"When your work speaks for itself- Don't Interrupt" -Gamble Rogers
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2457
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Quote:
would hands free binoculars be needed
 Funny, Ed!
Power around the world would not be an issue for the IS binos, as they're powered by a pair of AA batteries. Pretty good battery life, too I might add. "Electronics" no more an issue than carrying a camera anywhere.
Wes
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gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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Wow, did I ever come to the right place! Six responses in 20 minutes...impressive. Yes, I work with crocodilians, but glad to report that all appendages are still attached. I tend to wind up on lakes at night (normally by boat), so having IS is a plus. That said, I'm on shore most of the time and having a tripod mount is also helpful. Let me research all the info you've so kindly provided me and I'll be back soon with follow-up questions. Thanks! 
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ronharper
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 1005
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Gator,
I'll just throw out an idea that few in this neighborhood can afford, and I haven't tried, but seems to suit your dual purpose--the Leica Duovid. There's an 8x/12x42 and a 10x/15x50. Leica is a trusted brand name, popular with wealthy hunters and birders, and would make a reliable companion in the occasional hand-to-hand with a 10-footer. Here's a review:
http://www.optics4birding.com/leica-duovid-binoculars-review.aspx
Good luck, and look forward to more confusing advice!
Ron
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12569
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
I tend to wind up on lakes at night (normally by boat), so having IS is a plus.
I would say that makes 100% waterproof imperative.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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Resistance to water is a consideration, but at what cost? If I can buy 3 water resistant binocs for the price of 1 waterproof unit, I'd go with the lower cost models. My experience has been that stuff dropped overboard (even if waterproof) rarely returns in working condition.
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 1660
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mt. High
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Gator,
Leupold also offers binoculars that give you dual power with the flick of a switch.
Leupold Golden Ring 7/12x32mm and 10/17x42mm.
These are used by hunters under all weather conditions and are rugged and waterproof. If damaged there is a "free replacement" under a full lifetime guarantee.
http://www.optics4birding.com/item.aspx?cid=15059
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Pentax 12x50mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 16x60mm PCF WP FMC/WP/FP
Pentax 20x60mm PCF WP II FMC/WP/FP
Orion 12x63mm Mini Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 15x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 16x80mm Giant FMC/JAPAN
Orion 20x70mm Little Giant II FMC/JAPAN
Orion 30x80mm MEGAView FMC/JAPAN
Barska 30x80mm X-Trail LW FC
Burgess Optical Series II 20x90mm FMC/WP/FP
Handel's Messiah**Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12569
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
Resistance to water is a consideration, but at what cost? If I can buy 3 water resistant binocs for the price of 1 waterproof unit, I'd go with the lower cost models. My experience has been that stuff dropped overboard (even if waterproof) rarely returns in working condition.
How often do you return to shore with no water in your boat? It may not be only overboard that you need to consider.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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We actually use lots of equipment (cameras, GPS units, radios, etc.) on the boats that are not waterproof, just water-resistant. Experience has taught me that you never take anything out on the water that you're not prepared to loose. While destroying a $300 pair of WR binocs is bad, it's better than trashing a $1100 WP pair. I do take good care of my equipment, but accidents can and do happen. I do like the idea of having both binocs and a spotting scope.
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
We actually use lots of equipment (cameras, GPS units, radios, etc.) on the boats that are not waterproof, just water-resistant. Experience has taught me that you never take anything out on the water that you're not prepared to loose. While destroying a $300 pair of WR binocs is bad, it's better than trashing a $1100 WP pair. I do take good care of my equipment, but accidents can and do happen. I do like the idea of having both binocs and a spotting scope.
Waterproofing in itself does not make a binocular more expensive. Most all roof prism binoculars are Nitrogen Purged, Oring Sealed and Water Proof. I am very happy with the 10x42 Eagle Optics Ranger Platinums and there are many competing products at that $300 price point that offer similar capabilities.
As a birder I like the close focus capabilities of many roof prism binoculars. It is nice to be able to focus on a small bird or even insect in a bush that is 5 feet away.
I also think the spotting scope + binoculars is the best way to go. Handheld binos plus a spotter and tripod.
Jon
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gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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How do you like the Eagle Optics?
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Wes James
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 2457
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The Canon 10x42L IS are spec'd by Canon as waterproof. The 15x50 & 18x50's are listed as weather resistant. However, I would be hesitant to test that under regular use- I would get some less expensive weatherproof/waterproof use for boating useage... perhaps a Oberwerk Mariner series?
Wes
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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster
Reged: 06/16/04
Posts: 12070
Loc: San Diego, California
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Quote:
How do you like the Eagle Optics?
I like them and they do have a great warranty, no papers needed, just the binos. You send in the binos and that's all they need. If it's their fault, they fix em/replace em. If it's your fault, you pay em $20 and they fix em/replace em.
But there are a lot of good binoculars available and I am not an expert by any means. Ed Z. has done and is doing extensive testing of a number of binoculars and others here have far more experience than I. I am just a telescope guy who also likes to do a bit of bird watching and has 5 or 6 pairs of binoculars.
About the best advice I can offer is that binoculars are a highly personal item and like a pair of shoes, a model that is comfortable for one person may be a bad fit for someone else. So it is best to try them before buying them.
Other than that, I think $250-$400 buys a nice pair of binoculars.
Jon
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gator_grabber
member
Reged: 11/30/07
Posts: 13
Loc: Gainesville, FL
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The Oberwerk Ultra Series 10x50mm look interesting. They're not IS, but are waterproof and priced right.
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Falcon Birder
super member
Reged: 04/16/07
Posts: 111
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I have a pair of Zen-Ray SUMMIT 10x42 for $160. It is waterproof and phase-coated. It is really bright and sharp. My coworker just bought a pair of 8x42. Frankly speaking, I have to admit that the 8x42 seems to be better than 10x42 model.
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Zen-Ray SUMMIT 10x42 WP
Swaroski 8.5x42 EL
Leica 8x32 Ultravid
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