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Rusty
Postmaster
Reged: 08/06/03
Posts: 16419
Loc: Brooker, FL
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Quote:
Quote:
Secondly, one's appreciation of better optics comes with time...it really makes no sense to drop $500 on binoculars if the user hasn't refined his observing to the point the subtle differences can be seen.
I'm not sure this is totally true. I'd be willing to bet you could pick almost a complete tyro and they could tell the difference between a $100 bino and a $500 one. I will agree that many would be hard pressed to tell a $500 bino from a $1500 one. At that price range you are getting further into the diminishing returns range.
In addition, the increased price of quality binoculars goes into more than just the optics. The mechanics are equally important to me. Higher priced binoculars will hold collimation better, focus smoother, and generally just feel better in your hands. Almost any user, regardless of experience can appreciate this.
I partially agree with your disagreeing; I think it's a matter of semantics - my point is that the differences in binocular quality would be generally subtle to the novice, and that a new user would be unlikely to appreciate those differences (and the corresponding higher cost) until some experience had been gained.
Note, for example, this tantalizing debate has really been among very experienced, very qualified, and very astute and particular binocular users, not newbies.
I agree that anyone can notice the striking differences, or could recognize them in a side-by-side comparison, but I'd guess a binoc-newbie wouldn't find the 5x price differential acceptable until becoming dissatisfied with the $100 piece.
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N11GPS Fastar
TOA-130S
MK66 Std
Vintage C5
Megrez II 80mm ED Triplet APO
SolarMax 40
NJP Temma II
Sirius EQ-G
ST8XE/CFW-8(LRGBHa)/AO-7/DF-2/STV Dlx/ST237a/350D (Unmodded)/Mallincam Color Hyper Plus/DSI III Color/DSI II Pro
Two not-spoiled Golden Retrievers - Maggie and Casey
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not. In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
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BillC
on a new path
Reged: 06/04/04
Posts: 2111
Loc: Washington, USA
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Quote:
Bill,
By any chance, was this letter sent to China? :-)
NOPE! It was sent to a very reputable American company, that buys their binoculars from . . .
Cheers,
--------------------
William J. Cook, Chief Opticalman, USNR-Ret.
Founding Editor, Amateur Telescope Making Journal
20-year vet. of Captain's Nautical Supplies, Optics Dept. Mgr.
Optics Machanic, WG11-3306, Ft. Lewis, Tacoma,WA
Yata, Yata, Yata . . .
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werewolf6977
Lord High Smasher
Reged: 12/15/03
Posts: 7445
Loc: Hanover, Ohio
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I have what may be a novel concept for you more experienced, and possibly more affluent bino mavens: There are those who honestly cannot afford the higher end binos out there. These same people may want to get into Astronomy, and get a pair of binos before they hit the bigs as it were. If you can afford the high end gear, go for it! Don't knock the choices of those who can't. As I, and many others have said, it's not about the gear, but the views. Just my $.02. 
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Pete
6" Apogee/LXD55 - "The Beast"
Starhopper 6" Dob - "Shiva"
Spaceprobe 130 EQ - "Spacey"
Bushnell Fatboy
The Abomination
Sun Pak Pro 7500 Platinum Edition
10X25 Bushnell Camo Roofies
7X35 Tasco Classic Plastic (good views though)
7X42 Tasco Rare Bird
10X50 Nikon Actions (Type 7)
15X70 Skymasters - "DroolMeisters"
One ratty old IBM 600E LapTop
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I don't think anyone is knocking the lesser priced bins Pete. Again, I think we are all dancing around the same general opinion on this matter. The topic seems to have shifted from expensive vs. less expensive to the personal enjoyment and justification of expensive vs. less expensive bins. And since this is 100% subjective, there is no wrong answer. It's still fun to volley opinions though....
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