Bought these last year for the GP. I have used them at AFL and cricket and they are fantastic.
This is the lowest price since July 2023 and the second lowest price ever (I believe).
CamelCamelCamel.
https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/equipment/bino…
Got these the other day.
$79.99 with (free) Anaconda membership.
Seem well made, image is bright and clear.
I know very little about binoculars, but from my brief googling BAK4 and multi-coating is good, which this model has.
Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can educate us about the advantages of the Nikon model posted over the Anaconda ones.
I have become a little bit of a binocular nerd in the last month or so while researching what pair I want to spring for myself, so I will try to help.
There are absolutely ZERO specifications listed for the Anaconda bino (which automatically makes me very suspicious. This is highly abnormal for any optic), so it's pretty hard to compare these unless you have both in hand. But moving up in quality/price point with binoculars, these are the things you are generally getting:
Larger field of view for a given magnification.
Better clarity, resolution and contrast.
Brighter image (better glass and better multicoatings results in higher light transmission)
In most binoculars the image will 'soften" as you approach the egdes. Better binoculars have a larger 'sweet spot'.
Better eye-relief (important for glasses wearers).
A locking diopter (not a massive deal imo)
Field flatteners (another lens element, helps reduce the effect of field curvature)
Reduced distortion (most binos of some kind of pincushion distortion, which creates a "rolling ball" effect that makes people sick when panning).
Better feeling/less slop on the focuser.
In terms of the options presented in THIS deal, there's some important things to know around magnification and objective size.
For a given objective size, the higher the magnification, the darker the image. More magnification=more lens elements=more light lost.
For a given objective size, the higher the magnification, the smaller the "exit pupil". This is the shaft of light leaving the bino and entering your eye. This means that in darker conditions when our pupils open up, the lower magnification bino will be brighter again.
For an 8x bino, the shake in your hands is magnified 8x. For a 10x bino, the shake in your hands is magnified 10x. If using on a tripod/monopod it's a moot point. But if you are intending to use it handheld, it's something to keep in mind.
The larger the magnification, the smaller the field of view.
The higher the magnification, the more "resolving power" you have (if stable).
Legend, thanks for that explanation/info!
From the box:
-8x 42mm
-FoV 109m/1000m
-BAK4 prism optics
-Exit pupil diameter 5.25mm
-Near focus 5m
-Eye relief 21.5mmm
-Multi-coated optics
I have no doubt the Nikon set will have better materials/build quality/warranty etc.
The Anaconda ones are inexpensive and seem pretty good to me, though having not peered through any other binoculars my opinion could hardly be viewed as objective, so to speak.
From your post, would it be reasonable to conclude that the Nikon set may have a darker image, given there is more powerful magnification coupled with a smaller objective aperture?
would it be reasonable to conclude that the Nikon set may have a darker image, given there is more powerful magnification coupled with a smaller objective aperture?
In the same brand and series, yes, although it may only be really noticeable in dimmer conditions. Between models and brands the differences can be quite stark, but again you may not be aware/care unless you've tried higher end ($$$) binos or tested them side by side. Which magnification and objective lens size is best really depends on intended use.
There's a huge range of info on and reviews of binos for different uses if you're interested. Reading "best bino" lists will usually have top of the range, best value and best budget lists and often mention key differences, which you can then research further to see if they matter to you.
A few general comments:
- For casual use, lighter weight and compactness will see you more likely to carry and use the binocs. Shake caused by excessive magnification and size/weight will quickly take the gloss off your purchase.
- Not all coatings are equal, Far from it.
- Depending on use and how long you want to keep them, always look for waterproof (nitrogen-filled) binos. Non waterproof will absorb moist/dirty air over time.
- Price isn't always a guide, esp in the low-mid range.
In the end satisfaction is the key. There's always a better product out there, so take your binos out, try them in various scenarios, and if they aren't annoying in some way just use and enjoy. You can always upgrade later.
@Igaf: Makes sense, cheers.
For my use case the basic ones I bought are adequate.
The $80 price also means that if they are dropped by me, or some not-yet-fully-grown human I lend them to, I won’t be too bothered.
I had asked a similar question on the forums about a year ago and had a few responses that might interest you: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/784031
Your GP should have suggested glasses instead
maybe his one is covered by medicare
Bought these last year for the GP.
I was going to say the $60/visit mine now charges was expensive. This is specialist territory.
Rare to see binoculars posted on here. Extremely different price category, but been eyeing off the Maven B1.2 or B6 for a while now. Just impossible to get any kind of a deal on them :(
Actually showing a few $$ less for me - $276.42
Personally wouldn't go above 8x for sport. I usually leave the high powered bins at home for the Pentax VD 4x20's which are much brighter, wider, useful. Nose hairs are great and all but you lose context.
Agree,my 10x50's were good for game spotting in Africa but have a limited general use as you need surgeons hands when viewing for any period with them..
Any recommendations for cheap/lightweight binoculars?