From: utzoo!decvax!genrad!linus!allegra!eagle!harpo!floyd!cmcl2!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!hp-pcd!courtney
Newsgroups: net.rec.birds
Title: Buying Binoculars...Please Help! - (nf)
Article-I.D.: hp-pcd.1001
Posted: Thu May  5 00:29:05 1983
Received: Fri May 13 05:24:34 1983

Relay-Version:version B 3/9/83; site harpo.UUCP
Message-ID:<1001@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Date:Thu, 5-May-83 00:29:05 EDT

#N:hp-pcd:7600004:000:1225
hp-pcd!courtney    May  4 13:22:00 1983

I am about to buy a pair of binoculars...

If anyone has some information about brands, particular models, or purchasing
considerations, please mail to me.

(If anyone would like a summary of what I receive, please mail such a request
to me and if I get enough interest, I will post the summary).

My main use of binoculars is for birds.  Clarity and light-gathering ability
are thus my two primary concerns.  I wouldn't MIND if they were small, though
optical quality is the priority.

I have heard that for powers greater than 8X, the compromises between light-
gathering ability, sharpness, cost, size, and hand-shake become overbearing.
8X40 seems to be a good size, though they are not readily available (as far as
I know).  When considering 8X30's, I have seen several good pairs... a pocket
model that somes to mind is an 8X30 by Minolta, retailing for ~$170.  (I am
looking in $150 to $300 range, Leitz are out of my question unless someone
knows of a place to buy them "cheap").

I have also heard that the size of the exit lense has a lot to do with eye
fatigue and perceived comfort...

          Please help...
                              Courtney Loomis
                                 hplabs!hp-pcd!courtney