Beginner Binoculars (3 Viewers)

[Absolute Beginner!]

Hi everyone, I am looking to buy my husband a pair of binoculars for his birthday (next week!). He's a glasses wearer and this will be his first pair of bins. Is there anything you would recommend I look at in the £200 - £350 range that will get him off to a good start. Appreciate some of you are into much higher end bins, but any advice for a first timer here welcomed. He can upgrade if he keeps up his interest! Thanks in advance, Absolute Beginner.

 

[Dyrlege]

I'd look for a used binocular like a Zeiss conquest 8x32 or Nikon Monarch 5-series 8x32. They are good beginner binos that don't really grow old.
Cheers!

 

[A2GG]

Zeiss Conquest is above that price range. I think Dyrlege may have meant to suggest Zeiss Terra ED 8x32 which is closer to your price range.

 

[Absolute Beginner!]

Zeiss Terra ED 8x32

Thanks Beth - yes this is in my price range. Do you have an opinion on the Nikon prostaff p7? Similar(ish) pricing. I know the brand for cameras but no idea how they translate to binoculars?

 

[Absolute Beginner!]

I'd look for a used binocular like a Zeiss conquest 8x32 or Nikon Monarch 5-series 8x32. They are good beginner binos that don't really grow old.
Cheers!

Thanks Drylege - I was looking at a Nikon prostaff p7 new - I don't think I can comfortably turn around a 2nd hand purchase in the time i have plus I'd like it to be "box fresh" as its a gift. Any thoughts on that one?

 

[A2GG]

Thanks Beth - yes this is in my price range. Do you have an opinion on the Nikon prostaff p7? Similar(ish) pricing. I know the brand for cameras but no idea how they translate to binoculars?

I haven't tried the Prostaff so can't provide any input about it, but I have tried the Zeiss Terra a couple of times and like it. I found it works well with my eyeglasses, functions well and has a good image.

 

[A2GG]

Since your husband may need to wear his eyeglasses when using the binocular, you may want to go with a 8x42 which has a larger exit pupil (than 8x32).
The larger exit pupil makes aligning the binocular to your eyes easier especially when wearing eyeglasses. He could still get by fine using 8x32 provided it has enough eye relief and the Zeiss Terra ED, whether in 8x32 or 8x42, should have enough eye relief for eyeglass wearers.

 

[Richard D]

These aren't bad at your price point: Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 | LCE

but preference as to 8x or 10x and 32 or 42mm is very individual. Unless it has to be a boxed present a trip to a stockist and a budget where he can try pairs is a better option...

 

[Dyrlege]

I haven't tried the Prostaff so can't provide any input about it, but I have tried the Zeiss Terra a couple of times and like it. I found it works well with my eyeglasses, functions well and has a good image.

Agreed. I would rather spend money on the Terra than the prostaff. And don't forget Vortex, but forego the cheaper models!
And all prices are open to negotiation! All sellers know that a successful entry into the optics market means future sales!

 

[dipped]

Just in budget is the Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 at £349 at a number of retailers. That would be my top pick at that price point. Or £269 for the 10x42's at John Lewis when they get stock in.

 

[Absolute Beginner!]

Thank you all for your swift and generous opinion and advice. I'll point hubby to this forum with his gift next week. All the very best to you all, A.B.

 

[bluebird100]

I bought a pair of Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 for a friend and he loves them for bird watching and scanning the skies. I use Nikon Monarch 7 10x42 for stargazing, but I wouldn't recommend 10x because they're more difficult to hold steady.

 

[Maljunulo]

Just in budget is the Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 at £349 at a number of retailers. That would be my top pick at that price point. Or £269 for the 10x42's at John Lewis when they get stock in.

I would choose the Monarch 7 over the Monarch 5.

There is always a reason for price differences.