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Binoculars for under $300 and under $700 for Christmas 2024
It's not long until Christmas and binoculars are always popular gifts for exploring nature, enjoying summer and for close up views at sports or event concerts.
Here's some of our suggestions for 2024
Under $300
The Nikon Aculon Range of Binoculars
We're super happy that Nikon have kept their Action EX Binoculars affordable for those after viewing quality and rugged construction.
These feature the usual Nikon quality multi-coated optics with, with waterproof o-rings and filled with nitrogen. This will prevent the from fogging up internally even under damp and less than ideal conditions.
They would be handy companions for:
- Bird Watching
- Nature Viewing
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Camping and hiking
- Sports and concerts
- Around the water and boating
- Night sky and astronomy
Discover Nikon EX Binoculars at BINTEL here.
For example, the Nikon Action EX 10x50 is a full sized pair of binoculars that would be suited for longer distance viewing and especially handy for taking out on the boat this summer.
You can find more details here.
Under $700
The ZEISS Terra ED line up offers ultra crisp and clear optics in a more compact body style. We've had a big 12 months with ZEISS here at BINTEL and received some positive feedback from our customers about their binoculars, especially birdwatchers and those travelling to demanding locations such as Antarctic islands or even on safari.
Read more about ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars here.
Some of the ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars available from BINTEL
These would be a step up in terms of image quality compared to the Nikon Action binos mentioned above, and definitely more compact.
Ideal for:
- Bird Watching
- Nature Viewing
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Camping and hiking
- Sports and concerts
- Travelling, both local and overseas
- Night sky and astronomy
ZEISS Terra ED binoculars include a semi-rigid case for additional protection.
One suggestion would be the ZEISS Terra ED 8x42. This is perhaps the classic size for birdwatchers especially and would offer years of service in the field. You can read more our these binoculars here.
What's the best size binoculars?
There's no one set size you should use for any particular activity. In other words, despite what you might read online there's no one size that all the bird watchers use or one size for whale watching etc.
There's two factors to consider. Binoculars are described like this:
- 8x25
- 10x42
- 7x50
And so on. The first number is the magnification or how much the binoculars increase the size of the image as you see it.
While it might see the highest number is always the best option - after all, the point of binoculars is to increase the size of things in the distance, isn't it? - but higher magnification also means a narrower field of view when searching for fast moving things like birds or sports action as well a emphasising and hand movements or shakes.
The second number is the diameter of each front lens in mm. For example, 10x32 and 10x42 binoculars would both produce the same size image to your eyes but the 10x42 binoculars would gather more light due to the larger lenses. This would make them better for low light conditions or for use during dawn or dusk as well as producing a slightly sharper image. They'd also be heavier and likely more expensive.
Here's a few suggestions for sizes and their uses. This a rough guide and have a chat with us to fine tune the right model binoculars just for you:
- Bird Watching - 8x42 or 10x42 for more experienced birders
- Scenery viewing from land - 10x50 or 10x42
- Whale Watching on the water - 10x42
- Sports - 7x50 or 10x50
- Concerts - 10x32
- Travelling - 8x32
- Compact/pocket sized - 8x25
These are only a rough guide and we're always more than happy to chat about specific binocular models and sizes to get one that's just right for you.
Cheers,
Earl White
BINTEL
5th December 2024
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