Binoculars

[Spaniel]

I'm looking to buy a pair of binoculars to use mainly for bird watcing. I've looked at some along Sukumvit and they seem ok. But like all the other fake stuff you buy, obviously the quality isn't going to be like the real thing. My question is, are they worth the price? Is their a particular model better then others and what power should I look for (for birding)?

[jaidam]

I'm looking to buy a pair of binoculars to use mainly for bird watcing. I've looked at some along Sukumvit and they seem ok. But like all the other fake stuff you buy, obviously the quality isn't going to be like the real thing. My question is, are they worth the price? Is their a particular model better then others and what power should I look for (for birding)?

The cheap copies look OK at first but the seals are terrible. When used outdoors they quickly get dust and moisture inside the lens and are then useless. Better to buy a name brand like Zeiss, I know somebody who has owned a pair of Zeiss binos for about 30 years and they are still as good now as back then.

Maybe in a depatment store you can find a decent pair without breaking the bank.

[astral]

I know somebody who has owned a pair of Zeiss binos for about 30 years and they are still as good now as back then.

Interesting comments about the seals.

I too have a pair which must be 60 years old, pre WWII.

Still in good order.

[ronw]

what power should I look for (for birding)?

No higher than x 8......if you try to use a higher magnification.....then it becomes difficult to keep the image steady, especially at longer ranges....

[astral]

More than 8X the size tends to increase as well

whicn is important when you have to carry them round all day.

[jamesc2000]

I'm looking to buy a pair of binoculars to use mainly for bird watcing. I've looked at some along Sukumvit and they seem ok.

I would never call ladies birds and I think the ladies at Sukumvit look more than ok! But that's just me!

Anyway why do you need binoculars for?

[Goshawk]

for birdwtching, 8x42 is the standard. Although 7x & 10x are OK too.

If your just starting out, you might get away with the cheap bin's you see all over Thailand (markets, mall's etc..) These would be ok for a novice

If your serious, then the big names are Leica, Swarovski, Ziess etc.. The prices for these however will leave you with not much change from 1000 GBP

(Leica can be bought in MBK)

[Spaniel]

I'm looking to buy a pair of binoculars to use mainly for bird watcing. I've looked at some along Sukumvit and they seem ok.

I would never call ladies birds and I think the ladies at Sukumvit look more than ok! But that's just me!

Anyway why do you need binoculars for?

Thanks for the bit of humor and to the other posters for the help.