Originally posted by Wasp Just took delivery of a pair of Vivitar 10x50mm binoculars. It was $20 including delivery by courier. Not bad, it cost about the same a takeaway burgers and chips for the family.
What I really want is something with a Pentax logo on it, but that would have been $100 or more. <snip>
This el cheapo might cure me of the idea or set me on the road to something like a Pentax 20x60mm. We will see.
As a long-time user of various binoculars for birding, may I offer a word of caution ? High magnification may seem a great idea, but there are drawbacks. Firstly, the d*mn things are heavy ! Secondly, DOF is limited. Thirdly, there is the same issue as long telephotos or zooms - holding them steady. Granted, they can go on a tripod or monopod, but that tends to cut down on their ease of use. Fourthly, they have limited light-gathering power - this is usually measured in bins by dividing the magnification (20) into the exit pupil diameter (60), thus giving a figure of three. I use Leica 7x42, thus giving a figure of six - twice the light gathering power, which in low light or murky conditions is invaluable. HTH.