🚀 go-pugleaf

Buy nothing over 7 power, the lower the power the closer they focus, all
else being equal. Look for binocs with a published close focus of 12' or
less. I could make a specific suggestion or two but it depends on how much
you want to spend. One more, very important thing. If you are past 40 or so,
be aware that your eyes just won't focus as closely as they once did. It
gets worse with age. A fact of life. Most published close focus data
provided by the manufacturers seems to assume a pair of 20 year old eyes. If
you can, try out a few pairs to see how your eyes perform. You may or may
not achieve that 10 feet.  Have you thought of moving your feeders out a few
yards?
SusanC <susanc@nospam.please> wrote in message
news:37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please...
> I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from my kitchen
> window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but
the pair we
> have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
close.  What
> should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
rahul.net.  Thanks.
>

Thank you for the advice.

> ... If you are past 40 or so,

... oh, I am.

> be aware that your eyes just won't focus as closely as they once did. It
> gets worse with age. A fact of life. Most published close focus data
> provided by the manufacturers seems to assume a pair of 20 year old eyes. If
> you can, try out a few pairs to see how your eyes perform. You may or may
> not achieve that 10 feet.  Have you thought of moving your feeders out a few
> yards?

Can't do that, with all the parameters involved --  the kitchen window, the tree I'm
hanging the feeders from, the fence behind the tree.  Surely I'll find something that will
work for me.

SusanC wrote:
>
> I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet from my kitchen
> window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but the pair we
> have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that close.  What
> should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at rahul.net.  Thanks.

10x50 Eagle Optics Rangers (Celestron Regals) focus down to about 6',
their 8x40 focus even closer - both are excellent glass, well priced.

Doug

Hi Susan,

There are several binoculars that will focus at less than 10 feet.
An excellent although expensive one is the Leica 10x32.   The Orion
Savannah 8x42 and Celestron Regal 8x42 (virtually the same) will
focus in less than 7 feet.   The Savannah 10x42 and Celestron Regal
10x42 will focus in less than 10 feet.

Good luck,
Rich


SusanC wrote in message <37AA52A1.F4E8182F@nospam.please>...
>Thank you for the advice.
>
>> ... If you are past 40 or so,
>
>... oh, I am.
>
>> be aware that your eyes just won't focus as closely as they once did. It
>> gets worse with age. A fact of life. Most published close focus data
>> provided by the manufacturers seems to assume a pair of 20 year old eyes.
If
>> you can, try out a few pairs to see how your eyes perform. You may or may
>> not achieve that 10 feet.  Have you thought of moving your feeders out a
few
>> yards?
>
>Can't do that, with all the parameters involved --  the kitchen window, the
tree I'm
>hanging the feeders from, the fence behind the tree.  Surely I'll find
something that will
>work for me.
>
>
>

jerry:
I have to disagree with you on several points. First, cheap binocs are cheap
not because they are low power but because they are optically and
mechanically shoddy with great variation between one sample and another.
Your 39.95 specials are almost always out of alignment leading to discomfort
and headache. Durability is laughable, one small knock and the glasses are
trashed. Really, they are not worth the money even for the most casual use.
Plan on spending $150 - to 250.00. For that price you will get a good
durable glass that will serve for many years.
By the way, it is a common misconception that price and power are related.
They are not. Just check out the premium (or even cheaper) lines like Zeiss
or Leica. I much prefer 7x  to 10x, as do many people. Lower powered glasses
are easier to hold, focus closer and have a wider field of view than higher
powered glasses. they are often, though not always, small and lighter.
Doug Von Gausig <dougvg@sedona.net> wrote in message
news:37AA6A20.51B4@sedona.net...
> SusanC wrote:
> >
> > I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from my kitchen
> > window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds,
but the pair we
> > have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite
that close.  What
> > should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
rahul.net.  Thanks.
>
> 10x50 Eagle Optics Rangers (Celestron Regals) focus down to about 6',
> their 8x40 focus even closer - both are excellent glass, well priced.
>
> Doug

The Orion Savannah (like the Celestron Regals) cost about $350 US.
I wouldn't say they are as good as my Leicas but they are quite nice.

The Zeiss 7x42 are very nice.   If you get a chance I think you would
find the Leica 10x32 interesting.

Rich


russell marx wrote in message <7of5pf$9un$1@bgtnsc01.worldnet.att.net>...
>jerry:
>I have to disagree with you on several points. First, cheap binocs are
cheap
>not because they are low power but because they are optically and
>mechanically shoddy with great variation between one sample and another.
>Your 39.95 specials are almost always out of alignment leading to
discomfort
>and headache. Durability is laughable, one small knock and the glasses are
>trashed. Really, they are not worth the money even for the most casual use.
>Plan on spending $150 - to 250.00. For that price you will get a good
>durable glass that will serve for many years.
>By the way, it is a common misconception that price and power are related.
>They are not. Just check out the premium (or even cheaper) lines like Zeiss
>or Leica. I much prefer 7x  to 10x, as do many people. Lower powered
glasses
>are easier to hold, focus closer and have a wider field of view than higher
>powered glasses. they are often, though not always, small and lighter.
>Doug Von Gausig <dougvg@sedona.net> wrote in message
>news:37AA6A20.51B4@sedona.net...
>> SusanC wrote:
>> >
>> > I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
>from my kitchen
>> > window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds,
>but the pair we
>> > have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite
>that close.  What
>> > should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
>rahul.net.  Thanks.
>>
>> 10x50 Eagle Optics Rangers (Celestron Regals) focus down to about 6',
>> their 8x40 focus even closer - both are excellent glass, well priced.
>>
>> Doug
>
>

On Thu, 5 Aug 1999 22:09:34 -0400; russell.marx@worldnet.att.net wrote:
: Buy nothing over 7 power, the lower the power the closer they focus, all
: else being equal. Look for binocs with a published close focus of 12' or
: less. I could make a specific suggestion or two but it depends on how much
: you want to spend. One more, very important thing. If you are past 40 or so,
: be aware that your eyes just won't focus as closely as they once did. It
: gets worse with age. A fact of life. Most published close focus data
: provided by the manufacturers seems to assume a pair of 20 year old eyes. If
: you can, try out a few pairs to see how your eyes perform. You may or may
: not achieve that 10 feet.  Have you thought of moving your feeders out a few
: yards?

B&L Custom 7x26 are small, compact and focus down to 6 feet but $200+.
Several 8x both inexpensive and expensive can focus closer than 10 feet,
some going to 6 feet, like the Eagle Optics waterproof prism, $300+?
If you buy an inexpensive Nikon, like any Nikon for $100, like the
Naturalist or other well-regarded bins, make sure they are well-aligned
since many of them, half or more, are not aligned properly.  This is hard
to notice but you will not enjoy bird watching as much perhaps, and not
know the reason your eyes are not comfy with the binoculars.

A good sales person can help out with the alignment.  I rarely see an
inexpensive binocular that is aligned well.

Although the eyes do not focus closely as much with presbyopia, I am not
sure that this affects binoculars, are you sure?  I thought that a large
exit pupil is wasted since eyes will not dialate more than 5 mm, so a
7x35 (35/7=5mm exit pupil) is about as good as the larger 7x50 (50/7=7+mm
exit pupil) so no point getting the larger, heavier, and more expensive
binoculars if one is over 40, 45...

Adam Sundor

Reply emailed and posted.

Hi,

    Since you already have some general purpose binoculars all
you need is a cheap pair of binoculars that will probably remain
in one room -- your kitchen -- all their life.  Given your needs
a pair of Leicas or Saworskis, even if you could pay for them out
of "pocket change" would be overkill in the extreme.  Start at
the other end of the scale with Tasco's and work your way up --
if necessary.

    That being the case go visit your local camera store, K-Mart,
Wal-Mart, etc and find a pair of $39.00 Tasco's or similar.  One
reason they are cheap is that they aren't very powerful -- which
is what you want.  Take them home and try them out.  If they
solve your problem -- great, if not, try something more
expensive.

regards
Jerry Gitomer

SusanC wrote in message <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>...
|I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about
10 feet from my kitchen
|window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the
birds, but the pair we
|have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well
quite that close.  What
|should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email,
I'm at rahul.net.  Thanks.
|

Jerry Gitomer wrote in message <7odpvh$bt5$1@autumn.news.rcn.net>...
>Reply emailed and posted.
>
>Hi,
>
>    Since you already have some general purpose binoculars all
>you need is a cheap pair of binoculars that will probably remain
>in one room -- your kitchen -- all their life.  Given your needs
>a pair of Leicas or Saworskis, even if you could pay for them out
>of "pocket change" would be overkill in the extreme.  Start at
>the other end of the scale with Tasco's and work your way up --
>if necessary.
>
>    That being the case go visit your local camera store, K-Mart,
>Wal-Mart, etc and find a pair of $39.00 Tasco's or similar.  One
>reason they are cheap is that they aren't very powerful -- which
>is what you want.  Take them home and try them out.  If they
>solve your problem -- great, if not, try something more
>expensive.
>
>regards
>Jerry Gitomer


Hi Jerry,

I'm not for spending more than you need to, however, I think
it is always good to look (not necessarily buy) at the best first
so you have a good point of reference.

Rich

I guess it depends on your resourses and priorities. I started birding with
SO's field glasses-you can see half way around the world, but not much in
your yard. Same problem as org. poster- and recieved for X-Mas some tasco
7x35, and now I don't have to go to the neighbor's yard to look at my birds
at the feeders. They also weigh half as much, so my neck and arms don't ache
all the time. Hubby's glasses are old, so maybe the newer powerful glasses
are lighter? Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that looking out at
your feeders(and walking around the fields close to home) maybe isn't worth
$300 bucks. If I was going on a "far away" field trip, then maybe I'd rent
some really good glasses. I'm birding for fun( and I'm not spending that
much for a bicycle either).Vickie
Rich N. <rnapo*mirror*@znet.com> wrote in message
news:rqlocf5ukur49@corp.supernews.com...
>
> Jerry Gitomer wrote in message <7odpvh$bt5$1@autumn.news.rcn.net>...
> >Reply emailed and posted.
> >
> >Hi,
> >
> >    Since you already have some general purpose binoculars all
> >you need is a cheap pair of binoculars that will probably remain
> >in one room -- your kitchen -- all their life.  Given your needs
> >a pair of Leicas or Saworskis, even if you could pay for them out
> >of "pocket change" would be overkill in the extreme.  Start at
> >the other end of the scale with Tasco's and work your way up --
> >if necessary.
> >
> >    That being the case go visit your local camera store, K-Mart,
> >Wal-Mart, etc and find a pair of $39.00 Tasco's or similar.  One
> >reason they are cheap is that they aren't very powerful -- which
> >is what you want.  Take them home and try them out.  If they
> >solve your problem -- great, if not, try something more
> >expensive.
> >
> >regards
> >Jerry Gitomer
>
>
> Hi Jerry,
>
> I'm not for spending more than you need to, however, I think
> it is always good to look (not necessarily buy) at the best first
> so you have a good point of reference.
>
> Rich
>
>
>
>

Hi Vickie,

Right.

One thing that drives up the cost of binoculars is
making them waterproof and very rugged.  If all you
aren't going to be taking your binocular out in the
rain and you will be relatively careful with them
there are a number of less expensive binoculars
available to you that have quite good optics.

A spotting scope like the Celestron or Orion Short Tube 80
would be fine for looking at birds at low to medium power
when you don't need an ultra rugged, waterproof scope.
Although I'm not sure exactly how close it will focus.

Rich

Vickie Liska wrote in message ...
>I guess it depends on your resourses and priorities. I started birding with
>SO's field glasses-you can see half way around the world, but not much in
>your yard. Same problem as org. poster- and recieved for X-Mas some tasco
>7x35, and now I don't have to go to the neighbor's yard to look at my birds
>at the feeders. They also weigh half as much, so my neck and arms don't
ache
>all the time. Hubby's glasses are old, so maybe the newer powerful glasses
>are lighter? Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that looking out at
>your feeders(and walking around the fields close to home) maybe isn't worth
>$300 bucks. If I was going on a "far away" field trip, then maybe I'd rent
>some really good glasses. I'm birding for fun( and I'm not spending that
>much for a bicycle either).Vickie
>Rich N. <rnapo*mirror*@znet.com> wrote in message
>news:rqlocf5ukur49@corp.supernews.com...
>>
>> Jerry Gitomer wrote in message <7odpvh$bt5$1@autumn.news.rcn.net>...
>> >Reply emailed and posted.
>> >
>> >Hi,
>> >
>> >    Since you already have some general purpose binoculars all
>> >you need is a cheap pair of binoculars that will probably remain
>> >in one room -- your kitchen -- all their life.  Given your needs
>> >a pair of Leicas or Saworskis, even if you could pay for them out
>> >of "pocket change" would be overkill in the extreme.  Start at
>> >the other end of the scale with Tasco's and work your way up --
>> >if necessary.
>> >
>> >    That being the case go visit your local camera store, K-Mart,
>> >Wal-Mart, etc and find a pair of $39.00 Tasco's or similar.  One
>> >reason they are cheap is that they aren't very powerful -- which
>> >is what you want.  Take them home and try them out.  If they
>> >solve your problem -- great, if not, try something more
>> >expensive.
>> >
>> >regards
>> >Jerry Gitomer
>>
>>
>> Hi Jerry,
>>
>> I'm not for spending more than you need to, however, I think
>> it is always good to look (not necessarily buy) at the best first
>> so you have a good point of reference.
>>
>> Rich
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

Rich N. wrote in message ...
>Hi Vickie,
>
>Right.
>
>One thing that drives up the cost of binoculars is
>making them waterproof and very rugged.  If all you

Make that two things.    ;-)

Rich

>aren't going to be taking your binocular out in the
>rain and you will be relatively careful with them
>there are a number of less expensive binoculars
>available to you that have quite good optics.
>
>A spotting scope like the Celestron or Orion Short Tube 80
>would be fine for looking at birds at low to medium power
>when you don't need an ultra rugged, waterproof scope.
>Although I'm not sure exactly how close it will focus.
>
>Rich
>
>Vickie Liska wrote in message ...
>>I guess it depends on your resourses and priorities. I started birding
with
>>SO's field glasses-you can see half way around the world, but not much in
>>your yard. Same problem as org. poster- and recieved for X-Mas some tasco
>>7x35, and now I don't have to go to the neighbor's yard to look at my
birds
>>at the feeders. They also weigh half as much, so my neck and arms don't
>ache
>>all the time. Hubby's glasses are old, so maybe the newer powerful glasses
>>are lighter? Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that looking out at
>>your feeders(and walking around the fields close to home) maybe isn't
worth
>>$300 bucks. If I was going on a "far away" field trip, then maybe I'd rent
>>some really good glasses. I'm birding for fun( and I'm not spending that
>>much for a bicycle either).Vickie
>>Rich N. <rnapo*mirror*@znet.com> wrote in message
>>news:rqlocf5ukur49@corp.supernews.com...
>>>
>>> Jerry Gitomer wrote in message <7odpvh$bt5$1@autumn.news.rcn.net>...
>>> >Reply emailed and posted.
>>> >
>>> >Hi,
>>> >
>>> >    Since you already have some general purpose binoculars all
>>> >you need is a cheap pair of binoculars that will probably remain
>>> >in one room -- your kitchen -- all their life.  Given your needs
>>> >a pair of Leicas or Saworskis, even if you could pay for them out
>>> >of "pocket change" would be overkill in the extreme.  Start at
>>> >the other end of the scale with Tasco's and work your way up --
>>> >if necessary.
>>> >
>>> >    That being the case go visit your local camera store, K-Mart,
>>> >Wal-Mart, etc and find a pair of $39.00 Tasco's or similar.  One
>>> >reason they are cheap is that they aren't very powerful -- which
>>> >is what you want.  Take them home and try them out.  If they
>>> >solve your problem -- great, if not, try something more
>>> >expensive.
>>> >
>>> >regards
>>> >Jerry Gitomer
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi Jerry,
>>>
>>> I'm not for spending more than you need to, however, I think
>>> it is always good to look (not necessarily buy) at the best first
>>> so you have a good point of reference.
>>>
>>> Rich
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

Rich N. wrote:
>
> Roger A. Moncrief wrote in message <37AD79B8.70C7@ix.netcom.com>...
> >Susan,
> >I use Bushnell's power zoom 9X27 binoculars. They focus very close. I am
> >sure they focus to 8 feet or less. I carry them with me everywhere I
> >might see a bird. They are small and lightweight. They weigh slightly
> >more than one pound. The zoom feature is great for getting an extremely
> >close look at birds. The only complaint I have is that the field of view
> >is a little narrow. They cost $99.99 at
> >http://www.servicemerchandise.com/. Hope this helps. Good luck.
> >--
> >Roger A. Moncrief
>
> Hi Roger,
>
> Have you compared the image quality of the Bushnell power zoom to
> fixed focus binoculars?
>
> Rich


Rich,
No, I just went to Service Merchandise and had them start yanking
binoculars out of the display case. They must have had 25 or 30 models.
I looked through each one and hefted each one. I wanted small, light
weight, close focus, powerful binoculars. The Bushnell 9X27 binoculars
met every criteria I wanted plus their price at $99.99 was pretty good
compared to the other binoculars so that's what I bought. I would do it
again in a heartbeat.

Granted I am sure there are many binoculars that have better optics but
a 7, 8 or 10 power binocular with the best optics in the world can't
help me identify a 5 inch bird at 100 yards the way the little Bushnells
can do at 20 power. If the bird is close enough that it is easily
visible at 9 power then I don't feel I need $300 to $500 equipment. They
work fine for me. The only thing I have ever tried to do with them that
doesn't work very good is track flying birds. They have a rather narrow
field of view.
--
Roger A. Moncrief
http://www.indrev.com/
Indepth Reviews

Indepth reviews of WinImages, trueSpace 3.1, Imagine for Windows, Ray
Dream Studio 4.1, Bryce 2, World Construction Set 2, Detailer, Goo,
Click & Create, CourseWorks 3.2 CBT, Desktop Support Factory, 3D Deck,
Kitchen & Bath, etc. on line now. Animated Communications' 3D
Choreographer in work. Page also contains a brief Photoshop 5 issues
report.

SusanC wrote:
>
> I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet from my kitchen
> window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but the pair we
> have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that close.  What
> should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at rahul.net.  Thanks.


Susan,
I use Bushnell's power zoom 9X27 binoculars. They focus very close. I am
sure they focus to 8 feet or less. I carry them with me everywhere I
might see a bird. They are small and lightweight. They weigh slightly
more than one pound. The zoom feature is great for getting an extremely
close look at birds. The only complaint I have is that the field of view
is a little narrow. They cost $99.99 at
http://www.servicemerchandise.com/. Hope this helps. Good luck.
--
Roger A. Moncrief
http://www.indrev.com/
Indepth Reviews

Indepth reviews of WinImages, trueSpace 3.1, Imagine for Windows, Ray
Dream Studio 4.1, Bryce 2, World Construction Set 2, Detailer, Goo,
Click & Create, CourseWorks 3.2 CBT, Desktop Support Factory, 3D Deck,
Kitchen & Bath, etc. on line now. Animated Communications' 3D
Choreographer in work. Page also contains a brief Photoshop 5 issues
report.

Roger A. Moncrief wrote in message <37AD79B8.70C7@ix.netcom.com>...
>Susan,
>I use Bushnell's power zoom 9X27 binoculars. They focus very close. I am
>sure they focus to 8 feet or less. I carry them with me everywhere I
>might see a bird. They are small and lightweight. They weigh slightly
>more than one pound. The zoom feature is great for getting an extremely
>close look at birds. The only complaint I have is that the field of view
>is a little narrow. They cost $99.99 at
>http://www.servicemerchandise.com/. Hope this helps. Good luck.
>--
>Roger A. Moncrief


Hi Roger,

Have you compared the image quality of the Bushnell power zoom to
fixed focus binoculars?

Rich

Rich N. wrote in message ...
>
>Roger A. Moncrief wrote in message <37AD79B8.70C7@ix.netcom.com>...
>>Susan,
>>I use Bushnell's power zoom 9X27 binoculars. They focus very close. I am
>>sure they focus to 8 feet or less. I carry them with me everywhere I
>>might see a bird. They are small and lightweight. They weigh slightly
>>more than one pound. The zoom feature is great for getting an extremely
>>close look at birds. The only complaint I have is that the field of view
>>is a little narrow. They cost $99.99 at
>>http://www.servicemerchandise.com/. Hope this helps. Good luck.
>>--
>>Roger A. Moncrief
>
>
>Hi Roger,
>
>Have you compared the image quality of the Bushnell power zoom to
>fixed focus binoculars?

  ^^^^^^^^^^^
Oops.  I meant to say fixed power (magnification).

>
>Rich
>
>

Rich,
If the cheap zooms could work, their high powers would offset the crude
implementation of what binoculars should be, ie, crisp and clear.
I have not had much luck with Bushnell zooms as the poster you replied
to, but I was impressed in the same type store, Service Merchandise, with
a little zoom made by Meade, maybe that is what he meant.  I was not
surprised since Meade makes the only binocular under $200 that I have
ever handled that was in sharp alignment, their 8x42, really nice, but I
don't know who makes their current models, so not sure still true.

Why impressed by the Meade zoom?  Well, first, I could actually see
something clearer at the higher power instead of the usual lack of
resolution to make them completely worthless.

And I think as I zoomed, the zoom stayed in focus, maybe not, but this is
a killer for a zoom binocular, assuming there are some zooms that stay in
focus as you zoom along.  I have heard about this.  Can't remember if the
Meade could do this.  My Bushnell certainly can't and alignment is not
really possible, after _two_ trips back to the factory.  And my cheap
Nikon is the same way although I have not bothered sending it to Nikon
yet.

The problem I have with Zooms is not that an inexpensive zoom is not a
Leica or Zeiss or Nikon or Canon high-end, but they are useless because
something is out of whack as you zoom along to higher powers.  I just
cannot see clearly at 15x, can't read the writing, just useless for me,
with the possible exception of the cheap Meade.  Heard good things about a
Nikon zoom in the $250+ range but have never seen the beast.

Anybody have luck with a zoom that retains its resolution, clarity, and
maybe focus as you zoom to the higher powers?

Adam S.



On Sun, 8 Aug 1999 09:47:30 -0700; rnapo*remove*@znet.com wrote:

: Rich N. wrote in message ...
: >
: >Roger A. Moncrief wrote in message <37AD79B8.70C7@ix.netcom.com>...
: >>Susan,
: >>I use Bushnell's power zoom 9X27 binoculars. They focus very close. I am
: >>sure they focus to 8 feet or less. I carry them with me everywhere I
: >>might see a bird. They are small and lightweight. They weigh slightly
: >>more than one pound. The zoom feature is great for getting an extremely
: >>close look at birds. The only complaint I have is that the field of view
: >>is a little narrow. They cost $99.99 at
: >>http://www.servicemerchandise.com/. Hope this helps. Good luck.
: >>Roger A. Moncrief
: >
: >
: >Hi Roger,
: >Have you compared the image quality of the Bushnell power zoom to
: >fixed focus binoculars?

:   ^^^^^^^^^^^
: Oops.  I meant to say fixed power (magnification).
: >Rich

I want to say thanks to everyone who posted on this thread and to make a progress report
for anyone making the same search as me.

I visited a local scope store today.  One of the recommended binoculars, an Orion 8x42
Savannah, was my favorite by far among the few I tried.  I also looked at a 10x50
Savannah, an Orion 8x22 Ultraview compact, and a $99 pair I didn't consider long, so I
didn't write down the model :-).  The Orion 8x42 allowed a very close focus -- I think the
closest I tried was about 8 feet -- and gave a bright image with easy focus and a
comfortable feel.  The 10x50s didn't focus close enough for me, and the Ultraviews just
had a darker image and a less comfortable feel.  Of course, the price reflects the
quality, and  the 8x22 was $359 so I'm taking a cool-off period to allow myself to look at
other options :-)    People will probably suggest buying online, but I would rather buy
from the place that let me try the product out rather than on-line unless the price
differential is so ridiculous I can't stand it.

BTW, people have mentioned that the Orion Savannah is identical or nearly identical to the
Celestron Regal and the Eagle Optics Ranger.

@assets.wharton.upenn.edu <@assets.wharton.upenn.edu> wrote in message
<7okii8$vp1$1@netnews.upenn.edu>...
>Rich,
>If the cheap zooms could work, their high powers would offset the crude
>implementation of what binoculars should be, ie, crisp and clear.
>I have not had much luck with Bushnell zooms as the poster you replied
>to, but I was impressed in the same type store, Service Merchandise, with
>a little zoom made by Meade, maybe that is what he meant.  I was not
>surprised since Meade makes the only binocular under $200 that I have
>ever handled that was in sharp alignment, their 8x42, really nice, but I
>don't know who makes their current models, so not sure still true.
-snip

Hi Adam,

It is interesting to hear about the Meade binoculars.  I haven't tried them.

I had a Bushnell zoom 6.5 - 24 X 42.   The images weren't too bad at under
10x but more than that and the image didn't have good contrast and was
not very sharp.

Rich

SusanC; I suspect that you'll get a lot of replies to your post.  But, FWIW;
my everyday glasses are 10X42 Swift Viceroy's (Model No. 828).  I sit just
over a meter away from my window feeder, and use them to watch my hummers.
I bought them at the suggestion of my favorite sales lady at my local bird
shop.  She knows her products well, and directed me towards them when I said
that close focus was a must.  With those glasses, you can stand up and watch
your shoelaces.

As for price, I bought them last year to replace another pair, and don't
really recall what I paid for them.  It wasn't all that much as I recall.
Since I got them from my local wild birds store, I'm pretty sure I paid a
bit more than if you got them from a discount store.  Just to clarify, I
don't do that to be stupid.  I do that to support the small family owned and
operated stores.  For that I'll gladly pay a bit more.  Obviously, YMMV...

As an aside, they're quick focusing, armored, water proof, and have good eye
relief too.

Dusty Bleher
San Jose, Ca.



SusanC <susanc@nospam.please> wrote in message
news:37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please...
> I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from my kitchen
> window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but
the pair we
> have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
close.  What
> should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
rahul.net.  Thanks.
>

Hi Susan

Depending upon your price range, you might want to check out the Swift
Eaglet binoculars.  They're small, rubber coated.  I don't remember the
power right now, but it's either a 7x or an 8x.  What makes them so
wonderful is that they'll focus to 4 feet.  You can literally focus on your
shoestrings with them.  A lot of people are using them for butterfly
watching, also.

The Wild Bird Center where I used to work charges $399 for them.

Good luck

Robin

SusanC wrote in message <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>...
>I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from my kitchen
>window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but
the pair we
>have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
close.  What
>should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
rahul.net.  Thanks.
>

In article <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>, you say...
>
>I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet from
my kitchen
>window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but the
pair we
>have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
close.  What
>should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
rahul.net.  Thanks.
>

With whatever binoculars you've got do the following:

1) focus as close as you can with both eyes (using the center focus)
2) close your left eye and focus even more closely by using the eyepiece
   focus for the right eye

You can do *substantially* better this way, but it's obviously not as
convenient as having close-focus binocs.

This is a good trick to know for focusing on butterflies while out birding.
Seems to me that my tests a couple of years ago showed that you can focus
another 50 percent nearer this way.

Bruce
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce M. Bowman          | In nature there are neither rewards nor
Ann Arbor, Michigan USA  | punishments -- there are consequences.
bbowman@umich.edu ------ | Robert G. Ingersoll
bmb@biosci.umtri.umich.edu -- ++++++++++ I'M FOR THE BIRDS ++++++++++
            http://www-personal.umich.edu/~bbowman/birds/

The Swift Eaglet will close focus to 4'.  You can literally focus on your
shoelaces.   I forget the power, but they're in the $400 range.

Robin

Bruce M. Bowman wrote in message ...
>In article <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>, you say...
>>
>>I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from
>my kitchen
>>window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds, but
the
>pair we
>>have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
>close.  What
>>should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
>rahul.net.  Thanks.
>>
>

I own a pair of Swift Eaglets and like them very much. The Eaglets are 7x36
and close focus to around 4 feet. You can get them at Eagle Optics for
around $320 + shipping. Eagle Optics may also have their own house brand
version (the Eagle Optics Rangers 7x36) for less.

There's also an 8x42 version of this binocular known as the Celestron Regal
(aka the Eagle Optics Ranger 8x42). They close focus to around 5 or 6 feet
as opposed to the 4 feet of the 7x36 version.

- Rob Malkin

Jensen Manufacturing Co. Inc. wrote in message
<7u50ff$4jv$1@nntp1.atl.mindspring.net>...
>The Swift Eaglet will close focus to 4'.  You can literally focus on your
>shoelaces.   I forget the power, but they're in the $400 range.
>
>Robin
>
>Bruce M. Bowman wrote in message ...
>>In article <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>, you say...
>>>
>>>I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
>from
>>my kitchen
>>>window.  I like to use binoculars to take a closer look at  the birds,
but
>the
>>pair we
>>>have, bought for general-purpose use, don't seem to focus well quite that
>>close.  What
>>>should I look for in buying a new pair?  If you want to email, I'm at
>>rahul.net.  Thanks.
>>>
>>
>
>
>

My Swift Viceroy's (10X42, model #828) focus down to about a meter or so.  I
use it to look at my hummers at the window feeder.

Them little puppies look like chickens when you're that close...(:-)!


Dusty
San Jose, Ca.


Bruce M. Bowman <bbowman@umich.edu> wrote in message
news:Fp6N3.2092$%6.442798@news.itd.umich.edu...
> In article <37A9D843.D4C538E2@nospam.please>, you say...
> >
> >I have a birdfeeder, hummingbird feeder, and birdbath all about 10 feet
from
> my kitchen
<snipped>