Cheap Binoculars? Is there such a thing?, well, you certainly get what you pay for, but do you have to pay the earth for something that does the job perfectly well? Trouble is, taking the plunge and going for it, sight unseen, with no personal recommendation. Looking for some new binoculars to replace my ancient 7x30 poro prism set, I studied what was available from chandlers and the like, concluding that a 10x50 or there abouts would fit the bill, hours trawling e-bay suggested various sets, but nothing actually said ‘buy me’ but then I saw a 10x42 roof prism, waterproof, nitrogen filled for £25- too good to be true surely, but at £25, worth a look, so I finally took the plunge and bought said item. If I had researched a little further, I could have got them from the 7day shop for £18-00. Rubber clad, 6 degree field angle, 105m/1000m, lens caps nylon fabric case, strap, extendable eyecaps for proper relief, when wearing glasses, in fact offering everything that the bushnell or opticron10x42 model does but at over £100 cheaper. They do what they should do, with clarity and ease, one handed focus is easy. They are light 660 grams, compact and smart. I have not tried dunking them in the sea yet, so can’t verify the waterproof qualities, but have no reason to suspect they are not exactly what they claim to be. Lets face it, at £25 or £18, if they were only average, they would do as a back up, but I think they are fine and really good value. I took a chance and was not disappointed It makes a change to get something not quite for nothing, but that you are well pleased with.
E-bay and other second hand retailers are really good for finding great products and even greater prices. As you said you did your research (well done) as there have been many who have fallen short when the item is not as described in the ad.
The saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” is definitely a true statement. As people upgrade, as they inevitably do, it gives others the chance to reap in the opportunities.
I think average optical quality is all that is really needed for binoculars anyway. Let's face it, you can't hold them still enough for long enough (especially on a boat) to justify the expense of top quality. Unless your new binoculars fall apart after a season, 25 notes sounds like a very good deal to me.
Second hand is the way to go. If someone has used then you can get the recommendation off them and know if they are any good. You also don't need gadgetry on Binoculars really; a simple pair will usually suffice.
Thanks all for the response to my original 'cheap binoculars'thread theones in question were new, and Iguess the point was, sometimes you have to take a chance, in this case it worked out. Rog
Well now, that was the problem, they do not have a makers name on them, no clue either on the box, my guess is that they are either a good copy of something well known or made in the same factory,and released for the budget marketplace, I don't know. However, www.7dayshop.com is the address, an online shop, for techno stuff, search under binoculars, then scroll down,look for the roof prism waterproof at £17.99, cat no is eye1042w at the risk of repeating myself, I am well pleased with them. Rog
must check e-bay after these comments. But also must say that having over years used lots of cheap/ medium binoculars without ill-effect, recently 'inherited' a pair of Steiner Commander boks with compass and the difference is amazing.. some kind of damping I think so image doesn't buzz around so much. Adn double up for taking sights. Touch wood, will be with me for life.
When it comes to these sorts of things it pays to get a quality pair as they will last you for life. If you can get them second hand or at a discount – all the better!
