Just found a good deal on what should be excellent kayaking binos- Russian army 7x30s. They seem to be available from a lot of places for under $200. Century Arms (www.centuryarms.com) has them for $180. Waterproof, compact, armored and with individual focus. -- Michael Edelman http://www.mich.com/~mje Telescope guide: http://www.mich.com/~mje/scope.html Folding Kayaks: http://www.mich.com/~mje/kayak.html Airguns: http://www.mich.com/~mje/airguns.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I would take the "waterproof" with a grain of salt....I used to import Eastern European optics, and while the optics themselves are usually first class, the mechanical side left a lot to be desired. I would probably run with Japanese, German (Steiner) or US units for Kayaking..unless we're talking about ponds heh heh... cya Bob Denton Vice President Undersea Breathing Systems bob_at_dnax.com http://www.dnax.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Hi, I won't recommend a specific model since my binocular model is out of production, however I have some general thoughts that I shared a year or so ago. Some people are very sensitive to poor optics. While a person may think a particular model is sharp and fine when trying it in the store, after using it for several minutes or more in real life situations, some people find that cheep (a relative term) or even just lower end optics, cause eye strain and headaches. I relate this from both other peoples tales and my own personal experience. Personally I feel that if you can afford the high quality optics of Steiners, or the less expensive but still excellent (at least in my experience) Nikons, then go for it. I have had my water proof 10 year old Nikon 7x50 binoculars strapped to my deck bag, on the outside, taking the full force of waves with out problems on several occasions. One time when canoeing they remained submerged after a white-water capsize while canoeing for 10-20 minutes while I was dealing with more pressing demands. Much to my delight, they did not show any signs of leakage and remain a great pair optics. I hope I never loose them. As for power, I agree that anything over a 7 power is too much, unless it has image stabilization, and even with that, I don't know if I would want that much power. Hope this is useful. Bob *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
My father in law's Nikon binos were issued to him during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. They go everywhere with him and live in the trunk of his Lincoln. Still waterproof and clear after 35 years. I own Steiner binos. I abused the snot out of Steiners as a forward observer. Threw them in my track and rattled them around for months at a time. Never saw a pair break. I bought mine on Ebay. My type is waterproof to 5 meters. Jim et al ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Brubaker" <bbserve_at_earthlink.net> > I have had my water proof 10 > year old Nikon 7x50 binoculars strapped to my deck bag, on the > outside, taking the full force of waves with out problems on several > occasions. > Bob *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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