RE: [Paddlewise] Waterproof Binoculars

Date: Fri, 30 Jul 1999 09:58:40 -0400
From: dmccarty_at_us.ibm.com
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] waterproof binoculars

|I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size
|range and would prefer them also to float.

Based on your need to have a lot of light gathering - 24mm just won't cut
it. You would do much better with a 7x50 which will give you a 7mm exit
pupil. That's about the largest your eyes will go when it gets dark.

As far as floatation is concerned--forget it. Good binoculars require good
glass, i.e. heavy. Go for waterproof and tie them to your body or boat.

My wife and I both use Fujinon 7x50 that go for $500 - $700. (She uses my
first pair which are the less expensive) They have infinite focus, which
means you focus with your eyes and not by turning anything. That's been a
great feature on the water.

Whichever model you decide on - Go for the best quality that you can afford.
They should last a lifetime. My experience has been that the best know
optical companies, usually have the best binoculars, Zeiss,  Fujinon, Nikon,
Celestron, Meade in that order.

Steve

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