I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size range and would prefer them also to float. Mike Allegretti Elphinstone Sec School mallegretti_at_sd46.bc.ca *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Mike; I've paddled for years with a pair of Zeiss 8x30 armored, individual focus binocs. Bombproof and with a lifetime warranty. The exit pupil of the 8x30 is 3.7mm whereas the 8x24 is only 3.3mm. This doesn't sound like much but on the water it can make seeing from a moving platform much easier. I also own the comparable binoculars by Stiener, the 8x30 Hunting. The Zeiss are far-and-away better. Brighter and less distortion in the periphery. Unfortunately, the Zeiss go for around $850 US while the Steiner are around $500 (if I remember right). John Winskill mike allegretti wrote: > > I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size > range and would prefer them also to float. > > Mike Allegretti > Elphinstone Sec School > mallegretti_at_sd46.bc.ca > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
|I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size |range and would prefer them also to float. I have a pair of Nikon 10x50s which I need to replace since they had a near fatal meeting with some concrete. The problem with 10x binocs is that they are to powerful. You have to have a very steady platform to use the binocs. Standing on land leaning against a car is kinda required. However being a 50 lense is really really really useful. I have use the binocs in just shy of total darkness and it was really amazing. The binocs gathered more light than my eyes. Course the problem with binocs that are at or near 50 is that they are large and if you go with the very good European firms, very expensive. 8-( My paddling usually ends at dusk or at night so I need something that can gather as much light as I can afford. The next pair of binocs I'm eyeing is the 8X50's from Nikon. There is a waterproof model as well as one with a compass built in. This could be useful. They are running about $225 US or there abouts from mail order companies. I think they have a smaller lower power model as well. I reallly want a Steiner 8x56 binoculars but since they are around $1100-1300 I don't think the PowerThatIsMyWife will allow such a purchase! 8-) I could maturely take droping a $200 pair of glass in the water but a Stiener? It would be bad to see a grown man crying at the boat ramp... 8-) Hope this helps... Dan McCarty *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
dmccarty_at_us.ibm.com wrote: > > |I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size > |range and would prefer them also to float. I don't think you will find any of them that will float. The trouble with true marine binoculars (waterproof to x depth, 7X50 which can see better at dusk than with the naked eye) is that thye tend to weigh in the 2 pound range. This makes them difficult to float even with a flotation collar attached to the binocular neck strap. I have been eying what looks like an interesting set of binoculars. It is the Brunton 8X24. It claims to be waterproof and has nitrogen gas or something to help make it so. It weighs under 10 oz, which means it would float with just a small float on the neck strap, even one of those keychain thingies made of foam you find as giveaways at paddleshops and boating events. And it costs just $115 at Eastern Mountain Sports where I saw it. Many binoculars don't work well with eyeglasses which I use. These one is a delight. At the price, weight, and claim of waterproofness, it would be a nice compromise. The waterproof warranty is for a year or something. My guess is that it would do just fine in bilge water in your kayak and handle a quick accidental dip (say you lean over while launching and your binoculars dangle for a second in the water. Brunton is well known for its compasses and other such tools. I don't know what kind of reputation they have had if any in the past with optics. ralph -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Sorry; I calculated the exit pupil of a 8.24 binocular as 3.3. It is actually 3mm. John Winskill John C. Winskill wrote: > > Mike; > > I've paddled for years with a pair of Zeiss 8x30 armored, individual > focus binocs. Bombproof and with a lifetime warranty. The exit pupil > of the 8x30 is 3.7mm whereas the 8x24 is only 3.3mm. This doesn't sound > like much but on the water it can make seeing from a moving platform > much easier. > I also own the comparable binoculars by Stiener, the 8x30 Hunting. The > Zeiss are far-and-away better. Brighter and less distortion in the > periphery. Unfortunately, the Zeiss go for around $850 US while the > Steiner are around $500 (if I remember right). > > John Winskill > > mike allegretti wrote: > > > > I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size > > range and would prefer them also to float. > > > > Mike Allegretti > > Elphinstone Sec School > > mallegretti_at_sd46.bc.ca > > > > *************************************************************************** > > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > > *************************************************************************** > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
mike allegretti wrote: > I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size > range and would prefer them also to float. An affordable pair are the Bushnell 8x25 Angler model. They are rubber coated and waterproof. With the wide neoprene neckband attached, they float. They aren't spectacular but they are fine for kayaking and stuff. Canadian Tire has them on sale occasionally for CAN$99.99. You may find them elsewhere for the same or cheaper. I've had a pair since last year and have no real complaints. If I was really rich, I'd risk ruining an expensive pair but these suit me fine. Mike. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Mike, If you: 1) Would rather spend $300+ on something else (or don't have it), and 2) Don't want much weight around your neck, Check out Fujinon's 7 x 50 w/ float strap. While these may use plastic lenses, they work great (light gathering, ability to hold an image while the kayak is moving, and internal compass). I got mine at Westmarine for just under $200. If you've got the bucks for the best of everything, disregard the above... FYI: I paddle a plastic boat so I can afford a Gore-Tex dry suit even though I'd prefer a graphite/kevlar boat. Eric -----Original Message----- From: mike allegretti [mailto:mallegretti_at_sd46.bc.ca] Sent: Thursday, July 29, 1999 7:36 PM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] waterproof binoculars I would like to hear opinions on waterproof binoculars in the 8X24 size range and would prefer them also to float. Mike Allegretti Elphinstone Sec School mallegretti_at_sd46.bc.ca *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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