Re: [Paddlewise] Binoculars?

I have a pair of binoculars that I am REALLY happy with for paddling and 
everything else (baseball games, basketball games). They are made by Fujinon, 
the "Mariner" model (7X50 WPC-XL). They are waterproof, have a built-in 
compass, are very light for their size, have a floating neck strap, and the 
objective lens diameter is 50 mm. For paddling or boating, a lens diameter of 
50 mm is ideal because you can keep your target in view while the boat is 
bouncing around on swells & waves. The cost 2 years ago was $199 U.S., which 
may sound expensive, but this was the least expensive pair of binoculars I 
found with all these features. I purchased them at "West Marine" in 
California.  

In a message dated 1/9/03 6:03:06 AM Pacific Standard Time, firefly_at_eatel.net 
writes:

> 
> 
>   Dear Group,
>   When out on the Mississippi River Saturday  it occurred to me it would
> be handy to have a set of binoculars, especially out there, in order to be
> able to judge the direction, speed, and size of approaching tugs and barges
> and other craft when they are as far away as possible, in order to have
> plenty of time to get the heck out of the way.
>   I raised this question privately with another list member whom I know
> birdwatches, and she told me her binoculars cost several hundred dollars.
> I've got a new VCP Avocet and all gear, including carbon paddle, nice roof
> rack, GPS, etc, so I have spent a LOT of money lately. I am not a
> birdwatcher, not patient enough for it.
>    (I have a theory that all you birdwatchers are just making up the bird
> names on the spot,  "That's a Twit-nosed River Skimmer." but that's another
> thread.. <G>)    Do many of you use binoculars? If so, what type, and how
> much? I need to spend $, or $$, but definitely not $$$$.  Thanks, Marsanne
> 
> 
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