Nikon Ecobins Binoculars

Uncrate writes:

Be good to nature while watching it. Made from lead- and arsenic-free glass, the eco-friendly Nikon Ecobins Binoculars ($200) are manufactured with no harmful chemicals and sport a non-chloride rubber body. The fully waterproof/fogproof binoculars also come with a Eucalyptus-sourced natural-fiber case and strap.

How to Buy Binoculars as a Gift

Tips on how to buy binoculars as a gift from http://www.ehow.com

Binoculars are handy to have for close-up views of sporting events, scenery or wildlife. Giving binoculars can be tricky, because people are often fussy about what they want. Getting a few clues ahead of time can steer you to a pair of binoculars that will be much appreciated.

Things You’ll Need:
Ribbons
Gift Cards
Wrapping Paper
Binoculars Cases
Lens Cleaner
Binoculars
Step 1:
Determine what purpose the binoculars might be used for. Binoculars used for general purposes don't have to be as finely crafted as binoculars for birding.

Step 2:
Decide on your price range. Decent binoculars start at under $100 and can run as high as $1,500.

Step 3:
Consider the weight and bulk of the binoculars, especially if they'll have to be packed for use while traveling.

Step 4:
Make sure the binoculars you choose can be used by a person wearing eyeglasses, if applicable.

Step 5:
Be sure the binoculars have coated lenses.

Tips & Warnings
If the binoculars are going to be used in a location where they may become wet or catch sea spray, consider purchasing rubber-armored binoculars.

Binoculars come with the strap put on by the manufacturer, but these straps sometimes are not comfortable to wear around the neck. Look for a more comfortable strap at a camera or optics store.

Birders are especially fussy about the binoculars they use. Unless your birder friend is a beginner, it's better to leave the choice up to the birder and not take a chance on buying binoculars that won't be used.

Video Binoculars

Optics Planet have a range of video binoculars ranging from $49 up to $479. See here to compare prices and product specs.

Most Powerful Binoculars

Check out NexTag to compare prices on their most powerful binoculars

Mini Binoculars

Optics Planet review the Audubon 7x18 Mini Binoculars are write:

Audubon 7x18 Mini Binoculars - 4100 These binoculars have a broad appeal to hikers, campers, travelers, theatergoers, and sports enthusiasts. Anyone looking for a great optical image in a really small package will love the Audubon 7x18 mm Mini's size, weight, and quality. The Audubon Mini Binoculars is small enough to go anywhere and will focus to just four feet for great views of butterflies or for close study of paintings, etc. Comes complete with neckstrap and protective carry case including belt loop attachment.

Infrared Binocular View

Captureview Binoculars

Gerber - Sport Binoculars 8x25

Thought I would take a look at some compact sport binoculars. Here is one on the Gerber binoculars:

Gerber – they’re an Australian-owned company that have been bringing us all the best binoculars from around the world since 1977. Get up close and personal with a set of Gerber binoculars, and you know you won’t miss out on a single thing.

Turn off the TV. Whether it’s footy, soccer, golf, rugby, racing, tennis, hiking…maybe it’s even synchronised swimming – whatever kind of sport you love – stop lounging in your armchair, and get out of the house!

If you’re a sports freak, make sure you’ve got a set of Gerber Sport Binoculars! These faithful, attractive, and, above all, compact little binoculars are just as obsessive about your favourite sport as you are! For every sport, there’s a pair of Gerbers that will help you get the absolute most from every thrilling moment. You’ll be right in there for every little bit of the action…and there’s no ad breaks!

8 x 25 Sport Binoculars feature:
# Soft, rubbery outer coating makes Gerber Sport Binoculars comfortable to hold.
# Lightweight and incredibly compact – the perfect size for your backpack.
# Anti-UV lenses reduce the effects of UV radiation, thus making the view through your binoculars less glary and easier on your eyes.
# Multi-coated lenses for more effective light transmission.
# High grade BAK-4 Prism lenses give you a sharp, clear and brighter image than other lenses.
# Black eyecups protect your lenses when not in use.
# Includes a handy carrying case with Velcro closure, belt loop and lanyard.


Dimensions: 10.5 x 4 x 11cm.
Magnification: 8 x 25.
Viewing Angle: 6.3º.

Price: $72.

Binoculars for Astronomy

Informative post here entitled, Binoculars for astronomy and observing other things in the night sky:

The number-one decision with respect to binoculars for night-sky watching is (1) handheld or (2) mounted. Binoculars that will be handheld need to be lighter and have less magnification, but they have larger fields of view, taking in more of the sky at a time. Binoculars that will be mounted can have much larger front (objective) lenses and higher magnification and weigh a lot, but they have smaller fields of view and take more skill to use to their fullest.

Exit Pupil. The exit pupil is simply the objective (front) lens diameter divided by the magnification. Because the pupils of the eyes dilate in the dark, binoculars for night use need larger exit pupils than binoculars that will only be used in daylight.

Field of View. In general, a larger field of view is better, but more magnification reduces field of view. So the observer must balance the factors. If the target or the observer will be in motion, a larger field of view will make it easier to keep the target in view.

Night and Day. As a general and important rule, binoculars that are good for night viewing are fine for daylight use — but NOT vice versa. The difference, in technical terms, is that binoculars with small exit pupils (roughly, less than 3 mm) can be fine in daylight but not good for night use. (High-power binoculars are less subject to this generality.)

Another very important consideration is whether the binoculars will be used with or without eyeglasses. For use with eyeglasses, more "eye relief" (or "exit pupil distance" or "high eye point") is needed; in this case, binoculars called "long eye relief" are appropriate. However, long eye relief is unhelpful at best if the binoculars are used without eyeglasses. On the other hand, long eye relief is good for daytime use with sunglasses. Long eye relief generally is at least 18 mm.

Prisms. There are two types of prisms used in binoculars: porro and roof. In general, maybe about the only generality is that for equal optical quality, porro prism binoculars do not cost as much. People with large hands may tend to prefer porros, which are wider, as a matter of ergonomics. Here's a good article.

Glass. "BaK-4" (barium crown) glass is better quality than "BK-7" — although the latter is not necessarily bad (based on my experience of a few years using nice 10x50 binoculars with BK-7 prisms).

Coatings. "Fully multi-coated" (FMC) is best. Roof prism binoculars are better if they are also "phase coated".

There is a full table here together with suggested brands and models.

Marine Binoculars

Top Quality Binoculars, commenting on marine binoculars, write:

The Marine Binoculars are outstanding and high quality products that are so much suitable for the purpose of hunting, boating, sailing and for many other outdoor activities. The Marine Binoculars are less complicated and these binoculars can be used for the purpose of hunting or to enlarge the image of the birds. The Marine Binoculars are also used for the birding. The Marine Binoculars are one of the most famous and advanced optical technologies of the world. The Marine Binoculars and many other binocular brands are made for hunting and birding. These binoculars are often used at the beach. These binoculars can also be used to look at the birds, to scan the sea for ships, to hunt and many other interesting things. Any binocular can magnify your desired image. The quality of any image always depends on the two major factors. These factors relate prisms and lenses. The lenses are considered one of the most important components for the Marine Binoculars optics. A lens is a part of the visual display that helps to congregate baring objects and light into the focus. The brightness of the images is more affected by the size and basic optics of the lenses.

The waterproof Marine Binoculars are best choice for the people to use at the beach. The high level of humidity can cause the lenses to mist up the binoculars. The waterproof Marine Binoculars can give you a clear vision under the water also. The online stores are the greatest and ever liked resources for the best and unique Marine Binoculars.