courtney (05/05/83)
Relay-Version:version B 3/9/83; site harpo.UUCP Message-ID:<1001@hp-pcd.UUCP> Date:Thu, 5-May-83 00:29:05 EDT #N:hp-pcd:7600004:000:1225 hp-pcd!courtney May 4 13:22:00 1983 I am about to buy a pair of binoculars... If anyone has some information about brands, particular models, or purchasing considerations, please mail to me. (If anyone would like a summary of what I receive, please mail such a request to me and if I get enough interest, I will post the summary). My main use of binoculars is for birds. Clarity and light-gathering ability are thus my two primary concerns. I wouldn't MIND if they were small, though optical quality is the priority. I have heard that for powers greater than 8X, the compromises between light- gathering ability, sharpness, cost, size, and hand-shake become overbearing. 8X40 seems to be a good size, though they are not readily available (as far as I know). When considering 8X30's, I have seen several good pairs... a pocket model that somes to mind is an 8X30 by Minolta, retailing for ~$170. (I am looking in $150 to $300 range, Leitz are out of my question unless someone knows of a place to buy them "cheap"). I have also heard that the size of the exit lense has a lot to do with eye fatigue and perceived comfort... Please help... Courtney Loomis hplabs!hp-pcd!courtney