Li, Kevin wrote:
>
> I'm contemplating getting some Zeiss 8x30 binos for about $759; anyone have
> suggestions of a cheaper place or a better alternative? Replies can be made
> to me directly, thanks.
>
> Kevin Li
> Seattle


If you are in situations where you need close focus capabilities, we
suggest Bausch & Lomb Elite Series Binoculars which allow a 6ft tall
person to focus on his/her feet. The ratio the larger number (here 30)
to the smaller number (here 8) is 3.75. This value is a relative
measure of light gathering capabilities. If you bird a lot in deep
woods or other low light conditions, you will want the largest number
possible. The US Navy used to issue 10x50 (ratio = 5) binoculars for
work at sea during wartime despite the fact that they were harder to
focus in rough waters. We are extremely happy with our Bausch & Lomb
Elite Series 10x40 (Ratio = 4) for a combination of deep woods birding
and long distance viewing. They also make an 8 power version which has
a larger lense that puts the ratio up around 4.5. Warbler watchers like
these a lot. The price of these is about the same as the Zeiss you are
looking at.

Doug Wassmer & Lilian Saul
Tampa, FL
tenetg at gte.net

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