Lydia,
In terms of power most binoculars on the market range from 7X
to 10X, with 7X and 8X probably being the most popular with
most birders. People who tend to watch more distant birds
would probably prefer the 10X. Anything over 10X gets a
little hard to hold steady. Some of the "giant" (80mm
objective lens) go to 11X that can be managed hand-held and
20X for tripod use. The sheer mass of these large "mothers of
all binoculars" helps dampen the "wiggles", (but not for the
triple-shot espresso drinkers). I am not aware of anything
comparable to the bino you describe on the market today.

Ed Schulz
Everett, WA
-----Original Message-----
From: lydia <lydia at wizards.net>
To: Tweeters!!! <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Date: Thursday, June 24, 1999 9:05 PM
Subject: Binocular Question


>Hi Tweets!
>
>I've got a question or two about my binoculars. My mom
bought them
>around thirty years ago, they're huge and very heavy.
>
>They're HALCO ZOOM. The numbers read: 7x-12x 40 Field 5.5
degree sign
>at 12x 288ft at 1,000 yds at 12x
>
>Uh.......they can really *pull* in the distant objects. I
just want to
>know where they stand in the "power" scale.
>
>I don't know how much she paid for them, but what would a
comperable pair
>cost today?
>
>Thanks,
>Lydia In Kent>
>Lydia Gaebe In Kent, WA/lydia at wizards.net
>Support the Independent Musician!
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