Basic Birding Binocular
Written: Mar 13 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: They're tough, and it works without all the geegaws of high end binoculars.
Cons: It won't win the optics of the year award, but it doesn't have to.
The Bottom Line: Bushnell's Spectator II binoculars work well enough for most folks. If you want good binoculars but don't want to spend a bundle, these are the binocs for you.
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| jcgrow's Full Review: Bushnell Spectator II (7x35) Binocular |
Some folks would tell you that when you're out looking to buy a binocular you've got to pay close attention to the specifications. Hooey. If you're some kind of astronomer, private detective or soldier on a battlefield I'm sure you need a the best binocular that money can buy, with special characteristics to help in your special work.
Now really -- are you some kind of stargazer, spy, or soldier? I'm not. I use my binoculars when I go hiking and for birdwatching. I know what I need, and I know what I don't need. I don't need geegaws, and I don't need to pay an arm and a leg. That's why the Bushnell Spectator II works just fine.
Let's get down to brass tacks. If you want a binocular to use for everyday sorts of purposes, there are just a few questions you need answered:
Is the image clear?
Yes.
How much magnification do you get?
Forget 4x, 8x, 16x. You'll certainly forget it when you're out in the field. Here's what you need to know: I can see a bird clearly in the tree across the street with these binoculars. They don't magnify as much as a larger model, but they do well enough for most folks.
Are they tough?
Oh yeah. My dog once took these binoculars and played with them throughout the house for a whole day while I was gone at work. Except for a few teeth marks on the lens caps, they turned out just fine. If you take a tumble down a mountain, these binoculars will most likely survive.
Are they expensive?
Less than $100. Let your budget judge how costly that is.
If you want to get all picky about your binoculars, don't bother with these. If you just want a good, reliable pair for an occasional outing in nature, though, these are the specs for you. They work, and they work without you having to worry about them.
By the way:
I got my Bushnell binoculars through the Audubon Society, a non-profit environmental organization which aims to help preserve all wildlife but has a special focus on birds. If you're going to buy these binoculars, try to do so through the Audubon Society -- the profits will go to a really great cause.
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Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jcgrow
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Location: Trumansburg, New York, United States
Reviews written: 238
Trusted by: 50 members
About Me:
Editor of IrregularTimes.com, looking at the world at through an irregular lens.
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