[pct-l] Binoculars

[dlindsay777 at yahoo.com (Denise Lindsay)]

Something to keep in mind when buying binoculars:
  
  Regardless of weight, if you're planning to use your binoculars mostly  for bird-watching, it's important to keep in mind the magnification to  objective-lens-diameter ratio. For birding (especially at dawn/dusk or  in wooded areas), at the minimum, the ratio should be 1:5. That is, if  you're buying a pair of 8x magnification binoculars, the objective lens  should be at least 40, so 8x40. This has to do with the 'exit pupil',  which should be at least 5mm for good light-gathering ability. Certain  brands have additional features to aid in light gathering (usually the  more expensive brands like Swarovski or Leica). Once you buy a good  pair of binoculars though, they'll last you forever. For a somewhat  less expensive brand that is similar in clarity, color, and  light-gathering ability to the more expensive brands, I recommend the  Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum Class 8x42, which is water-resistant,  about $380, and has a lifetime warranty. They are 23oz, but extremely 
 comfortable, especially with the harness.
  
  Some useful webpages:
  
  Info about how to choose binoculars, terms, and design:
  http://www.binoculars101.com/bin-choose.html
  
  Eagle Optics (sells many brands, easy comparison charts):
  http://www.eagleoptics.com/
  
  Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum Class 8x42:
  http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=2991
  
  Eagle Optics harness:
  http://www.eagleoptics.com/search.asp?q=harness&pid=2025
  
  - Denise
  

Denise L Lindsay 
Department of Biology
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
dlindsay777@yahoo.com
337-298-1202 









		
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