Can we talk binoculars?
I've been going out photographing birds (aka 'birding') and I think I could use something for spotting. I've seen obscenely expensive binocs and ones that are so cheap I'm sure they don't even have lenses made of glass.
Any of you use binoculars in a similar role, for example hunting?
At the moment I'm thinking something cheap or really old, but since I don't know shit I might be convinced I could use something more advanced.

Binoculars thread

>>2830405 (OP)
I use Vortex Diamondback for birding, they're not terribly expensive and they work well. I would stick to max 8X42 -10X42 - anything more than 10X magnification will be too shaky and necessitate a tripod and 42mm lenses let a good amount of light in so you get a clear image without being too bulky. You don't have to go super high end either, you can get something that's as good as you'll ever need for $150, maybe $200.

>>2830405 (OP)
Why binoculars? A monocular is much easier to get steady (press the cup against your skul, and brace the wrist that holds it with the other hand, with your elbows against your chest), and usually cheaper.
In addition, you can keep the surroundings in view with the other eye, making it much easier to find interesting stuff to view.
I'm using a vortex solo, for example (the reticle version, specifically, but you won't need that since you're not ranging targets).
>something cheap or really old
Don't. Old lens coatings suck. I've got an inherited pair of Wehrmacht binos, and they're so scratched up that you can barely seethrough them anymore, even though they were only used for a few years (43-45, I think it was) before being stored away. On the other hand, the more recent scopes and monos I've seen were alright after a comparable amount (10-15 years of weekend use) of use.

>>2830405 (OP)
Binoculars get expensive because of higher quality glass and higher magnification. There are also auto-stabilizing binoculars. One reason why someone would buy an expensive binocular is because they are more comfortable for your eyes during long periods of glassing.

if you want budget binoculars look for something with BAK4 prisms. there are random brand clones of similar vortex/leupold build for about $100 less. probably even made in the same factory in china. I have some Carson RD 10x42 that I got for $115 a few years ago that are basically vortex diamondback hd. now they cost a lot more but still not a lot for the quality.
> https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1326972-REG/carson_rd_042_10x42_rd_series_waterproof.html
if you have stable hands 10x42 is the way to go, but if you aren't that stable 8x42 will be much easier to get a still picture.

>>2830406
>>2830423
>>2830427
>>2830429
Alright thanks for your input all.