Could anyone advise on binoculars to take on safari, will be going to masi mara in june 2016. Thanks in advance Anna
I just finished doing a bunch of research on binoculars and decided to go with the Nikon Monarch 7 8x42. They can be found for about $450'ish. The previous generation, Monarch 5, is about $300, and the generation before that, the Monarch 3, are about $220.
For me, the extra ~90 feet of usable Field of View between the 5 and 7 was worth the extra money.
You might also consider the Bushnell Elite ED or Bushnell Legend Ultra HD.
I've found some of the best reviews and information at http://www.opticsreviewer.com/
The link below has a good primer on safari binoculars and suggests some models. Years back I bought Meade 8x42 binoculars that were recommended at the time (~$130) and I am still very happy with them. If just buying and using for safari I wouldn't overdo it price-wise.
http://www.african-safari-journals.com/safari-binoculars.html
Also, here's a detailed review of a Meade set that gets very good ratings for low cost binoculars.
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Meade8x42RainforestPro-158.htm
Got a used one at OLX Kenya for our trip and cost us $70, it was in excellent condition. A Bushnell 10x50mm and worked very well. Our guide had a similar one in the vehicle and so we only needed to buy one.
Sharon
Go and hold a few pairs.
Lake Vyrnwy RSPB can't be far away - check first but I believe they stock a range of binoculars.
For general game viewing nothing too powerful (8x or 10x) and the more light they will gather the better, especially in poor light (dawn/dusk).
Solid/tough can be a big advantage as you will be bouncing around in a vehicle and don't want to worry about fragile equipment.
Try a good few pairs - and do try some way beyond your budget just to get feel for what is available.
Choose a pair that fit the general parameters and then feel good in your hands. Where focussing works easily and they seem to fit your eyes. Once you hold a pair that "works" for you, you will know.
You might want to check with your trip operator to see if they already have them in the vehicle. A lot do. I carried a smaller pair for a couple of trips, but found I didn't use them. I used either my telephoto lens on my camera or used the guide's. Same way if you need a bean bag to steady the camera. A lot of vehicles will have them.
Thanks everyone for your responses, very helpful
Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.
What are forum guidelines? Edited: 7 years agoTripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guideline limiting each user to a single forums screen name.
What are forum guidelines?Hey Anna,
Try the most popular binoculars on the market (at least lately): Steiner Safari. They are really good binoculars and you do not have to go broke on this purchase.
I got mine from this site: http://www.binoculars-expert.co.uk/steiner-safari-ultrasharp-10x26, but you may use just any price comparing website.
If you're ready to spend a little bit more, go for Steiner Safari Ultrasharp 8x30 :)