binocular lens advice

[myrtleman]

Hi all,

Could you give me some help. I'm looking to buy some binoculars that will allow me to view aircraft (including colours) at high flight levels overflying London.

Please advise what you think to be the best - and the most reasonable cost-wise.


Thanks for you help,

MM

[Conan the Librarian]

It goes without saying that high quality is going to give better results, but also, Canon now put image stabilisation into some of their binoculars and when looking straight overhead, this is somewhat handy. Go and try a pair at the dealer.

Failing that, either some astronomical binoculars or spotting scopes have big, bright objective lenses and often, good eye relief as well. Still is best to try them though, so that you can see what suits you best.

Conan

[myrtleman]

what are the specifications for canon binoculars of the type that I'm looking for?

[Kolibear]

A lot of birdwatching magazines contain adverts for specialist binocular/optics shops, who often hold open days or attend trade fairs.

If you are tempted to get a 'scope, please don't try to hand-hold it - it doesn't work!! Get one with an angled eyepiece and a monopod.

[oldlag53]

I have just bought a pair of Canon 18x50 IS binoculars mainly for overflights, and they are superb. You can clearly see the airliners' colours when the magic button is switched on. Three downsides: they are heavy, the batteries last no time at all, and they are pretty expensive - over 600 quid!

Not sure whether I am allowed to do this on the forum, but I would highly recommend Ace Optics in Bath - very fast, friendly service and their website is helpful too...Just google them and they come up near the top of the page.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Given a certain amount of practice, you should be able to get used to holding powerful binoculars steady enough to identify high flying aircraft without the need for image stabilisers. I bought a pair of 16x50 binoculars when I was 18 and they saw me for most of my life. 2-3 years ago I replaced them with 15x60s and, aged 62, can often read the registrations off airliners flying over our garden, up to around 10,000 ft. They also allow views of contrailing aircraft good enough to identify the airline with no trouble. Telescopes are excellent - we use our birdwatching telescopes at airports but they're not so easy for aircraft flying over as most tripods do not allow one to look vertically.

One good tip - always ensure that the object lens is at least 4 times the magnification for best light transmission. That is, go for 10x50 in preference to 20x50 and steer well clear of the amazing offers in weekend papers for the "most powerful binoculars" because they're usually not!!

[myrtleman]

well, thanks for the advice everybody

I've eventually gone for Nikon 16x50, Action VII Binoculars. Bought online from Microglobe for what seemed to me like a reasonable price.

Anyone with any experience of these? Drawbacks or plus points appreciated.
I want them for viewing overflyers in the Heathrow area. I have another excellent pair for low level landing and departing traffic.


Thanks,
MM