From: TnBPope@cs.com  | 
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 00:16:59 EDT
Subject: binoculars
To: mike@[remove]mikebaird.com (Mike Baird)
 

Hi Mike - welcome to the Central Coast -

Binoculars come in all sizes and shapes from $49.99 to upwards of $1,400 - it 
doesn't hurt to have a budget in mind. They come in either roof prism or 
porro prism design; and with the following attributes which define their 
performance; magnification, objective lens size, eye relief, exit pupil, 
close focus, twilight index, field of view (measured in degrees or feet at 
1000 yards), phase correction (roof prism), weight, lens coatings, 
transmittance, water proofness, and maybe a couple I've forgotten. Also - 
most important is how they feel in your hand and how easy are they to focus. 

Having said all of that, many birders get 8(magnification) X 42(objective 
lens size in mm), weight probably not over 28 or so ounces, water proof, 
field of view 350' at 1000 yds or greater, close focus 12 feet or better, eye 
relief 15 mm or better (depends if you wear glasses or not), multi coated 
lens, exit pupil of 5mm or better. Some birders swear by 10 magnification 
however. 

Helpful? Probably not too - using the above and a cost range in mind this 
might be helpful in where to begin in checking out whats available. 
Manufacturers? - Bushnell, Nikon, Pentax, Leica, Cannon, Bausch & Lom, Zeiss, 
Swarovski, Celestron, Brunton, etc. etc. etc. 

Give me a call when you get to town if you wish and we can chat in greater 
detail

Ted Pope
WBU-SLO
tnbpope@cs.com
805-547-0242