my gf and I are going on a cruise in the Caribbean this winter and I've heard that having a pair of binoculars is definitely something we should bring. I don't really know too much about binoculars, so I'm seeking some input.

price is definitely an important factor (I'm thinking under $100, unless someone has a really awesome suggestion otherwise)

also:
1) a decently wide field-of-view
2) possibly waterproof, although I don't know if this is 100% necessary for our needs
3) fairly light and compact

I might be willing to go a bit over $100 for perhaps an image stabilized one.

if anybody has any recommendations, I appreciate your input.

 

Lots of choices out there. General rules of thumb: Get something with seven- or eight-power magnification for all-around use. Ten-power can be better for something like bird watching, but can also be more difficult to hand-hold.

A larger lens diameter (the second number in something like "7X35") is generally better because it allows more light through, but in the compact range a diameter of 18 to 25mm is most common, and I've found that to be fine for daylight use.

Speaking broadly, lower-power binocs are better for dim-light use. You'll find two construction methods: roof prism and porro prism. Roof prisms are the slim, straight-barreled binocs - it requires considerable precision to fold the optics into that shape, so bargain models may be no bargain. In the sub-$100 category, bulkier porro-prisms -

 

i heard if you take a piece of paper and poke a tiny hole it and look threw it, it makes your eyes focus farther. - cheap and compact.

 

[QUOTE=naomi-sarah,Oct 7 2004, 09:01 AM] Lots of choices out there. General rules of thumb: Get something with seven- or eight-power magnification for all-around use. Ten-power can be better for something like bird watching, but can also be more difficult to hand-hold.

A larger lens diameter (the second number in something like "7X35") is generally better because it allows more light through, but in the compact range a diameter of 18 to 25mm is most common, and I've found that to be fine for daylight use.

Speaking broadly, lower-power binocs are better for dim-light use. You'll find two construction methods: roof prism and porro prism. Roof prisms are the slim, straight-barreled binocs - it requires considerable precision to fold the optics into that shape, so bargain models may be no bargain. In the sub-$100 category, bulkier porro-prisms -

 

Hi, for your needs and price range, I don't think you really have to worry about brand names.

It's more when you get into the higher dollar binocs that you'd have to be more concerned about it.

Just go into the store and have a little chat with the sales rep. Tell him your budget so that he doesn

 

I was browsing overstock.com and came across this one. it's a 10x50 but might work fine.

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PA...&PROD_ID=752749

Looks like it might suit my needs. Field of view at 1000 yds: 342 ft. seems pretty good, no?

I'll go to REI and check out their binoculars to get a feel for them, but will probably buy off the 'net to save some $.