Ideal Binoculars

[Michael Gochfeld]

I use Bausch and Lomb elites 8x42 and find them very nice for butterflies, also
for birds, but I think a general feature of close focusing binoculars is lack of
depth of field and a lot of travel (three full turns of the knob) to go from
near to far.

Celestron  regal 8x42 are also good for butterflies, but I find them less clear
for distance viewing, but they were about 1/3 the price of the Elites.

There was an article several years ago in American Butterflies that reviewed
butterflying-binoculars, but I think that quite a few new models have been
introduced since then.  Some probably focus even closer than the Elites, which
for me are about 4 1/2 feet  (your mileage may vary depending on eyes and
probably the individual glass).

M. Gochfeld

James Hanlon wrote:

> Any preferences out there for either the Bausch and Lomb Elite 8X42 or 10X42
> binoculars for use in the jungle for butterfly observation?
>
> In theory, I would think that more light and less shake from the 8X42's
> would be preferred over the slightly higher magnification of the 10X42's.
>
> Any other good binocular recommendations would also be appreciated.
>
> Jim