Purpose: largely for use in national parks to spot animals
Budget: around 7k, but I’m ok spending a bit more for a high quality product because, from what I understand, good quality binoculars will last me for life (preferably not more than 10k though).
I didn’t know anything about binoculars till yesterday. After a little bit of research, I understood that the primary features I need to look for are magnification factor, size of the objective lens, and eye relief. However, I’m not sure what is the most suitable for my purpose. As of now, I have following doubts/questions:
- Will 8×25 be too dark for a national park or is it fine?
- Does 8×42 provide any advantage over 8×25 for my use?
- Should I go for 8x magnification or 10x?
- Should I go for lightweight binoculars as some 8×42 ones weigh as much as 800gm?
- Do binoculars offer diopter adjustment? If not, can I use them with my glasses? My power is around -1.5 in one eye and -1 in the other
- What is fixed focus and center focus and what should I look for?
- What is prism in this context?
I’m hoping to clarify my doubts through this thread and also get recommendations. At present, I have the following models shortlisted:
Links for shortlisted products:
Bushnell H2O 8×25 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B007JNWCDE/
Bushnell 10×42 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B003A1P27W/
Celestron Upclose G2 8X40 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B006ZN4WOQ
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0822JLCGJ/
Pentax Binocular SP 8×40 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B00SKO4LU8/
Celestron Outland 8×42 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B004KM82IQ/