|
November 06, 2008
|
 |
What are the best binoculars for the trail?
|
Predator 8x22 Binoculars (courtesy, Steiner)
|
What’s the latest scoop on a very good pair of compact binoculars that can
handle rough weather and hiking conditions?
— James
Kailua, Hawaii
Do you have a question of your own?
|
|
|
 There are lots of compact binoculars out there, so you are sure to find
one you like.
I’ve had the same pair in my pack for some six years, and I still love them.
Those would be the Steiner Predators ($160), a compact glass designed by
the famous German glassmaker but, well, farmed out to a manufacturing
subsidiary. Nonetheless, they are great small glasses at
8x22—eight-power magnification (quiet good!) with a 22mm opening, all
of which is best for daylight. They have excellent resolution—perhaps a
bit fuzzy on the edges, but not bad. And they’re tough and light.
Of course, you can spend far more, and up to a point you get what you pay
for. Take Nikon’s
estimable Premier LX L 8x32. These are fabulous glasses with the same
magnification as the Steiners (eight power is about the max for reasonable
hand-held performance) but with a wider element for more light transmission.
They have environmentally safe glass, hair-on-a-gnat resolution, and a
perfect hand-feel, not to mention they are waterproof. But hey, they also
cost $950! They better be good. Brunton’s Echo 8x25 ($125) has the same basic specs,
without quite the refinement or glass that was hand-crafted by highly paid
Nikon elves. Compact, and very nice.
So get thee to a store and try a few pairs. A lot depends on how they “fit,”
i.e., how they meet up with your eyes, feel in the hand, etc. You’ll know
the right pair when you find them.
The 2008-09 Winter Outside Buyer’s Guide is on newsstands
now. Look for it online soon so you can get prepped for gift-giving
season—even if everything you pick is for yourself!
 |
|
|
|
GEAR GUY FEATURES
Check out the bio of Douglas Gantenbein, aka the Gear Guy.
Readers' Mailbag: The Gear Guy digs into some of your more bizarre, obscure (and let’s face it, downright weird) posts from years gone by to see if he can make sense of it all, or if it’s just time to run up the white flag. Previous column: Beat the Cost of Gear.
The Gear Guy reports from the 2005 Outdoor Retailer summer trade fair, with his rundown of ten products to watch in 2006, plus the inside scoop on what shook down at the bi-annual gearapalooza.
|
|
|
|
|
Many of the items reviewed by the Gear Guy can be found at REI.com. Click here to find the internet's biggest selection of outdoor gear and apparel.
|
