Binoculars

[David Meiland]

What's a good, small pair of binoculars for looking at roofs and similar?

[kurt]

I have both, but I use a generic monocular more than my binoculars. It fits in my pocket and it's quicker and easier than a pair of binoculars.

[John Dirks Jr]

I have a really nice pair of Minolta 7x35. Not the smallest but they are very clear and have a good field of view. I tried smaller ones but the smaller field of view hampered my ability see enough without having to move them around too much.

[Marc]

I carry a 10X 50 bino in my truck but rarely use it since getting a pocket camera with 40X zoom.

Marc

[gtblum]

I like Simmons optics. Whatever you choose, spend the $.

You do get what you pay for. A few bucks can make a huge difference.

[JohnC]

I use Nikon Monarch 5 -10x42 - very happy with them

John Callan

[Ben H]

I've got a set of Nikons, Used them more on vacation a few years ago than I ever have looking at houses. One of my cameras has 21x optical zoom, I can reach out and touch just about anything, and take a pic of it.

[Scottpat]

Bushnell Trophy XLT Roof Prism Binoculars, 8x32mm

About $90 on Amazon

Not the most expensive but they are a good size and waterproof.. I forgot what it is called but you get the best image from the optics when the first number ( divides evenly in to the second number (32).

Academy Sports have this pair in stock in their stores, they are a little higher but you can go and try them out in the store before you buy..

[kurt]

Does the company even matter anymore? I think it's got more to do with product cycles and which vendors are actually manufacturing the stuff.

I've got a pair of promotional binoculars from Restoration Hardware that are better than some of the Bushnell and Nikons I've owned. I've used Tasco's that are as nice as Nikons. I don't even know the mfg. of my monocular; complete generic and very nice.

The only thing that seems for certain is when you get into the really expensive stuff; then, price usually buys quality.

Waterproof is nice.

[Eric B]

The only thing that seems for certain is when you get into the really expensive stuff; then, price usually buys quality.Waterproof is nice.

Canon's 18x50 IS binoculars fit into that category - serious magnification and great stabilizer.