Graham Nash

The 8 is the magnification, the 42 is the size of the lens (Basically the bigger that number the more light that will be allowed in). Star gazing ones will have higher magnification and larger lenses (but they wont fit in your pocket, nor will you be able to hold them steady by hand and more to the point for general use, they'll have a tiny field of view). The quality of the lenses make a huge difference to the results that you'll see. If you're paying a decent price, make sure they are "coated", or "multi coated" is even better. I tried the Vortex and the Hawke HD. The difference was minimal and the prices were similar. I ended up buying the model with ED lenses because they were just a tiny bit brighter than the previous two and as my use will possibly be in dusk and dawn conditions I wanted as much light as possible but still in a small enough size to make carrying them practical. (They still wont fit in my pocket tho). Id say the 25's or 32's will be better for "normal" use and certainly better for portability. I did try the 10 x 42 ED's and they were absolutely amazing, but they're bigger they are heavier and I personally felt slightly seasick in the few minutes I was using them due to my tiny bit of shake transferring and amplifying through the binoculars. Id seriously recommend you get to Castle Cameras and have a look at various ones before spending your hard earned. Incidentally, my son bought some from Go Outdoors and he was able to try them out in the store etc and they're great for general use (and about £80).

our weather is so frustrating!

On reading this thread again last night I too visited Castle Cameras this morning and checked out the Vortex and Hawke binoculars. My requirements are more for bird watching so I had already decided 8 X 42 was probably my preferred size. This gives a reasonable magnification, good field of view and easier to hold stable than the higher magnification. While there I did try the 10 x 42 but I struggled to keep them rock steady with my little bit of "old age shake" Like you, the help was excellent and I felt that after all their effort I should buy from them. I opted for the Hawke Endurance ED's. I compared them to my old ones once i got home and the difference is amazing.

My old girl completely agrees with nigel.

No worries Pete, I'm glad it helped. I too have spent many hours trying to run cables in tight conduit until I found these little rods of magic 🙂 I'll let you now when I'm next over your way, alternatively you can drop them in my box whenever you're passing. There's absolutely no rush as I have a few of them.

Interesting thread. Ive been using some big old cheap second hand ones (bought from an old dear in Wimborne when her hubby died) and some RSPB (cost an arm and a leg) ones purchased in the last few years. The old ones are almost as good as the RSPB ones but cost less than a twentieth of the price. I tend to use the RSPB ones for their size more than their performance. Ive checked out some of the binoculars mentioned above and they all look great. I do like the thought of image stabilisation tho because with age i seem to shake more especially when trying to catch a bird (feathered type Jim) whether through binoculars or camera.

My number is 07710911921. I'm often in Swanage as my missus loves the place. I'd be happy to drop it to you next time if I have your number.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283989604277?var=585447662494&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338723872&toolid=20006&customid=OSPCtl4VAAAAEYuA_hksMeaYy0cCAAAAAA

I run cables every day and have tried most things. By far the best Ive found is a strong spring called "spirado". Its about 6-8mm diameter and comes in 10-20 & 40 met lengths. It will get through anything and will twist round bends etc. If you need to borrow one you are welcome.

I will take your number and give you a call tomorrow Charlie. Graham

i didnt withdraw but I might as well have done. Popped out of the harbour, it was much choppier than it should have been. We saw some charters towards the end of the Swash so joined them. If doggies where the target then we passed with flying colours. It was quite uncomfortable on a small boat so we headed back into the harbour after a few hours. We tied up to an unused buoy and drowned a few more worms. Complete blank ...... Headed home after being out about 5 or 6 hours of being thrown about like we were inside a washing machine. Nothing to record fish wise im afraid but i was with a very old mate of mine and his wife and we had a great day reminiscing our younger days and the silly things we used to do.

Samoya on 13th if this weather clears up ...... although i doubt that very much!

im sure that makes him feel better :-)

I didnt see the blue on the fins using my phone but yes I agree, its much more evident on my laptop. In fact its a completely different colour on my laptop 😂😂

I'd have said it was a red .... But there are far more experienced and knowledgeable people on here than me.

Ive been finding them at the back of Dolphin Sands in Poole Bay. Not huge, but lots of them. Great for the youngster. (having said that, i completely blanked there last weekend :-) )

Samoya is out tomorrow. Is their an official weigh in or is it a photo/trust comp? I'll be out with a non member but might be lucky enough to hook a flatty.

I should think so at that price!

yes, bargain at that. Unfortunately there seems to be lots of uncertainty at the moment which is making lots keep their money in their pockets. I cant see you struggling at that price.

It's a no from me too!

Will the weather play ball? 😶

I've sent a pm lofty

I bet you were expecting much more expense when this thread started. Id say that sounds like a great result!