Binoculars for sight seeing?

oldnewguy

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Minuteman
Jun 21, 2021
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I don't own a decent pair of binoculars, but we're taking an Alaskan cruise later this month, so it seemed like a good time to get a pair. They'd be for wildlife and scenery on our trip, and just all-around use in the future.

Sort of arbitrary, but I'm thinking $400-500 for a budget. I'd be happy to spend less, or a little more, I just have no idea what the sweet spot might be.

Suggestions?
 
I proposed to my wife on an Alaskan Cruise, enjoy.

I had taken a good 7x50 binoculars with me and they came in handy. But, I wished they were image stabalized as they were shaky looking from the ship or on the whale excursion boat. If stabalized I would have wanted more magnification at times, maybe 10x.

I believe Cannon has some decent stabalized binoculars in your budget. If not keep the magnification reasonably low.

Found this one, seems good reviews.

Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization II Binoculars https://a.co/d/aRtOZPG
 
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Up your budget and get the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pocket Binoculars. Small but incredible glass and just the right amount of magnification. In wouldn’t want to lug around anything larger for sightseeing.
 
Take a look at the Kowa BD II 8x42mm Wide Angle Binocular with “XD” Lens
Rugged reliability ensured.
Every model in the BDII-XD range benefits from a magnesium alloy chassis, a sophisticated moulding process produces the feel and strength of metal with the added benefit of decreased weight.

The lightweight, rugged structure can tolerate the severest conditions and provides a sense of security and longevity.

The BDII-XD are built to last. Use them with confidence.
Surrounding the tough magnesium alloy body is a protective layer of rubber armour, not only providing a sure, comfortable grip but also increasing the level of durability.

Each BDII-XD is fully waterproof and dry nitrogen filled to prevent the lenses from fogging and Kowa’s KR coating protects from dirt and other foreign residue build-up that may affi x to the lenses during use.

Take a wider point of view.
One of the stand-out optical features of the BDII-XD series is their enviable large field of view, boasting class leading wide angle performance.

Viewing is super comfortable on the eye, making long periods of use out in the field a pleasure.

Engineered for your comfort.
The BDII-XD series are engineered to enhance your viewing experience.

A sleek, ergonomic design with a specially selected tactile rubber armour layer ensures easy and comfortable operation - elevating every moment of use.

Operation is flawless.
A fluid, responsive focus wheel delivers pin point accuracy and smooth twist eye-cups ensure optimum viewing for both spectacle and non spectacle wearers.

Tailor the BDII-XD specific to your own viewing requirements with an easy to use dioptre adjustment system.

The ergonomic body of the BDII-XD series is as impressive as the optics it protects, with every curve considered to make observation both relaxing and free from fatigue.
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions, that really helps. The compact, 8x binoculars seem like a good idea.

I'm going out this afternoon to do some shopping and I'll look through a few different sets.