Good gear: Sports binoculars
It may be over the hills - but it needn't be far away. Robin Barton arms himself with the latest outward-bound, lightweight lenses to see what he can see...
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Your support makes all the difference.Days at the races, nights at the opera... all are improved by a pair of binoculars. The quartet here are all compact, even pocket-sized, and offer magnification of x8 or x10 – most manufacturers offer both, with the x10 models the more expensive. Additionally, these binoculars are as lightweight and weatherproof as possible in their respective price ranges, making some suitable for more arduous days out than watching the 2.10 at Doncaster. Apart from the magnification, the second figure to note is the size of the aperture opening; effectively this is the diameter of the magnified spot that you see. The models featured here have apertures of 22mm or 25mm.
To focus these binoculars, open out both barrels until just one circle appears. Focus is adjusted with a central dial, but one eye at a time should be focused using the diopter dial, to ensure that any difference in strength between your eyes is taken into account.
The binoculars in Minolta's Activa range are splashproof and can be used in light rain or snow. While we were not sure about their appearance – a gold metallic finish rather than the rubberised exterior of the others – they were very user-friendly and one of the easiest to focus. Ostensibly all these binoculars can be used by people wearing glasses, and these were the most glasses-friendly. However, the lens caps did have a tendency to fall off.
In contrast, the shell of the Canon binoculars was a tough-looking plastic for non-slip handling and water resistance. With x10 magnification, at just under £100 these represent good value, and they come with a lens-care kit and a book of 100 weekend walks. But they were also the most difficult to use with glasses.
Pentax warn users of the DCF MC binoculars that they are not water or weatherproof. They may not be as versatile as the others, but the good quality of the lenses is apparent.
The binoculars that really stood out were from Zeiss's new Victory Compact range; and not just because they cost £200 more. They are light – the others all tipped the scales at 340g in their cases, the Victorys weighed just 300g thanks to a fibreglass reinforced casing – and have a superior design. Rather than a hinge on either side of a centre panel they have a single axle, cleverly reducing the number of moving parts. Zeiss say that they are waterproof and dustproof and suitable for a whole host of activities. But what really sets them apart is the superb quality of the lenses.
Thanks to John Lewis (020 7629 7711, www.johnlewis.com), stockists of Zeiss, Pentax, Minolta and Canon binoculars
Pentax DCF MC 8x22
Least weatherproof, but lens standard is best in its price range. Stockists: 01753 792 731, www.pentax.co.uk
Price: £99.99
Canon 10x25A
The least glasses-friendly but good value at this price, with a tough exterior. Stockists: 0800 616 417, www.canon.co.uk
Price: £99
Minolta Activa 8x25 WP
Very user-friendly. Casing is acquired taste. Stockists: 01908 200 400, www.minolta.co.uk
Price: £109.99
Zeiss Victory Compact 10x25
Brilliant lens quality. Stockists: 01707 871 350, www.zeiss-sportsoptics.de
Price: £329
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