Binoculars

[geordie graham]

After lots of saving up I am looking to buy a pair of binoculars in the £400 region.Has anyone used the Opticron HD range and if so would you recommend them.
Also can anyone tell me of the nearest shop to go to try binoculars out,seeing as RGB has now shut 
Graham

[TobyAW]

RSPB Saltholme is one of only 6 reserves in the country with premier optics so feel free to pop in and have a look at our range.

[Jamie]

Bass and Bligh in Harrogate is probably the best shop within range and carrys a very large stock and prices are good and sometimes negotiable. The staff there are also knowledgeable.

My main advice before buying anywhere would be to make sure you check Internet prices before buying anything or you may be spending a lot more than you need to. Also take note of the depth of field. I have some Opticron Discovery's I leave in the car. The main difference between those and my Leica's (which admittedly cost far more) seems to be the depth of field. The Opticrons are very sharp but you need to do a lot more focusing with them.

[Dave-N]

Try www.infocusoptics.co.uk they run events around the country and have all make on view, go to one of these and talk to them, I have always found them helpful. I use Opticron Imagic, which I bought from them and find them good and these cost about that price.

[geordie graham]

Thanks everyone, I think I will pop down to Harrogate and Saltholme for a try out.

Graham