Binoculars for Water Blinds

[Kerry Lavin]

What kind of binoculars are best for water blinds? Thanks for your advice

[Purpledawg]

Kerry,
The highest magnification fix focus units I've found are the bushnell 4x30 ultrawide view

[Kerry Lavin]

Kerry,
The highest magnification fix focus units I've found are the bushnell 4x30 ultrawide view

Thanks, Kit! I will look into these.

[terrax]

I just got a pair of Beecher Mirage binoculars and have found tat they are great for blinds that I could not run before.
They take a bit of getting used to but fit on your face like glasses so no fiddling with handling a pair of binocs.
They come in various powers, I got the 5.5 X 25
They are expensive new but you can pick up a pair on ebay for cheap from time to time.

Look here http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beecher-Mira...item51aab1ebde

or go to ebay and type in Beecher Mirage

[Purpledawg]

Terrax,
Do these have to be focus?

[John Lash]

I tried the Bushnells and never liked them.

I got a "normal" set of 8x binoculars that require focusing and they work great. Clear and sharp, the Bushnells didn't change focus but they were never really in focus either.

Just set the focus before you run, at close to the distance you'll need them. They'll be fine. Practice with them before you use them at a trial. You need to watch the dog progress through the blind with the binos. If you wait till you can't see him then use them it'll be too late.

[terrax]

Terrax,
Do these have to be focus?

They are autofocus from 7 feet to infinity.
You need to focus them once to set them for your eyes by turning the lens.

[Sabireley]

I tried the Bushnells and never liked them.

I got a "normal" set of 8x binoculars that require focusing and they work great. Clear and sharp, the Bushnells didn't change focus but they were never really in focus either.

Just set the focus before you run, at close to the distance you'll need them. They'll be fine. Practice with them before you use them at a trial. You need to watch the dog progress through the blind with the binos. If you wait till you can't see him then use them it'll be too late.

The Bushnells are awful binoculars but passable for running blinds because of the wide field of view. I have gotten used to them and find them easier to use than my regular Nikon binos. I have to use the Nikons to find the blind markers sometimes, if the wind blows the flag directly away from me. Once I know where they are I can find them with the Bushnells.

[NateB]

I have a set too, have not used them for years as I like my 8X Zeiss much better. Establish a focus on the destination before you start the blind and then you are close. If someone wants my Bushnell fixed focus bino I will make a great deal.

[Kerry Lavin]

Dr. Nate,

Sent you a PM.

Kerry