Helios Ultrasport

[Watchthebirdie]

Thinking about these for my first Bins, they seem to get the thumbs up in the mag reveiw. Wondered what you guys thought.


ULTRASPORT WATERPROOF ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS - WATERPROOF ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS by OVL

[Cassillis]

Originally Posted by Watchthebirdie

Thinking about these for my first Bins, they seem to get the thumbs up in the mag reveiw. Wondered what you guys thought.


ULTRASPORT WATERPROOF ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS - WATERPROOF ROOF PRISM BINOCULARS by OVL

Perfectly acceptable as a first pair of bins. I will add though that Bins are a personal choice and the only way to see if you really like them and if they feel right is to get your hands on them.

In essence try before you buy. Nothing worse than getting what you like the look of only to find they don't feel right

This place is in North Norfolk which according to google is about 70miles from Ipswich. Excellent people to deal with and you can try before you buy.

Bonus is once you've made your purchase Cley Marshes is just round the corner for their first outing.

[dales birder]

Over the many years of birding I have used a few pairs of Helios bins even going back to the days of their Russian manufacture.I have always thought they were under rated certainly very good for 1st bins or spare bins.My main grouse with them was they always seemed a little narrow in the field of view which with my eye problem is important but that is merely a personal point

[Dave H]

It says in the spec that they are "fully broadband coated". I wonder if this is the same thing as Phase Coated.
I would recommend that, at anything over £100, you ensure that they are Phase coated as this really seems to help give that extra resolution.
I have been unlucky with my cheaper Helios bin purchases where I had to return two of them due to a focus problem (where the right eye dioptre had to be adjusted when changing from close to far distance).
I agree that a visit to your local dealer where you can try them is a good way. Even better is a visit to an RSPB reservation (with visitor centre) who are generally happy to lend you a pair for the day to try out in the reserve.
If you are really restricted to a postal purchase and new bins, many would push for a pair of Opticron discoveries as a well thought of model and brand (£134 at WEX).
Check out the Opticron Imagic poros too, excellent performance for the money.

Good luck with whatever you choose.
Dave

[dales birder]

I would agree Opticron are probably a better bet,if you scan the birding bins thread you will find my first opinions of the Opticron Oregon which is available at around £100,but the Helios is worth a look.In the end it is what suits you best my dream optics may be a bag of spanners to you.

[Watchthebirdie]

Thanks for the feedback guys, you've been very helpful. I've been doing a bit of reading on suitable Bins for bird watching so I have a rough idea on the specifications but It's the countless makes and models that I've found most confusing so you've given me something to work with. Thanks again.

[dales birder]

Originally Posted by Watchthebirdie

Thanks for the feedback guys, you've been very helpful. I've been doing a bit of reading on suitable Bins for bird watching so I have a rough idea on the specifications but It's the countless makes and models that I've found most confusing so you've given me something to work with. Thanks again.

Must admit it is a minefield,plenty of info available on different sites on the net but to actually purchase in my opinion you must try the optics in person not just on somebodies say so and set yourself a budget as prices go from about £50 to £2000 + all with their good points.

[Dave H]

Just a further point for you to consider: Many shops will have quality used bins that they have taken in part-ex for new sales. Some of these might represent a good buy and equip you with bins in the next level. An advantage is also that when you come to trade up, they may well be worth more of their purchase price than a new lower spec pair might.

I spend too much time on Ebay, New, unused or demo models are sold there by reputable dealers who offer them with guarantee.

Dave

[Watchthebirdie]

Thanks guys. Know what you mean about ebay Dave, I've got five pairs in my watch list at the minute, one of them being a pair of Viking standard with a starting bid of £15, now I know these are bottom end of the market but I was thinking maybe if I get these just to get me started then this would give me a chance to get some cash together for a really decent pair of say £35O+. Does this make sense?..........and by the way Im changing my mind almost by the minute

[Cassillis]

Originally Posted by Watchthebirdie

Thanks guys. Know what you mean about ebay Dave, I've got five pairs in my watch list at the minute, one of them being a pair of Viking standard with a starting bid of £15, now I know these are bottom end of the market but I was thinking maybe if I get these just to get me started then this would give me a chance to get some cash together for a really decent pair of say £35O+. Does this make sense?..........and by the way Im changing my mind almost by the minute

Exactly how I started.