Posted by Scott Baron on March 19, 2003 at 13:04:34:
In Reply to: Binocs-your fave? posted by Kathleen on March 18, 2003 at 22:25:31:
To get the Florida birding guide, order it from the American Birding Association. Their website, www.americanbirding.org, has the info. The ABA publishes site guides for many North American locations, as well as the Bahamas. They also offer many other books, optics, etc. You don't have to be a member to order from them, although I believe that only members get discounts. Some good local birding stores may have this title, too.
As for binoculars, I shopped around last year and finally settled on the Pentax DCF WP 8x42. They close focus to about 6 1/2 feet, are waterproof/fogproof, lightweight and have decent eye relief for eyeglasses wearers. And at under $500, they are not as expensive as many other binoculars out there, which is great. From shopping around I found that it's impossible to find the "perfect" binocular. There's always a lot of tradeoffs with optics. I am quite satisfied with my DCF's, though.
I urge anyone who is looking for new optics to shop around and try as many different models as possible. There's no substitute for holding the binoculars in your hand and using them. Research models by talking to other birders, trying out their binocs if possible and visiting websites like "Better View Desired."
Now, I have a question. How does one post to this listserv without replying to another email? I have some questions about So. Fla. birding that I'd like to post soon.
Thanks,
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.