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Given the general thrust of advice on this thread I’d suggest too small
But it’s really a case of what you’re comfortable with. In return for name, rank, number and a thickish deposit any good optics shop should allow you to test various models out ‘n’ about before buying. And also should offer cogent advice on the best model for racing.
Panning across moving traffic will give you some idea about efficacy for racing. And bear in mind the sometimes considerable distance from stands to back straight across infields at racecourses and their straight miles etc.
You could also test them at the races themselves by hiring one for the day at the course. Perhaps inapplicable at p-t-p, I don’t know
Peter:
I think you made a good choice.
Although 10x may be preferrable, some thing we have not discussed really in this thread is the higher the magnification the more unsteady the image, especially when you are talking.
I would be happy using 8’s if I had a monitor to also work off. If I didn’t, I would want the heavier power.
But as Drone says everyone is different. They certainly deserve a test spin to see if they work for you.
Craig
I use two pairs for racing.
For over 95% of races I use my, now somewhat battered, Minolta 10×50 wide angle bins.
However in some races I use what I laughingly call my "industrial" bins they have a zoom magnification of 20-108×70.
They are perfect for the Grand National course at Aintree and it is possible to follow the field all the way round from the stands. I also use them at Newmarket for the first part of races over a mile and higher and for the start and early stages of straight mile races at the likes of Ascot, Newbury, Newcastle etc. and the cross country courses at Cheltenham and Punchestown.
This is always going to be down to personal choice & as such would say that best advice is to try several out. The guy that sets up his stall at various race meetings will be more than happy for you to try out on course.
In my view your biggest considerations should be:
Flat or jumps? – if its jumps its likely to be murkier conditions & as such you want something that gathers in as much light as possible. ie you want the second part of th 8×40, 10×50 formula to be large rather than small.
Steady hands? Only you know how steady you can hold the bins& in what environment you are likely to use them – packed grandstand or spacious infield for example. The higher the first part of the equation (magnification) the more susceptible to shake the image will be.
Cost? – Bins canrange enormously in price so unless money really is no object, decide a price then research the best fit in that range.
In my own case I knew very little about binoculars but sought advice from the man that sets up a stall at Perth Races. I wanted to replace my mini pair with something better as my race days were increasing dramatically.
I gave him the following brief:
– Work well in murky/dark conditions
– Decent range/field of view as it can be a long way across the infield
– Hardy ( I am a bit clumsy!)
– Suitable for use without having to remove my specs all the time
– I also gave him a price range.He loaned me two pairs to try out whilst actually watching a race. (I did leave him my credit card!).
On my return he asked which I preferred and I told him that the first pair were marginally better than the second but that there was not that much in it.
He then revealed the prices of the 2 pairs. The marginally better pair was priced at £390 and the other pair at £75. I was gobsmacked & I was more than happy to take the cheaper pair. I have used them ever since & they serve my needs brilliantly.
They are focus free too so never need adjusting…great for scanning back & forward through a strung out field at the end of a 3m chase!
They are by a manufacturer called Dowling & Rowe & they are 7x50s with a field of view of 116m/1000m. I just checked online & you can now get a pair for £60…bargain in my view. (though the case they come with is rubbish & will need replacing!)
David!
If I am not mistaken you probably got those from Monk Optics?
If so, well done, top company to deal with. Their Dowling and Rowe line is their own brand, in the US they are called Oberwerks and are very nice binoculars with far superior performance than their price tag would suggest.
Do you find 7×50 enough to pick out jockey silks down the far side at most tracks?
Craig
Not sure whether it was Monks or not. To my shame, I received brilliant service but can’t remember the name! I have the receipt filed so will check if I get a minute.
I find the 7x magnification more than ok for my use…though I think that is the point. "My use" may well differ from others. I tend to be watching one runner in detail and the others "en masse". I can check detail on others later, but in runnng, my focus tends to be on one horse. However, someone like yourself would demand quick identification of every runner at all points and so a higher magnification is presumably desired. Additionally, your likely mode of use/viewing point will more easily facilitate use of a tripod & so counter the increased "shake" that comes with higher magnification.Hi David!
Actually I find my 10×40’s pretty easy to handhold and talk without too much shake. They are only 650grams. I do have a set of 7×50’s I use as a back up though.
Craig
….. and I boasted about mine too soon – the "industrial" ones are no more as I have discovered, the hard way, they do not bounce and in a battle between the bins and the Ascot Grandstand steps the steps won.
Oh well it looks like an insurance claim – still a bit of a bummer though.
….. and I boasted about mine too soon – the "industrial" ones are no more as I have discovered, the hard way, they do not bounce and in a battle between the bins and the Ascot Grandstand steps the steps won.
Oh well it looks like an insurance claim – still a bit of a bummer though.
Sorry to hear that Paul. Not a fan of zoom binoculars myself but hope you can find some thing you are happy with.
Craig
….. and I boasted about mine too soon – the "industrial" ones are no more as I have discovered, the hard way, they do not bounce and in a battle between the bins and the Ascot Grandstand steps the steps won.
Oh well it looks like an insurance claim – still a bit of a bummer though.
Sorry to hear that Paul. Not a fan of zoom binoculars myself but hope you can find some thing you are happy with.
Craig
Cheers Craig – it took a while to get used to them I must admit and I couldn’t use them all the time – but in the cases I mentioned and especially the Grand National course, they were perfect.
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