On Wed, 7 Apr 2004 17:03:08 -0700, "Rod McInnis"
wrote:


"bruce" wrote in message
news
hey,
either of these is next on my list, has anyone encountered a situation
when a telescope could not be used and they had to revert to binoculars?


I don't think that "telescope" vs "binocular" is that much of an issue, it
is the magnification. When I think telescope I think of a much higher power
than binocular.

The ability to make use of either is a function of how steady you can hold
it. If you have a tripod on dry land you can use a very high power. If you
are on a boat that is being tossed around in a confused sea then you need a
much lower power device.

I have a pair of 10x binoculars that I really like in calm conditions, but
they are useless to me in rough seas.

This is exactly the reason that marine binoculars are almost always
7X50. The 7 is the most you can hold steady on a boat in most
conditions, and the 50 helps you see that mooring after dusk.

However, stabilized binoculars can make 10X useful when there is
enough light. Canon, Nikon, and Fuji all have them. They really work.


Rod


Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the
simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.
- Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind"