For those looking for new binoculars, these might be considered an upgrade for some of us. They are for me. Huge discount today. Just ordered one.

http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-10x42-Binocular-ED-Glass/dp/B005DQG5XC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405274809&sr=1-1&keywords=Vanguard+10x42+Binocular

a pre-order test drive/view is important. good luck '89.

These are good for bird watching or shoreline use. I wouldn't recommend these for a FB game. For CMS I'd go with a 7x35 WA or slightly weaker.

Yup, for spectator sports you want 8x power or <, otherwise things can get a little shaky. Wider lens diameter is good however. 10x > you tend to need a tripod to keep things steady.

These tend to work much better for sports, IMO

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0021X2WQY?pc_redir=1401163368&robot_redir=1

Grrande;842332966 said:

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These tend to work much better for sports, IMO

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0021X2WQY?pc_redir=1401163368&robot_redir=1

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Hopefully that pair won't be needed as often as they were last year!
:beer:

Sorry guys, I've been gone all day...

I have a steadier hand than most, so I guess such input doesn't surprise me. Not just speculation, but from my days in the Reserve Police Academy (firing range), FBI Citizen Academy (firing range) and photography classes (didn't need a tripod in situations / settings where most did)... Remember the game Operation when we were kids, lol?

All that aside, I've been using 9x and 10x for ballgames for years, possibly always. The Nikons that will stay at home are 9x with a 5.6 degree angle of view. With that I was able to see all 22 guys a fair portion of the time. I primarily use binocs when the action is on the opposite side of the 50...

With these having a FOV of 6.5, over 15% more, these should be perfect for me.

Grrande;842332966 said:

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These tend to work much better for sports, IMO

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0021X2WQY?pc_redir=1401163368&robot_redir=1

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OK Grrande. You got me. :beer:

Never really contemplated using binoculars at a game - do you mainly use them during pre-snap or do you try to watch the whole play? I have pretty good eyesight but I certainly can't see every detail from my seats so perhaps I should try watching a game through glass.

Cal89;842332893 said:

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For those looking for new binoculars, these might be considered an upgrade for some of us.

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For football still using the 7x35 binoculars Dad gave me for xmus in 1960. Optics still excellent, still aligned, and with a genuine 551ft @ 1000yd (10.5deg) fov.
So, thanks, but I'm good.

BTW, Cal Fans, why are genuine wide field binoculars so hard to find these days?

CaliforniaGoldenBear;842333097 said:

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For football still using the 7x35 binoculars Dad gave me for xmus in 1960. Optics still excellent, still aligned, and with a genuine 551ft @ 1000yd (10.5deg) fov.
So, thanks, but I'm good.

BTW, Cal Fans, why are genuine wide field binoculars so hard to find these days?

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I guess the thinking is that many want smaller binoculars these days, things that fit in smaller packs, like what CMS now requires. These are about the largest I'd want that fit comfortably in my pack... Well-constructed binoculars are not light. Bigger ones can be tiring to hold-up over time.

To the earlier question, I watch pre-snap and through the play. Sometimes on deep passes, I'll put them down to take in the whole play, but I can usually read where to pan the binocs, often getting there before the ball arrives, seeing the cuts and coverage evolve. It's pretty sweet. I also use the binocs to view particular match-ups. I'll often not follow the ball, just to continue watching two guys go at it. In the back of my mind I know where the play is likely going, so I'll move the bincos that way later, if desired. I usually only do this early in the game, to focus on battles that are likely to be key determinants...

With 10x, a lot can be seen facial expression-wise. Last season against OSU, Kline was wincing after a key run, 1st down. He was in obvious pain. I later heard that his shoulder popped-out. Not something that made the news.

Looks like the deal on these binocs is still good today. The reviews have been excellent, and not just on Amazon. Here's a nice one here:

http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/Vanguard10x42EndeavorED-106.htm

Thanks Cal89 - you've given me something to think about.

You can still find wide field binocs but, as mentioned, lightweight and smaller binocs are popular for multi-uses, hiking, putting in the pack, etc. Not too many people buy those huge old school porro binocs because they're bulky and awkwardly sized and best for outdoor use covering lots of area. The smaller compact binocs can be used indoor at concerts, etc., and outdoors for sports and they're discrete.

I lug a pair of medium/large size 8x42 wide roof prism binocs to games and it's a bit of a hassle. Any heavier or bulkier I might skip it. The only other time I'll use them is car camping or outdoors where I don't have to carry them. I use them about 1/4 of the game to see players names, positioning and when they're way on the other side of the field. Also if the game lags (like Cal is losing) you can focus in on specific positions to see what/how they're doing

Unit2Sucks;842333092 said:

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Never really contemplated using binoculars at a game - do you mainly use them during pre-snap or do you try to watch the whole play? I have pretty good eyesight but I certainly can't see every detail from my seats so perhaps I should try watching a game through glass.

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Good question

I've used nikon Binoculars at FB games for several years and now consider it essential gear

I especially use them when play is on other side of field. Type of Binoculars is important. Field of vision needs to be fairly wide as it's hard to follow a pass otherwise and quality is important. I was surprised how much brighter/clearer my nikon Binoculars were compared to a less expensive brand.

But I don't watch every play or even most plays with the Binoculars. I like watching things like the huddle, to focus on what I think will be a run, and to isolate on a player. Also good for viewing other sights during a long game or timeouts.

Cal89;842332893 said:

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For those looking for new binoculars, these might be considered an upgrade for some of us. They are for me. Huge discount today. Just ordered one.

http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-10x42-Binocular-ED-Glass/dp/B005DQG5XC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405274809&sr=1-1&keywords=Vanguard+10x42+Binocular

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x:axe

beelzebear;842333134 said:

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You can still find wide field binocs but, as mentioned, lightweight and smaller binocs are popular for multi-uses, hiking, putting in the pack, etc.

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Just want to point out that size&weight is most directly related to aperture of the objective, not the eyepiece components, while obtaining a wide field is a combination of objective focal length and eye piece design. Smaller, lightweight binoculars such as you observe the market moving toward could be built with a true wide field. (See developments in wide field astronomical telescope eyepieces in the last decade.)

My claim is it's not a technical issue.
My question is "why are they not being produced?"
My sad supposition is the public thinks of everything as throwaway, doesn't see fine optics as an investment to be enjoyed over decades, and won't pay the toll.

Unit2Sucks;842333133 said:

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Thanks Cal89 - you've given me something to think about.

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Sure thing. If not these, and the sale price is gone (no longer $189), something else... Also, as noted, 10x might be a bit much for some folks. If you got a steady hand, it's pretty dang neat though.

Whenever I revert back to older binocs, it's like going from 480 to 1080 type of TV experience. A certain wow factor.

Here's to hoping the product on the field will have us wanting to watch more...

Just saw a post by CaliforniaGoldenBear while I was composing... Even cars, their parts can be made to endure longer, with not much added cost. Sort of says something about our society. Having constructed kit cars, and modified cars for the track or strip, cheapness is evident. Good or bad, we are a disposable society in many respects....

For those who want to stay on the cutting edge, sometimes that's necessary though. I'm sure some here already got 4K TV's, so they'll be set for when 4k content is available, beside from a GoPro. Well, such a person most likely has a sound system, and that would necessitate a new AVR, with HDMI 2.0. Those are looking to be here next year (2015 AVRs). Replacing this stuff every few years is quite a chore, not to mention pretty expensive.

Sorry to the OP for digressing...