[pct-l] re: Binoculars

[ftclp at uaf.edu (Christin L. Pruett)]

I carried a pair of Olympus 8X25 that I got for about $80 off of Sierra
Trading Post.  They worked well and weighed about 8 oz.  I think that you
should definitely go with the binoculars - monoculars are okay for looking
at a perched bird but try finding one that is in flight and identifying
it.  If I hadn't had binoculars I would have missed my prairie falcons
near Donner Pass. You will likely trash the binos, that's why I went
cheap.  I don't think they need to be waterproof for the pct.  It's so dry
that condensation isn't a problem, my pair never fogged. Good birding
tips: hang out at Barrel Springs for a few hours and watch the really good
stuff in the trees.  Some place in Northern California you walk by these
ponds near a dam???  You'll get an American White Pelican or two, plus
other nice waterbirds... green heron...  And mountain quail everywhere...
southern cal, northern cal.  Very cool birds... I could go on for ever.  I
am envious. Have an awesome trip!
Christy


> I puzzled the same question.  I opted for a monocular instead.  Mine is a
> Brunton Macroscope:
>
> <http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=282>
>
> It's hefty at 11.3 ounces (320 g), but the 7 X 40 optics rival much
> heavier
> full-sized binoculars, and it allows focus as close as 18 inches.  That
> opens a whole new trailside world to enjoy!   Other monoculars are
> lighter.
> The best Macroscope price I found was at:
>
> <http://www.binoculars.com/categories/Monoculars.html>
>
> For me, the Macroscope works best by viewing with both eyes open.  The
> twisting eye relief adustment allows me to switch quickly for use with or
> without my glasses, which are equipped with a neck cord, tied on the ends
> with scaffold knots.  I secure the Macroscope itself around my neck with
> light cord tied extremely tightly with an Adjustable Grapevine Loop.  For
> those who haven't received the Adjustable Loops kit yet, please send a
> regular self-addressed envelope with $0.52 postage attached to:
>
> Doodad
> P.O. Box 3002
> Bellingham, WA  98227-3002
>
> The case supplied with the Macroscope isn't adequate for a thru-hike.
> After
> some long searching, I found a padded camera lens case for it, and by
> asking
> a local cobbler to sew the bottom of a velcro fastener strap shut very low
> on the side of the case, it fits snugly and securely on my backpack
> waist-belt.
>
> I haven't chosen a camera yet, but it will have to be a lot smaller and
> lighter than the Macroscope.
>
> Doodad
> PCT Northbound 2006
>
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-- 
Christin L. Pruett
University of Alaska Museum
907 Yukon Dr.
Fairbanks, AK 99775
907-474-6727