Gear

I am looking for a pair of binoculars to keep in my backpack for the odd occasion that I see something worth closer examination, such as a large bird of prey.

They would not be something I expect to use that often, so something light and small would be a priority, I am looking at spending up to 100 max and hopefully a bit less.

Anyone have any recommendations.

This opinion may well be over-ruled by optics fans, but ISTM that cheap Chinese binos for not much money are remarkably good, and for occasional use are fine.  For serious use, spend a lot more on expensive German ones.

While comparing my £30 Chinese ones to a pal's £600 Leicas it was abundantly clear the Leicas were better, especially for colour clarity, but he agreed that for the money mine were pretty damn good and quite up to the occasional recce I use them for.

I bought those probably over ten years ago, and I imagine you can buy better for the same money now.

For occasional use a monocular is lighter, but obviously won't work too well for depth perception...

Pete.

What Peter says -for the use you want, it's probably not worth spending much.

you can get them for a tenner now! - (for an 8x21)

Reasonably priced names here

Magnification is not important in itself - eg

10x magnification with 50 objective (10x50) is good for bird watching even in lower light conditions.  10x magnification with a 25 objective will work but will feel more telescope like and will not perform as well in low light conditions as the 10x 50.

If you are looking for something compact and on a budget go for something with moderate magnification.  A 8x25 will be a safer choice than say a 10x25.  The 'field of view (or viewing angle) on the 8x25 will be noticably wider than the 10x25 meaning you will be able to find objects easily - especially when the object is moving.  The image will also apear brighter allowing use in lower light conditions.

8x30 is a good all rounder.  Try to find something with an objective lens at least 3-4 times bigger than the magnification.  This gives good compromise for general use.

As to costs well a 30 quid pair will do fine but spend a hundred and you will be able to see the diference.  The same can be said if you spend 300 or more.   

Good luck!

i have some cheap ones - about £15-20 8x20 (i think) and they are just the ticket for the occassional look through. light and cheap.

i think there are some gains to be had by spending more but i don't think the price difference warrants the optical difference.

i also have a pair of leica ultravid 8x20, rather a lot more expensive, and the difference is truly astounding and so it should be.

Re magnification, I have several bins in 8 x and 10 x.  I prefer the 10s, but can hold things reasonably steady.  You can get rock solid by sitting down with elbows on knees, or elbows on gate, car roof or whatever.  I recently bought some Swarovski 10 x 25s and they are only very slightly heavier than their 8 x 20 cousins.  Much better for scanning for wildlife in the distance, and fine for watching birds flying etc.  My Leica 8 x 32s are a good compromise though, relatively compact (easily fit in Paramo pocket), but I do miss the extra magnification of my old 10s!

(I must point out that the above bins are all second hand - would love to buy new!  But they have 30 year guarantees, so should be ok for a while)

I can recommend the Nikon 9x25 Travelite EX binoculars.  Light weight, very good optics which will focus to a short distance (good for insects, birds that are close etc).  The big plus is that they are waterproof, a distinct advantage for bins that are in a pocket or a rucksack.  Should be able to pick them up for around the hundred mark.

Edit

If you wear glasses (which it doesn't look like from your avatar) I would try to get a look through some of these small bins before buying.  The Nikons above are quite good in this respect.

A good point for glasses wearers - go for binoculars with fold down eye cups so you can use them with your glasses. 

Also for those who who don't know -

When you get your binoculars look at the eye cups and there should be a rotable ring that alows fine tuning of the focus.  The ring usually has - + and numbers etc on it.

Look through the binoculars at an obvious object (fence post etc) approx 30 meters away.  Close the eye on the side of the binoculars that has the extra focus ring and focus the binoculars in the normal way using the main focus knob which is normally between the wo main parts of the binocular in easy reach of your fingers.

Once the object is in perect focus swap eyes and then use the extra focus ring to fine tune the focus of the other eye. 

 Now open both eyes and check the object is in perfect focus.