Hello and welcome to our very first binocular blog - we’re passionate about good binoculars and telescopes here at Dungeness, and we want to share that passion with you! For our first blog, we’ll be sharing what you should have a think about before buying your first pair or an upgrade, as well as a little bit about our range.
This weekend we will be hosting another one of our regular binocular and telescope events (1st – 2nd July 2023) where we set up our entire range so you can take your time, get a proper look, and compare all your options with an expert on hand for any advice.
Buying binoculars can be a big decision, so before you start looking, it’s worth thinking about three things:
1. You budget - our binoculars start at just £65, while some branded binoculars cost as much as £2,500, so it’s worth having a figure in mind of what you’d like to spend.
2. What you’ll be using your binoculars for - Do you spend lots of time in open landscapes? Or do you do lots of coastal walks where birds and wildlife are further away? Do you want something light that can come with you on holiday? We’ll recommend some options to you based on what you tell us, so the more scenarios you think of where you’ll be using your binoculars the better!
3. Performance - All of our binoculars come with at least water resistance, and some are fog proof, dust proof, have enhanced eye relief, edge to edge clarity (which means the image around the object you’re looking at won’t be blurred), and flat image – for the best colour rendering. There’s lots to consider when you’re thinking about binocular performance, and we’ll talk you through your options.
Many of our staff, including myself, have RSPB binoculars, which start at just £65. The RSPB range offers fantastic quality binoculars at affordable prices, with all the profits going directly back into our conservation and education work. I never go anywhere without my 10x42 Harriers, which give me a beautiful clear and bright picture. I paid a visit to RSPB Arne recently, where I watched a Dartford Warbler feeding its family of three fledglings – thanks to the close focus of my Harrier’s, I was able to closely watch the family for a long time, following them amongst thickets of gorse and ferns across a large area of heathland with ease. Without my bins I would not have gotten such an amazing insight to their natural behaviour.
We also have selected binoculars from the highly regarded brands Swarovski and Leica, and everyone has a preference when it comes to which brand is best! We have smaller models from the brands too, so if you’re someone who likes a pair of binoculars that can fit in your pocket, or your suitcase, we’ve got something for you!
Want to look even closer? Peek through one of our telescopes to see more than you ever have before!
Our binocular and telescope events are held at least one weekend a month, so please check our events page for the next one. If you can’t make one, you can visit the shop at any time to speak with us about binoculars. Our dates for the rest of the year are: 1st and 2nd July, 5th and 6th August, 9th and 10th September, 30th September and 1st October, 4th and 5th November, 2nd and 3rd December.
Thanks for reading! Please let us know if you’d like to see more binocular and telescope blogs in the future. We look forward to welcoming you to the shop on your next visit.