Spec me some binoculars

[D3K]

I've been requested to give a relative some binocs for xmas, but I've no idea where to start.

All I know is they want to read the names of the ships passing by. The distance may be about 5km?

What kinda mag vs diameter would be advisable? Would you recommend a tripod?

 

[D3K]

They'll not be logging then about, so weight isn't an issue.

I've asked them to look at Google maps and work out a more accurate distance . I said 5km for leeway, it could be much less

 

[D3K]

You may be better with a Spotting scope on a tripod.

I have a Celestron 80mm Spotting scope that would be good for this sort of thing. Cost about £150.
Magnification is higher than Binoculars and a brighter image.

I use mine for archery and some of the cheaper scopes people use are pretty crap so read the reviews.

The telescope idea got poo pooed. Shame I as think it is the best solution too.

Would this do the trick:

http://www.jessops.com/online.store...10x42 Excursion HD Binoculars-90847/Show.html

I've managed to get a choice out of them:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/celestron...RqvLmYlKkmbtD53f5avFVA15sKAKAusXikxoCqHjw_wcB

They seem to offer better mag and dia than the others. Seem to be good reviews too. Do they sound ok in your books guys?

 

[D3K]

Cool, will sort out a tripod too