Binoculars for outdoor music festivals?

May 30, 2012 3:04 PM

Looking for binoculars for mostly outdoor concerts and festivals.

I've seen questions about binoculars for birding and outdoor activities and this question about binoculars/opera glasses for indoor venues. I'd like to buy something suitable for outdoor venues (e.g., Stubb's in Austin) and lawn festivals (ACL). I'll be standing/sitting well away from the stage at the festivals but will be closer to the stage at Stubb's. I also very occasionally go to large indoor stadium shows (e.g., Erwin Center) and would like to use the same binoculars there.

Complicating factors: I'm extremely nearsighted and need glasses to function; my aging eyes are about to start needing bifocals.

Questions:
1. Will one pair of binoculars do for both types of venues? (If not, I'm primarily interested in ones that will work at outdoor festivals.)
2. How much money am I looking at spending?
3. What specifically should I be looking for in a pair of binoculars for this purpose, if there are different features?

posted by immlass to Shopping (1 answer total)

Best answer: I suggest you start with a simple set of 8x21 binoculars from a decent brand name. Like this one. They're small and lightweight and usually come with a case. This is likely all you need for the outdoor concerts. It could be OK for indoor venues too. Yes, that inexpensive. (Around $15.00 here in 2012) Go get one now, any department/discount store has them around that price.

After that one, prices go way up to even $500. They can give more magnification, more low light capability, sometimes stabilization with electronics which would require a battery. But I recommend starting with that 8x21 design first, and discover if you want more capability and cost.
posted by caclwmr4 at 4:37 PM on May 30, 2012