Binoculars?

[perich.livejournal.com]

I lucked into a ticket to the Pats game this Sunday, but my generous host advised me that I might like binoculars, as the seats are pretty high up. Unfortunately, my Saturday is absolutely swamped and we're leaving early on Sunday to get in some tailgating. And I don't own binoculars (who does?).

So, odd question: is there anywhere in the Davis / Porter area where I could buy cheap binoculars? They don't need a lot of fancy features - just being compact would be enough.

Plan B: we're leaving from my friend's house in Newton, so if anyone happens to know a spot there that sells cheap binoculars that would be open early Sunday morning, that'd also be clutch.

Thanks!

Edit: None of the places listed open before 11:00 AM on Sundays, if they open at all. I ended up going to the Target in Watertown, en route to Newton. I got some decent Eddie Bauer-brand binoculars that came with a small mini-tool for $22.

Comments

[ron_newman]

Cameras Inc's website says they sell binoculars, but I don't know if they sell "cheap" ones. Otherwise, I'd probably try Target.

[perich.livejournal.com]

Ooh - Target. Good call!

[makoshark.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Check out Camera's Inc. They seem to have a decent selection.

[lac.livejournal.com]

You might want to check with Gillette as well because they may rent them.
They used to ages ago but I don't know if they still do.

[skexy.livejournal.com]

I dunno if Radio shack in porter might have some. If you're willing to trek to Harvard; the EMS should. Maybe citysports in porter?

[perich.livejournal.com]

Radio Shack ... I keep forgetting they exist.

[ron_newman]

Or that other sporting goods store in Porter, the one that also sells guns? (I don't remember their name) Roach's Sporting Goods

[perich.livejournal.com]

There's a store in Porter that sells guns?

[ron_newman]

Yes

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

City Sports used to sell binoculars; no idea if they still do.

[zmgmeister.livejournal.com]

Ooo, I get to help someone pick out binoculars?

You should be able to get something decent for $30 or $40. Check a sporting goods store or camera store. I have a pair of older Bushnells that are good for sports; you focus near/far by pushing a lever which is much faster than turning a dial on the optics. You also don't need a lot of magnification; 6 or 7X should do it. 7x35 is a popular size; the second number is the mm size of the objective lens. Marine and astronomical bincoculars are available in much larger sizes.

Another option you might want to look into is a monocular. I have a golfscope that has I think 5x magnification, and is pocket-size because it has only one set of optics.

[ron_newman]

Once you get back from the game, please tell us what you did, so that this entry can be useful to future readers. Thanks.

[perich.livejournal.com]

Done!