Which binos for Africa

[Domer]

Hello, I’m going on safari next year, sadly not shooting just observing.

However I was thinking about binos , both thermal and glass.

Then I was thinking about the thermal/ 4 k night vision combined binos.

Does anyone have a recommendation please as I do a bit of deer stalking here so they will get used here too.

 

[WalkedUp]

I used my Hawke 8x42s and a thermal spotter. I also took lamps etc. I combined a photographic/tourist safari with a shooting trip and it was great.

 

[Domer]

That’s not a bad shout, taking separate binos and a spotter

 

[WalkedUp]

I messed up putting batteries in the hold rather than hand luggage. All were flat upon arrival, must be the low temperatures. Could have been a fire risk too I believe. I won’t make that mistake again!

 

[WalkedUp]

Where are you going to?

 

[Domer]

We’re off to Kenya

 

[Domer]

I messed up putting batteries in the hold rather than hand luggage. All were flat upon arrival, must be the low temperatures. Could have been a fire risk too I believe. I won’t make that mistake again!

Good shout. Any tips like this are most appreciated

 

[R06.5]

I have a great set of GPO 8x32 rangeguides for sale in the classified section that would be a great size and weight to take with you.

 

[WalkedUp]

I took my three sons, so having separate optics worked well. If you are on your own then a multi spectral may be better. I’ve not been to Kenya so do not know what their controls on night vision, thermal etc are. Your stalking head torches will be useful, and lamping illuminators. We did a night safari and also a walking safari. It was a great experience. I have family in RSA so used to go a lot when I was younger (ie aeroplane tickets were paid for then!)

 

[Domer]

I have a great set of GPO 8x32 rangeguides for sale in the classified section that would be a great size and weight to take with you.

Ok so you reckon 8x32’s will be enough for the job?

 

[Domer]

I took my three sons, so having separate optics worked well. If you are on your own then a multi spectral may be better. I’ve not been to Kenya so do not know what their controls on night vision, thermal etc are. Your stalking head torches will be useful, and lamping illuminators. We did a night safari and also a walking safari. It was a great experience. I have family in RSA so used to go a lot when I was younger (ie aeroplane tickets were paid for then!)

I’m taking the mrs so she will need some too. We have some binos but they are old now and not that great. Good tip on the torches. We have some nights in a hide and trips out at night so thermal will come in handy but like you said I’m not sure on the rules there regarding thermal so I’ll have to be sure as don’t want them seized/ taken at the airport.

 

[wytonpjs]

Are there not limitations on carrying thermal devices to some other countries? Recently back from Egypt and there were dire warnings about not even taking binoculars!

 

[old 30-06]

I am off to the Eastern Cape at the end of this week. I will be taking a pair of Chinnon compact 8 by 25 binoculars with me. You have to carry a lot of all sorts of stuff a long way to get there. Big bulky stuff gets in the way and, therefore, gets left behind. Keep it simple and light, and you will have them with you when you need them.

 

[Domer]

yeah I think compact is the way to go. Just doing a bit of reading and Kenya allows thermal devices unless they are weapon mountable.

 

[Mick9abf]

If it’s safari you are on just take a decent set of binos for each of you, I just took my Swaro 10x42 and my then missus had Leica 10x42, if the stuffs really close you just need the camera ready.

You’ll spot stuff if you’ve a keen eye in plenty of time and the guides and drivers are there as well (although they get competitive if you’re lucky enough spot stuff first). Good camera is more important than a thermal id say.

 

[NullMac]

Shame to go all that way and only be able to see stuff through a still crappy 4k screen. Take glass.

Swaro NL 32’s are outstanding and compact

 

[rollotomassi]

Maybe consider stabilised binoculars can do job of scope & binos in some circumstances.

 

[Cris]

Having been to Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and SA, with Zambia booked for this year, I find a good pair of 8x32 more than up to the job. The light is much better than you are used to in the UK. My main focus is on camera gear to get the best results.
We also self drive and live out of the 4x4 when there. Will be looking to take either thermal or night optic this time. Quite nervous last year in Botswana after dark for that eventual bush wee in un fenced camps.

 

[sy247]

I wouldn't bother with a thermal personally. I didn't take mine to Africa hunting. I would have preferred smaller lighter binos like 8x32 instead of the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL that I have.

 

[Cris]

I wouldn't bother with a thermal personally. I didn't take mine to Africa hunting. I would have preferred smaller lighter binos like 8x32 instead of the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL that I have.

More for safety in remote un fenced camps after dark. Wouldn’t bother otherwise and may not depending on space.