Best binoculars for a race?

Canadian GP

Old as dirt!
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Apr 28, 2005
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Location
Niagara Ontario Canada
I've got front stretch tickets for the spring race at Martinsville but they are in row 59. I enjoy watching the pit action up close so I'm thinking of investing in a new pr. of binoculars.

What specs should I look for?

Any brand/model recomendations?

TIA.
 
I have

a pair of Leitz 10X40 that I purchased in 1970.. They are expensive now, but these have seen lots of stuff in the 37 years I have owned them.
I have seen several binocs made by camera lens companys that were easy to look thru recently..
I'd purchase the highest power I could.. I see 12 power available now. I may need a rest to look thru one of those.
Betsy;)
 
I've got front stretch tickets for the spring race at Martinsville but they are in row 59. I enjoy watching the pit action up close so I'm thinking of investing in a new pr. of binoculars.

What specs should I look for?

Any brand/model recomendations?

TIA.

Ya got some decent seats there. One thing to remember though and that no matter where you sit, you won't be able to see all of pit row. I've been to lots of races there and have never needed any binoculors. But I have used the camera zoom for the same reason.
 
I've heard it's great...

... at Martinsville. It's just too far to drive, too close to fly.
 
My favorite place to sit at Martinsville is in the 1st turn.

That's a great place to see the cars coming out of the pits and you can see down pit row from there. Personally, I prefer the 4th corner if I have to sit in one of the corners. But for the optimum, I would rather sit between turn 4 and the start/finish line. Row 59 will put you under the tower so sunlight will be at a minimum. And if the temps are a bit chilly, or let's say, not warm at all, be sure and take plenty of warm clothing. We once sit on row 65, which is the next to the last row in that section and if the race hadn't been so damned good, we'd have left. Our scanner headphones helped keep our ears warm, but what made it so bad was that the wind up there was wicked.
 
What is snow? :D

Something like this.

carsnowedin.jpg
 
Problem I've found with 10X binocs, you have to have a really steady hand to keep the image from jumping. And, 10X40 and up are usually heavy, 24 ounces +. I know this sound like much but after awhile you may find them too much trouble. I've got a pair of Bushnell 7X35. Still on the heavy side, 21 ounces, but the image is more stable. Which I can live with for the trade off. I've got an old pair that is 10X50 I seldom use.
 
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