Use of binoculars in churches (and elsewhere)

We saw many visitors using mirrors to see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I think binoculars would be OK too.

I think a pair of Zeiss 12x50 naval binoculars might be pushing it a bit, but the 7x30’s that you see birdwatchers using should be OK.
Some places loan visitors mirrors, thus saving them a stiff neck and visit to the chiropractor.

Wife and I trade off using a pair of Leica 8x20 (excellent optics, only 8 ounces), and they are invaluable. We have used them all over, including Ravenna, and they have vastly enhanced our experiences. No guard, etc., has ever said that we should not be using them. Besides bringing distant things like the Ravenna mosaics up close, they are great for seeing detail in museum art that is behind barriers such as cords. They also come in handy for reading distant road signs, on the (numerous) occasions when we are not sure of our bearings.

One thing I read somewhere, if you bring expensive ones, put some black electrical tape (or whatever the color of the bin is) over the logo, so potential thieves can't be sure of the brand. This is probably overkill, but we do it anyway.

I also bring binoculars. They were my starter binoculars and are an old pr of Nikon Sportstar 8X25. I have used them all over England, Scotland and in Paris. No one has ever said anything at all. In England I generally use them to try to see "Green Men" placed in cathedrals as well as getting better looks at stained glass. These binoculars are light, compact and fit in my purse. I'm a casual birder as well so they also work for that.

I did make a mistake a few years ago and took my Leupold 10X50 birding binoculars. They were WAY too heavy to carry around for weeks. The Sportstars are so much lighter and while giving up some magnification they were a good compromise. They are also about 15 years old so if something happens to them I won't be crushed.

I WISH I had had them in Ravenna! Those mosaics are spectacular!

Thanks, all! I feel encouraged, and will bring them. Then, I'll be prepared for bird-watching as well as mosaics-watching.

Since you're into birding, I thought I'd post this field guide, in case you have not run into it yet:

https://smile.amazon.com/Birds-Europe-Second-Princeton-Guides/dp/0691143927/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1532364226&sr=8-3&keywords=collins+bird+guide

We too are birders, and get a huge kick out of the European birds. The paperback version of the Collins Guide weighs a ton (actually, about 24 ounces), but it is available as an ebook. I review the paperback before we go, then get by with the e-version while we are traveling.

Have a great trip!

I'll second Joel's suggestion of the Collins. I, too, have it as an e-book on my iPad Mini. It is slightly more difficult for me to get around in just because I'm not as familiar with it but I've had pretty good luck when I've had it on me (instead of leaving it back at the hotel, lol!!). I would not want to carry that monster paperback with me!

BTW....my brother and I had a couple of excellent birding experiences this last trip. In the cloisters at Canterbury Cathedral a Harris's Hawk flew by and landed near. We could see it was being used for hunting and shortly the falconer strode up. Had an excellent chat with him regarding using it for pigeon patrol! Also saw the same in use in King's Cross Station in London! Walking along the river in Bath we saw some folks set up with a spotting scope. They were watching a nesting box the local bird group had erected on a cathedral spire and we got to see Peregrine Falcon chicks! Wow, that was amazing - right there in the bustling city! Fun way to connect with locals!

Thanks so much, Joel! I love seeing how the birds are different in different parts of the world.

Excellent, Pam! I recall visiting the Oxford Botanical Gardens and enjoying the birds there.

If you enjoy birds, you must go to Ireland and do a Hawk Walk!

Binoculars are acceptable everywhere. I used them in Scotland for wildlife, birds, and scenery. I went to Italy twice. First time, I lugged them in my pack and didn't use them. Second time, I just didn't bring them by choice. Here are some tips. If you are getting binoculars for traveling - get the lightest pair possible or a monocle (maybe even opera glasses); compact; 7-8 x 20-25 is good. (Anything 10 or higher requires great aim at locating object in field. Also, hand-"shake" or movement becomes a factor.); get water resistant or waterproof if dealing with wet conditions (i.e. boat ride, rain or both). Binoculars.com is a good site to research binoculars. For indoor sightseeing - I recommend opera glass type due to weight and size. Plastic may even be a decent choice here.
I want to add 15 mm eye relief or more is good for people with eyeglasses.

I'll just add one birding anecdote (Pam, thanks for opening the door :-) We like to begin trips in Athens, where we attend a May conference. While there, we look for Hoopoes in the Agora, and usually see one or two there. But this last May, in rooftop seating of a cafe we like (Anafiotika), we saw eight (!) flyover Hoopoes.

Joel!! That is enough to make me head for Greece!

Me, too! I also want to see the hoopoes in the Agora!

Hey, go get 'em :-)