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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: bentpole on December 10, 2012, 02:19:00 PM

Title: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 10, 2012, 02:19:00 PM
Ok Folks give me some ideas.     :confused:     This time of year is best for spotting and stalking.     :thumbsup:        :archer:
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: smokin joe on December 10, 2012, 02:23:00 PM
Leupold green-ring Yosemite 6x30. You can buy them through the internet for under $100. They provide a very bright and clear image and enough magnification for hunting anything east of the Mississippi River.

Mine are one of the best equipment purchases I have ever made.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on December 10, 2012, 02:30:00 PM
Yup, bought a pair of Leupold green-rings last year for an Alaska vacation.  Worked very well, stood up to the humidity and temperature changes up there just fine.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: wulf on December 10, 2012, 02:52:00 PM
I've read some good reviews on the Leupold Yosemite, Vortex, and a few others.  I would also consider 6-7 power (with 30-35 mm objective lenses) over 8 or 10, as the lower power will have a larger exit pupil which helps a lot in low light and will be easier to hold steady.  I'm basing this on midwestern/eastern woods hunting as the typically more open hunting and longer distances of the west may call for more magnification.  Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: ron w on December 10, 2012, 03:18:00 PM
I got a small pair of Nikon 8X25....seem to work well and they were cheap.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Avid Archer on December 10, 2012, 03:47:00 PM
I bought a set of Leupold Yosemite 6x30 second hand for $60, and I must say they are awesome for their intended purpose.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Hud on December 10, 2012, 04:29:00 PM
The new Nikon Monarch-7, 8x42, watch for sales right after Christmas whatever you decide.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Jack Whitmire Jr on December 10, 2012, 04:53:00 PM
Anything as long as they say NIKON on them  :)
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 10, 2012, 04:56:00 PM
Anyone have or heard of Zhumell?
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Karl Kortemeier on December 10, 2012, 05:00:00 PM
I have a pair of Nikon 8X42.  They are waterproof and work great.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: hawkeye n pa on December 10, 2012, 05:58:00 PM
Bought  10x32 Alaskan Gear Guide compacts from Cabela's.   Was quite pleased with them this year.  IMO as sharp as the Nikon's or Leupold's compacts only smaller.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: drewsbow on December 10, 2012, 06:03:00 PM
Nikon 8x42 for me , great glass
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Gdpolk on December 10, 2012, 06:23:00 PM
I use a pair of Leupold Yosemite binoculars.  I got mine in the 8x30 configuration because I primarily hunt small game.  If I did mostly deer and hog hunting I would have got the 6x30 configuration instead.  They are very clear and bright, light weight, cost under $100, and work very, very well for their intended purposes.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: WhiteBeard121 on December 10, 2012, 07:17:00 PM
I have a pair of zhumells, but not compacts (25x100 giant bino's). They do fine for the price, but looking at the leupold others have mentioned for hunting.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Terry Lightle on December 10, 2012, 07:17:00 PM
Leupold
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: mountain lion on December 10, 2012, 07:23:00 PM
I really like my nikons, good glass and affordable
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Biathlonman on December 10, 2012, 08:32:00 PM
Leupold Yosemite 6x30...amazing glass for the cash
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: emt137 on December 10, 2012, 09:55:00 PM
Another pleased Leupold Yosemite fan here.  Got them as a Christmas gift last year and couldn't be happier.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: NC BowBender on December 10, 2012, 10:05:00 PM
I love my Vortex 6.5x32 Fury
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: AlanF on December 11, 2012, 05:52:00 AM
I've had a pair of Vortex Viper 6x32 binoculars for three or so years and I've been please with their performance.  Vortex has an outstanding warranty and the Viper model is made in Japan.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 11, 2012, 06:58:00 AM
:saywhat:
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 11, 2012, 07:32:00 AM
Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 go for almost 5 hundred bucks.   :eek:
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 11, 2012, 07:35:00 AM
Are the Leopold's Yosemite's 6x30's made in the U.S.A.?   :confused:  I see most Leopold's listed are.    :dunno:
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Rustic on December 11, 2012, 08:03:00 AM
Steiner Safari 10 x 26 has worked for me for several years. Around a $100.00
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Herdbull on December 11, 2012, 08:44:00 AM
As stated above the Vortex Viper 6x32 has gotten some good reviews for whitetail hunting. Low light, water/fog proof. Even Gene Wensel just got a pair. They are usually $500 or so, but Gene said they are on sale now for $275. I might try a pair too. I've been using my 10x40 Ziess for over 20 years, maybe I should try something new and slightly smaller. Ha!  Mike
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Ray Lyon on December 11, 2012, 09:13:00 AM
Got a pair of 8x20 Swarovski compacts off Fle**** for $370 (they're $720 new now) that replaced my old Cabela's 7x35's.  The light gathering is the same based on my side by side comparison and they're 1/3 the size and fit in an upper pocket. Crystal clear image.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Jon Stewart on December 11, 2012, 09:16:00 AM
The compact Nikons.  I own two pair and they can fold up and be put in a shirt pocket. Both are very clear to view thru.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: swampwalker on December 11, 2012, 09:59:00 AM
Not sure they'd fall under the heading of compact tho' they are quite manageable. Just picked up a set of Eagle Optics Ranger 6x30. Clear as a bell and multi coated and fogproof. On sale for $179. Been using Zeiss 7x42. Little big for bowhunting. These are a great alternative at a good price.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Shortlongbow on December 11, 2012, 10:15:00 AM
I have been very pleased with the Vortex Viper HD 8x32. I debated on the extra field of view and larger exit pupil on the 6x, but opted for the 8x for the extra magnification. They do quite well for my use.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Kituwa on December 11, 2012, 01:20:00 PM
Everyone would have a pair of Swarovski's if they could but they in no way are worth what they cost.Same goes for a lot of the high end binocs.There are a lot of good ones that are a fration of the cost as mentioned here already that are not a long ways behind as far as optics go.A lot of people that put out $1000 for a pair of high end ones will think they are that much better simply because if they paid $1000 or more you HAVE to think that,lol.Yes Swarovski's are great, but not THAT great,lol.I have a few pairs,some older bushnel 7x30 and a newer pair of compact Nikon 7x30's.The Nikons are great! One thing on cheaper binoculers that helps is dont get the high power ones like the 10X.Stay around 6X or 7X especially in compacts.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bowgy on December 11, 2012, 01:59:00 PM
I have some nikon monarchs in 10x42 power that are clear and powerful and they come in a case that fits on my belt so I don't have them hanging on my neck unless I want them there.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Junglecat on December 11, 2012, 06:44:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by swampwalker:
Not sure they'd fall under the heading of compact tho' they are quite manageable. Just picked up a set of Eagle Optics Ranger 6x30. Clear as a bell and multi coated and fogproof. On sale for $179. Been using Zeiss 7x42. Little big for bowhunting. These are a great alternative at a good price.
I second the Eagle Optics Rangers 6x32.On sale for $179.99,regularly $349.95.I have had a pair of these for years.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Knawbone on December 11, 2012, 09:27:00 PM
I have a cheep pair of Bushnell sportsman, they are light, clear and work great above 10 degrees. 10 x 42 I think I bought them for 20-30 bucks.Great glass for the money IMHO.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: agtex42 on December 12, 2012, 12:38:00 PM
I think one of the best "performance for price" binoculars on the market is the Sightron SII Blu Sky 8x32.  Don't let the name fool you, for $180 you won't find a better quality optic!
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Bullfrog on December 12, 2012, 01:28:00 PM
In my quest for the Swarovskis I finally settled on I was most impressed with Nikon Monarchs for that price range.   BILL
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: LoneWolf73 on December 12, 2012, 04:52:00 PM
Redfield Rebels
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: bentpole on December 12, 2012, 05:10:00 PM
Looking at the leopold bx-2 acadia's 8x42 or the nikon monarch 3's. in my price range. what do you folks think?
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Overspined on December 12, 2012, 08:39:00 PM
Anything with 42 objective is NOT compact.  I have Cabelas compacts, they are good.  Can't remember, but about 25 objective.  Really packable.  I actually will carry them.  I love the 42's but man, that's weight and bulk unless you are glassing a LOT.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Danny Roberts on December 12, 2012, 08:42:00 PM
Bushnell 10X42 at Cabelas. $99 binoculars on sale for $29. I got a pair and they are crystal clear. Not real small but close enough.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Lon on December 12, 2012, 08:59:00 PM
Picked up a couple SpecWell monoculars off the auction site. Great lenses compact and are a specialty optic for visual impaired focus down to 8" to infinity. Very high quality for under $200 bought mine for $20 each a 3x and 10x.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Kelly on December 12, 2012, 09:00:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Jeff Strubberg:
Yup, bought a pair of Leupold green-rings last year for an Alaska vacation.  Worked very well, stood up to the humidity and temperature changes up there just fine.
These don't look like compacts to me-are they?
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Irish Archer on December 12, 2012, 09:04:00 PM
Bushnell 7x26 Elite Custom Compact binos. Under 300.00, and really, really nice. You should check them out.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: robtattoo on December 12, 2012, 09:42:00 PM
I tell you, I really, really wish someone would make a pair of 4x20 ultra compact binoculars.
I really only need something that's good for 100yds & the smallest offerings are either uselessly over-powered (8, 10 or 12x) or cripplingly expensive.

I use Leupold Yosemite 6x30s, but I wish they we ΒΌ the size & weight.

Thinking practically, for bowhunting purposes I don't see the need to be able to see 4-600yds. I mean, until a critter is 40 yards away I'm really not interested!
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: LimBender on December 12, 2012, 10:08:00 PM
I hear you Rob, people getting 10x50 for the woods for bowhunting seems a little crazy - without a prop you can't even get em that steady.

I have some 8.5x42 and don't want to wear em.  I use Vortex Viper 6x32 - got em on closeout due to new model - plenty of x and decent size.  I think the manufacturers are missing out in the 5 or 6x range.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Lon on December 12, 2012, 11:14:00 PM
Rob, the SpecWell monoculars come in I believe 1 power increments from 2 -10 power my 3x is only around 1 3/4" long bright and clear.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: Recurve50 LBS on December 12, 2012, 11:32:00 PM
Tom take a look at the ones I use. I tried those small compact ones but didn't like them.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: chanumpa on December 13, 2012, 01:13:00 AM
I just bought some Barska 10x42 Atlantics.Will be here next wed.I will give you a report when I get them.I wanted the Steiners,but $ were too tight.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: chanumpa on December 13, 2012, 01:19:00 AM
Oh Yea,I totally agree with Robtattoo.I cant justify the expensive ones for what I do.Waterproof/fog resistant is nice though.
Title: Re: Best Compact Binoculars a working man can afford?
Post by: BowHuntingFool on December 13, 2012, 01:21:00 AM
Anything Vortex, hands down!