Short range, low light binoculars

[Roger Norris]

I recently bought a pair of 10x42 from Leupold (Veterans, they have an awesome discount if you buy direct).

I wanted 8x42's but they weren't in stock. The 10's actually work great in the brush, I just had to get used to them. I use binocular on a blood trail more than anything else....they worked great recently.

I also found the extra magnification helpful while "sight scouting" around my treestand last week. I found 2 scrapes through them that were completely hidden by brush. As an aside....sight scouting is an awesome way to check out rubs, runways, and scrapes without going near them.

[BAK]

Your eyes pupil opens up in low light to about 7 mm.   The simple rule of thumb then is to have binos that give the largest light gathering ability.  That is why folks who need that ability/ police, military, etc.  favor 7 x 50's.  Divide 50 by 7 and you get a bit over 7mm.  So your eye is getting maximum light.  Buying a 8 x 32 only gives you a 4mm wide light output.  Quality of lenses also come into play, but if you want low light binos, or a mono, you have to follow that formula, that is 7 x 50, 5 x 35, etc.

[bman940]

Exit pupil is a valid point to consider, but so are the glass coatings and quality of the glass. Just because a bino has an exit pupil bigger than 6 ( 6 is about as big as your pupil will expand in low light) does not mean that it will be better than binos with a smaller exit pupil and better glass coatings. That just means there are other things to consider, I always say, buy the best you can afford. I have watched deer/hogs well after sunset with just moonlight using my Meopta MeoStar 8x42 bino. You do get what you pay for and you can save $ shopping around.

[RIVERWOLF]

Roger Norris...."""I also found the extra magnification helpful while "sight scouting" around my treestand last week. I found 2 scrapes through them that were completely hidden by brush. As an aside....sight scouting is an awesome way to check out rubs, runways, and scrapes without going near them."""


Great points  Roger !  Binos are also a  great way to get a good look-over  "after the shot" without phisically doing so .

I just prefer smaller optics , hence  the  leupold 6x30 for me...I hadn't realized they stoped production of these , but like mentioned....I've owned mine for yrs

I'd imagine they can  still be had  on a few websites that sell second hand objects like optics .
It's shame , as the size and low light gathering qualities work excellent for deer hunting this way.

These 6x30's work great for looking a little closer @ those funny looking sticks in the brush as well

 

[Terry Green]

As to the vortex Binos I have a pair of 10 power that I only take out west which is rare, it's so rare that I have misplaced them I can't find them.

 I bought them when trad ganger Joel Smith was representing them years ago.  I really like them.

Let us know what you decide on, and I would be interested to hear a report on them also if you can. 

[Maclean]

As to the vortex Binos I have a pair of 10 power that I only take out west which is rare, it's so rare that I have misplaced them I can't find them.

 I bought them when trad ganger Joel Smith was representing them years ago.  I really like them.

Let us know what you decide on, and I would be interested to hear a report on them also if you can. 

I've decided on the Vortex Diamondback 8 x 28.

Found them on Amazon for $128!

I'll post an update after I receive them and have had a chance to evaluate.

Thanks for all the input guys, this forum is so helpful!

[RIVERWOLF]

Those 8x28's will likely work very well for you. Sounds like a good optic for what your needs are ,and I've never heard a bad word of Vortex .   Just checked them out on-line . Look like a great little binocular .  Let us know what you think after using them .   

[Terry Green]

Good Deal Maclean !!! 

[Wudstix]

Had an old and a newer pair of Yosemite 6x30 binos that are great for brush and out to @100 yards.  Let go of the new ones to a gentleman on the classifieds who had his stolen out of his truck.  They are on the border for a lighter weight pair, but are compact enough.  Have some Vortex Diamondback 8x42 that are not terribly heavy and suit me for the more open Texas terrain.  Both have very clear glass.  Goggle is your friend.
 

[rainman]

Just got a pair of 6x30 kowa binoculars.  Very impressed, Japanese made.

[Terry Green]

What price range rainman???

[rainman]

$105 with shipping.

[Terry Green]

Nice!