binocular question

[Curveman]

from the cornell/birds site posted above: "Close behind the tiny Leupolds was the Nikon Monarch 8x42, clearly the top-rated of any mid-priced, full-power birding binoculars. These lightweight, waterproof, and very comfortable binoculars focus down to 6 feet (they were given the name “Monarch” to attract butterfly watchers) and offer an image and feel that surpasses many models costing two or three times more. Only in a direct comparison with the top-priced binoculars could our reviewers discern the narrower, slightly duller image, which was not quite sharp at the edges. But with a street price well under $300, the Monarchs are a steal." I went with these as they are clearly excellent for hunting. If money was no object or birding was my passion then I would get the high end pair but given my economic situation, I prefer to spend the difference in savings on a hunt.

[Terry Green]

I have some Nikons....and I really like them....I use them here where I live...and I also have some 10by Vortex that I use out west.  I actually put more money into the ones I use more where I live as I don't glass that much locally...or for that long of a time.

I totally agree that if you are going to glass out west a lot, you need to spend the money on a better model.  One week hunt a year....probably not.

Nikon is now a Sponsor of Trad Gang...check out their line in the price range you are interested.  Nikon does make great products at all levels.

[GMASIUK]

I have the Zeiss Conqest 8x32 that I really like. I tried a bunch of different glass before buying these because I wear glasses also. They have a really nice adjustable eye piece set up. Although they may be slightly more money than you wanted to spend, it would be worth waiting and saving a little more to get really good set. By the way, I have in the past purchased less expensive glasses and never been happy with them. With bino's you really do "get what you pay for" Good luck, Glen

[rlc]

Go to  http://www.samplelist.com/  .they are a great source of high
quality optics. the sample list is store demos etc. you can call with any questions. they will be glad to help.  

[shoes]

Check out nikons monarch x, Amazing glass for the money.

[stickbowhafe]

I have to chime in on the Nikons as well.  My opinion is they are hard to beat for the money. You can get Nikon Monarchs in your price range. You will do much better on price if you find some on that online auction site. But, if you want to look through a bunch of pairs, go to cabelas or the like. Sometimes just a certain feel, eye relief, etc can make the difference for you personally. I have had a pair of Pentax dcf hrII for about 6 years now and have beat the tar out of them and they are still optically perfect. I got them for $186 from an online optics/camera shop. When I did my research, I was sold on Nikon or Pentax. Bought pentax because I got the best deal on them.

[Bowmania]

What SteveO said!!!  I'd add Ziess to the mix.  You can get the small Ziess pretty cheap for Ziess - their 10X20ish.  I have trouble holding 10 without a brace.

Bowmania

[dnovo]

Binoculars are to be looked at as a long term purchase. Paying a $1000 for a good pair may seem outrageous, (especially to the wife) but when you are still using that same pair 25 years from now, that's $40 a year. When you buy cheap how many pair will you buy over that same 25 years?  I bought a pair of 8x30 swavorskis in 1990 for $350. Sent them back in for a broken strap clip and they sent them back with a whole new body. I also have a pair of 10x42 Kahles that I use out west mostly. Good optics are worth every dime you can afford.
I would rather leave my bow at home than hunt without the binos.

[ablebonus]

I have Leica 10x42s that are fantastic.  The high end Leica and Swaros are great.  But I don't know if I would buy them again - I bought my Dad Nikon Monarch's for $250 last Xmas.  They are light, feel great, and most importantly have super optics.  I don't think the Leica's are $1k or more better.  $250 is a steal in comparison.

[TSchirm]

Another thing you might want to think about as you make your decision on a binocular, (not to make it more confusing!)  There are several good brands  out there that would be hard to go wrong with.  In my mind, it is important to look at your needs as a hunter.  I base this on 27 years as a first a game warden, now a biologist, and all these years a hunter.  Get the best glass you can afford.  As you know, most hunting is best at dawn and dusk or low light periods.  It is wise to get a binocular with an exit pupil of about 5 mm.  The exit pupil is determined by dividing the objective lens size by the binocular power.  For example, a 10 x 50 binocular has an exit pupil of 5.  An 8 x 32 has an exit pupil of 4.  The pupil of a human eye can expand to approximately 5 mm, so a binocular with that exit pupil will deliver the most useable light to the eye in low light conditions. Also, getting fully multi coated lenses aids in lens transmission of light.  Many of the members have pointed out specific brands that will meet these suggestions.  Nikon is a good choice for mid price binocs, as are many of the other suggestions.

[Lefty]

The best that I have used is Pentax DCF's.  You can do an internet search and read how good they are.  Unfortunately they aren't being made any longer, but if you do read all the reviews and decide you want to give them a try, shoot me a PM and I know of a guy that is selling a set of them on another archery site.  Without actually comparing them to others in low light conditions it is hard to see what is better.  My buddy has a pair of them as well and after looking through his in the evening at deer, I had to have a set.  I have had mine about 10 years now and they are still around my neck ever time I am in the woods.  Last year I bought a pair of Swaro's off the classifieds here that were used, thinking I would sell my Pentax.  Although they were awesome glass, I ended up selling the Swaro's for what I bought them for and kept the Pentax.  Just couldn't give them up.
  In the store it is harder to tell the difference in bino's.  Best advice I can give is read all the reviews you can and try out as many of your buddy's bino's that you can in low light conditions.

[huntindad]

I have a swarovski 10x42 SLC and would not trade it for any other that I have looked through except maybe the new swarovision model.

That being said I was in the market a while back for a $600 or less pair for my wife and kids to use to glass blacktails and mulies and my search turned up ZenRay 10x43ED2.

I have to say optically (which is probably most important but not the only thing that matters) these are equal to and in some ways superior to my swaro. I know most who own the big three won't believe this and others will ask for my head but for $430 you will not believe how nice these are.

I read a million posts on the internet did searches comparing this Bino vs. that Bino and this name kept coming up along with the Hawke and Promaster all three are made in the same factory in China (bad I know) but much of the lesser priced U.S. name brand and Most of the Japanese name brand Binos are made in China or have most of the components made in China and are assembled in Japan or India.

My second choice in the my price range was the Leupold Gold Ring HD from Cabelas they were running a great deal on them and they are equally clear and bright but a little heavy (no big deal to me but these were for my wife and kids). A friend has them so I have looked through them and compared them and they are nice.

I read a lot of posts saying this Bino equals the Euros and did not believe it but I am now convinced they are equal in optical quality for a LOT LESS!!

I don't know how well they will work for eyeglass wearers but there is at least one guy I know of who is giving a deal  where you can use them for 30 days without paying and ship them back if you don't like them you pay shipping! PM me for info on this deal.

Its a good time to be looking at low cost clear glass because of the influence of these Chinese made models that are high quality glass for low cost.

Bill

[firsted]

Thank to all you guys for the expert advice.  I'm picking up a pair of 10X42 Leupolds from a Tradgang member (the Surtees mojo is worth twice the cost of the glass!) and after reading everything out there will follow up w/some 6X32s as well.  Thanks again,
Eddie Paulsgrove

[684Kevin]

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8 or 10 x 42's.  Great bang for the buck. Includes harness, case, and mail in rebate for free jacket.  Very wide field of view. Great in low light.  Coated Lens with Raingard on them like their higher end scopes.  Try Bushnells website for more info.

[CDR]

You will love those Leupold's. I have a pair of 10x42 Leupold Acadia, great price and great with eyeglasses also!