Long Range Binocs

[Gun]

I just lost the eyepiece to my ancient Tasco spotting scope. I'm in the market for a set of Astronomical Binocs. I see Cabelas has a sale on theirs now. Anyone else have any experience with other brands they could recommend - CHEAP. Thanks

[Kevin Bahr]

Hey Gun.  I can't speak for the Astronomical brand, but I have a pair of Cabelas binos that suit me fine.  Just don't ask them to stand behind their product, they won't.  I dropped mine out of a treestand and they quite working.  I called their "customer service" line and they basically told me I was on my own.  All I wanted to know was wear to send them to get fixed, that I would pay to have it done since it was my fault, etc.  They told me they don't make them, they just put their name on them.  I was literally told that I should have just sent them back and said I didn't like them and they would have sent me a new pair.  Honesty doesn't always pay.

[Mike Orton]

Well Gunter funny you should ask that question.

This year I've ditched the spotting scope since I could just never get used to using one eye for long periods of time.

I got myself a pair of Steiner 25 by 80 Binocs.  Its a real luxury to use both eyes for a change.  I've got a very nice Outdoorsman Tripod setup with a Pistol grip panner.  I plan to sit my big butt down on a tripod stool and let my eyes do the walking in comfort this year.

There is a drawback through.  The Steiners weigh in at 56 ounces, which I'll pay for humping to and from....

I picked-up the Steiners used on @bay for almost what Cabelas is asking for the store brand astronomical binocs they sell.  I think I get 5 extra power with mine over the Cabelas brand though.  My experience with long range optics is that much of the time the heat parralex (heat waves) will not allow you to go much above 25 power anyway.

[OconeeDan]

I have some Pentax 16x60 that are pretty good optics for the money.  They also come in 20x60, but I haven't looked through those.
I prefer the depth perception that good binocs give you over a spotting scope.
No matter what you get, a tripod adapter is nice to have so you can use a tripod.
Dan

[Gun]

Thanks guys. I am just planning to use them to spot Whitetails long range from the truck window or field edges with a tripod. I have found more eye strain by using a scope. Don't plan on lugging them very far. Use my 8x30 Zvarovskis for everything else. I was wondering if the 20x would be strong enough. I did notice that an adapter would probably be needed.

[jarrod]

I have a pair wind rivers and I think they are made by leopold. Have been using them for glassing elk for 4 years now and love them. was the only pair I found that didnt strain my eyes after a period of time. I think they are still in the 350-400 price range.

[Whip]

I have the Pentax 20X60 and really like them other than the weight.  Far better to look through than a spotting scope.  I would love to have one of the high end long range binos someday, but for now these work just fine.