Bino Advice

[mrpenguin]

The only thing lacking in my pack is a good functional pair of binos.  While I would love to get a pair of Zeiss, the high end binos are just outside my budget.  Cabela's is selling the Leupold Katmai for about $400 (10x32).  I was thinking this may be the way to go but would like to get some feedback and advice.  I hunt in CT and  mostly in wooded areas but do have one property that is a field.  Do you think these will work out for me?

[Whip]

For your type of hunting especially I would sure recommend something with less power.  Low light gathering ability is a function of the power versus the reticle.  Divide the second number by the first number, and an answer close to five is ideal.  6X30, 7X35, 8X40.  

Lower power will be more than adequate at the distances you will be looking at, and much easier to hold still.  10 power is pushing the limit of what you can hold still well without a rest, and you give up light gathering ability as well.

[Oklahoma Safety Guy]

Try looking at some of the bird watcher web sites, which have good onfo on binos.

[amar911]

Erik,

I think you would be happier with the Katmai 6x32 rather than the 10x32, and you can find them for about $300 if you do a Google search. The 10x32 binos are not as good in the woods or in low light conditions because of the combination of the higher power and the small objective. Another good alternative if you need a little more magnification is the Burris Signature Select Semi-compact 8x32 binoculars. I got a pair for my wife and they are very nice and can be found for as low as $275 using a Google search. I would not go above 8 power with a 32mm objective lens unless you will always be using the binos in good light. For a 10 power binocular you really need to have a 42mm objective lens. So, if you want a Leupold Katmai, go with the 6x32. It will be plenty of magnification for the type of hunting you describe. If you are not set on the Katmai, then look at some other 7 or 8 power binos like the Burris or some other non-premium priced optics that perform well. I also have several pairs of Leicas and Swarovskis that are superb optical instruments, but you can get by very well with good quality optics in the $300 to $500 range.

Allan

[DesertDude]

I'm super happy with my 8x42 Nikon Monarch. Price is great, and they stand behing them......

[amar911]

Bino review:

 http://www.chuckhawks.com/burris_signature_select_8x32.htm

Allan

[jonsimoneau]

I gotta agree with Joe(whip).  However, I will say this.  I have spent alot of money on lower quality optics.  Uncle Barry said that he bought a couple of pairs of Swarvoskis's years ago, and that his warranty is still good.  I belive he said he sent them in and had them "refurbished" for nothing.  I bought a pair of Leica 8x32's a few years ago and I NEVER step into the woods without them no matter what I am doing.  It hurts to spend the coin on the good ones, but with a lifetime warranty from the big 3 you have to look at it as an investment.  I finally bought a good pair, and wish I would have done so 15 or 16 years ago!  Good luck!

[Walt Francis]

What Jonn said, though I use my Leica's 10x a lot more then then the 8x Swarvoski's here in Montana.  For where you hunt I would go with the 8x.

[AkDan]

pentex dcf's for a full size in that price range.

or if you can swing a little more you'll be pleseantly suprised with the swaro or leica 10x25/28 compacts..they are a league unto their own!!!   I want to swap out my swaro 8x32's for a pair of 10x compacts mind you most of my time is spent behind glass's!  They are extremely clear with a good field of view and i think they would serve you EXTREMELY well both in CT and should you go abroad outwest OR overseas!!!  I know more then a few sheep guys who rely on them up here for their quality AND weight!!!

I would also agree, buy the best you can once and you'll never regret it.

[Ryan Rothhaar]

I've tried several others, including German glass, and I still can't find anything that works better for me than my Bushnell custom compacts (7X32) for all around glass.  Good compromise of size, quality (Bushnell makes some junk glass, but CC's are not!), magnification etc etc.  I'm primarily a midwestern whitetail hunter, but I've carried these glasses, and been very happy with them, from well above the Arctic Circle to the NT Australia.  Not the best for long glassing sessions, but I have been successful at long range glassing with them in limited situations.  You can find them on the bay or the optics outfits out of NYC for mid to high 300's.  I have the rubber armored "birding series" glasses.

It's funny, these are the same bino's that Dad settled on in the '70's and has stuck with since...guess bullheadedness runs in the family!

R

[GMMAT]

I'm super happy with my 8x42 Nikon Monarch. Price is great, and they stand behing them......
 

Hear. Hear.

[George D. Stout]

Jeff.....you can buy three or four Nikons for the price of a Swarovski and you won't be disappointed.  Walmart carries Nikon and Leupold in the 200 to 300 dollar range and they are great binos.

[nurayb]

Do a search for the bushnell elite e2 I think they are called.  They are discontinued but supposed to be a great piece of glass, and you can get them for about $350 right now.  Also check out vortex, great glass and warranty.  There are a lot better choices out there than the nikon's for just a little more money.

[Irish Archer]

Bushnell Elite Custom Compacts, 7x26, about $275.00 from Cabelas(special order). I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Very nice glass and light to carry. THEY ARE NOT LIKE THE MAJORITY OF THE BUSHNELL PRODUCTS.

[Gehrke145]

I'm using 8x42 Nikon Monarchs, great for the money I think I spent 200 new from the auction sight.  I bought these to get me through the season 5 years ago and they are working great!  The 10xs are to much for me.  If I need more distance I use my spotting scope "which I think I've used a half doz times lol'

[Ryan Rothhaar]

I was wrong about the objective - 7X26 - same as Irish Archer's talking about - good to know you can get em thru Cabela's - I might pick up another pair.

R

[Running Buck]

I agree with the guys pushing the Bushnell elite. I bought a set of Bushnell ledgends in 10x42 when they first came out. They are the some of the best for the money ( around 300&change) B&Hphotovideo.com is a great place to price high end optics, they handle most of the big names.

[bowfiend]

I've been happy with a set of Leupold Mojave's in an 8X42. I used 10X for a long time and the 8X is significantly brighter with increased clarity. I like them and paid right at your budget - $399.

[John Scifres]

I have had Leupold Wind River/Mesa 8x42 binocs for several years and they still impress me.  I got a deal on them for $140 but you can find them all day for $180 on the web.  I compared them to the Swaros and Zeiss in the store and really could tell no difference.  I'm sure there is some but for me, not $600-800 difference.

[mrpenguin]

Everyone,

Thank you so much for your input.  After talking with my father about it the past couple of days, he surprised me today with a pair of Zeiss 10x40 B/GA Classic C.  These are the older version, lead glass, German made glasses.  He has the same pair and swears by them.  Ironically, before I found out about them, I had gone to Cabelas to look at binos and thought the Zeiss were amazing, though a bit pricey.  I think the 10x will be a little high for some of my woods applications, but I can work around that considering how bright and clear they are!

Thanks again!