Bino help please

[TexasStick81]

I've done a few searches and read through people's advice on bino's but often people were looking for something with a little more power than what I need (I think).  Occasionally I get to go hog hunting on a place big enough to either spot and stalk or still hunt.  It's west Texas and I'm often only looking at 100 yards or less and typically thick under brush.  There might be times for longer distances but the bulk will be for close up.  From what I've read 6 or 7 power will work x32 maybe?  I'd like some suggestions by those who might hunt similar terrain.  I can't afford top of the line even if that means they won't be the best picture.  Also, I'm concerned about them being to bulky on my chest with a harness so the smaller the better.  

Thanks

Zane

[chopx2]

I have the leupold Katmai 6x32 and they are fantastic for what you are looking for. I used them recently and even at dusk they make the animal look brighter than with the naked eye. Perfect for determining if it is a sow or a boar and which end is which.

BTW, the maximum amount if light the eye can process is a little over 5MM. Divide the objective lens by magnification. So in other words 42 x 8 and 32 x6 are approximately the same brightness assuming the same optic type and quality. Going to 50 x 8 gains you very little as your pupil can only let in a certain amount of light. there is a great bino tutorial on opticsplanet if you are a nerd like me...lol

[acollins]

Vortex 8X42

[Desert Hunter]

I would look at the Vortex binos. Good quality for the money and a great warranty. I would also suggest 7-8 power if you are hunting more open country. As was mentioned by Chop, light gathering is key. Personally i use an 8x42 for a hand held bino and it offers great light gathering and brightness while easy to carry around. Just my 2 cents

[awbowman]

Go to swfa website, click Sample List, binocular.  There are some great deals on new and used binos there.  The have a Nikon Monarch ATB, 8X42 for $149

[Ryan Rothhaar]

Check out Bushnell Custom Compacts - 7X26 - see them on fleabay and the New York camera outfits for around $250.  Nice small glass with excellent optics.  Have used mine from Australia to well above the Arctic circle and lots of places in between.  I've outglassed guys using binos that cost 8-10X as much, too.  Most of my hunting is whitetails and close range glassing, though, and these are the berries for that, and you won't be underglassed if you need to look farther.

Ryan

[Brett Wilmore]

Vortex 8x42 Diamondbacks are a great bino at a super value!  Under $250.

[TexasStick81]

Thanks guys.  This is very helpful.  Gives me a good starting point to compare 2 or 3 pair.

[njloco]

I purchased a pair of Bushnell elites from a member here, and he told me how clear they are and he wasn't kidding.

[TexasStick81]

What about Vortex diamond backs 7x32 for 140?

[Orion]

I've had a pair of 7x26 Bushnell Custom Compacts for about 25 years as well.  If they're going for $250 on the auction site now, that means they've held their value well.  I think that's about what I paid for them 25 years ago. Regardless, I agree with Ryan.  They are a lot of quality in a very small package, and would work well in the areas you plan to use them.

[Richard in OK]

I've been using the bushnell custom compact for about 30 years; they're still functioning well and they are very easy to carry. They don't do well in dim light.

Richard

[Knotter]

Originally posted by Texasrecurve81:
What about Vortex diamond backs 7x32 for 140?

One of the best values to be had out there!!!! Great warranty too.  The Katmai is nice too but you wont see much difference from the diamondbacks.

[koger]

I have the 8x42  Nikons abbowman mentioned above, cant be beat for the money! I also have a 10x50 pair I used out west elk hunting last year, would have passed up a lot of elk without them. I also would verly much recomend the bino slings that cross your shoulders and pull them in tight to your chest, can shoot a bow with them on, just pull on them and the elastic stretches so you can use them.

[Breakfast Boy]

I have the Nikon Monarch ATB's and love them. Mine are 10x42 and while that might be a bit more powerful than you need, I've used mine everywhere from the western plains of Colorado to the woodlots here at home in Indiana and love them.

The nice thing about a GOOD pair of binoculars is that they'll last you the rest of your life if taken care of.  I bought my Monarch ATB's at the Kansas City Cabela's back in 2003.  I found them in the Bargain Cave and paid $260 for them.  They've been worth every penny and I've gotten my money out of them and more.

[TexasStick81]

I think I'm going to go with a 6 or 7 power.  That should be enough for my needs but I also want as small a pair as possible on my chest when I draw back.  Leaning towards the Leupold Yosimite or Vortex Diamond back.

[sticksnstones]

I went with Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for my hog hunt and they are the perfect cheap binos for me. I'd like a larger objective for low light, but for under $100 I'm quite impressed.

Whatever you choose, I'd follow Koger's advice and get a harness!!! It will keep the binos away from your bow string, handy for when you need them, and they will save your neck!

[Shawn Leonard]

Some of the best I have seen are Nikon 8 by 36's. in the monarch line. I have found them for around $250. Shawn

[Rob DiStefano]

i have a nikon monarch 8x42 ... WOW!!!

[awbowman]

Do not discount the Nikon for this particular use.  Also understand that bad glass is not a bargain at any price.