Binocular Recommendations

[George Vernon]

There are many good binoculars on the market.  Most already mentioned in previous posts.

A lot of folks concentrate on 'where' they will use them, deep woods, open woodlands, mountains, etc.

And that's important.  But 'how' they are used is more important.  For example, if they are used as quick checks of what's lies ahead (a minute or less viewing), I'd go with the least expensive combination of power, field of view, water proofing, etc. that I will need for the most common terrain I hunt.

If you often spend several minutes looking through the binoculars, perhaps up to a half hour of detailed looking at a time, consider the Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski's of the world.

I know a lot of folks laugh at the high prices and a quick look through them side by side with lower cost alternatives in a store doesn't show any noticeable difference.  But prolonged viewing has shown me a real difference related to eye fatigue.  I hunt a lot in the wooded farmlands in southern Ohio and Indiana and hunt from the ground.  I'm amazed at how many deer I can actually see by glassing a 180 degree arc around by blind continuously.  Well, at least 15-20 minutes at a time.  Even if the distance I can see is only a 100 yards, I use my Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 often and for extended viewing sessions.  Deer sneaking through thickets are easy to miss with the naked eye, but not with the binoculars.  I don't know enough about optics to explain why I can look through the CL's without eye strain for extended periods of viewing, but can't with Bushnell Legends of about the same power.  Something to consider.

[grouseshooter002]

I carry a pair of Leica 10x24 compacts in my shirt pocket when I do hunt. As with most things you get what you pay for so save your money until you can get a pair of clear, crisp and bright binos. This is jmo only.

Regards,
Grouse

[ron w]

Not all that small, but the best I have used are Steiner Predators 8X30.......great in the woods and clear as can be......you see them on sale a lot.

[Joeabowhunter]

My vote is for Vortex.  I've owned a pair of 8x42 Stokes probably 8 years now and last year noticed I couldn't get a pefect focus (thought it was my eyes!)  Called Vortex and sent them in where they quickly repaired them and shipped them back to me free of charge.  Great product and warrantee that they stand behind.

[MnFn]

Can't beat Yosemites for the price and even higher priced!
Most of the time when I am hunting I use a 8X20 Zeiss. they are are just too handy.  For any other  times I use my 8X30 Swarovskis.

[nineworlds9]

Originally posted by george vernon:
There are many good binoculars on the market.  Most already mentioned in previous posts.

A lot of folks concentrate on 'where' they will use them, deep woods, open woodlands, mountains, etc.

And that's important.  But 'how' they are used is more important.  For example, if they are used as quick checks of what's lies ahead (a minute or less viewing), I'd go with the least expensive combination of power, field of view, water proofing, etc. that I will need for the most common terrain I hunt.

If you often spend several minutes looking through the binoculars, perhaps up to a half hour of detailed looking at a time, consider the Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski's of the world.

I know a lot of folks laugh at the high prices and a quick look through them side by side with lower cost alternatives in a store doesn't show any noticeable difference.  But prolonged viewing has shown me a real difference related to eye fatigue.  I hunt a lot in the wooded farmlands in southern Ohio and Indiana and hunt from the ground.  I'm amazed at how many deer I can actually see by glassing a 180 degree arc around by blind continuously.  Well, at least 15-20 minutes at a time.  Even if the distance I can see is only a 100 yards, I use my Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 often and for extended viewing sessions.  Deer sneaking through thickets are easy to miss with the naked eye, but not with the binoculars.  I don't know enough about optics to explain why I can look through the CL's without eye strain for extended periods of viewing, but can't with Bushnell Legends of about the same power.  Something to consider.

^--------YES!!  Well said!

[actionjackson22]

I agree with Leupold yosemites I've had mine for years and hunted Ohio,pa,Kentucky and Wyoming with them great product and a great price.

[LC]

Lots of good bino's listed for sure! I still say for the best bang for your buck and guarantee at least look at Vortex. BUT even if you end up not buying them look at the Vortex binocular locks. PERIOD. The best $12 accessory you can buy for binoculars that accept or are built for tripod mounting. And most mentioned here are built for this accessory but bet most folks don't even know they have this option or Vortex makes a LOCK for to fit!

[PUDDLE JUMPER]

6x30 Yosemite are what I am using. Very pleased with the price/performance ratio. Paid $90 A few years ago. Even if I were to buy more expensive glass I would still keep them for the truck.

[Riverrat43]

I've been looking at some Pentax 8-16 X 21 UCF II's. They seem small and have a zoom feature that could come in handy. Pentax is supposed to be pretty good glass. At under 90 dollars they might be worth considering. Does anyone have any experience with them?

[Bladepeek]

Riverrat43, I'd be just a bit leery of that sized glass. My experience, at least with the lower priced compacts, is that they are ok for short duration use during the middle of the day, but most of my hunting activity takes place either right after sun-up, or late in the afternoon and that isn't much of an exit pupil even at 8 power, let alone 16. I would be willing to bet they are going to be pretty dim.

You're right about Pentax making a good glass. I have an 8x32 that is very good - almost as good as my Nikon Monarch X 8.5 x 45HD. Trouble is, all the makers also offer cheaper glasses and I haven't had much luck with them.

[paradocs]

I've got the Minox compact 8x25 BV coming in the next day or two (OK, I snooped). Excellent reviews on the birder forums for a compact, and quite affordable. Interested in seeing how they compare to my 8x30 Swaros. Wanted them to keep in the truck; $1000 binos left in the truck console makes me a bit nervy...

[Jim Jackson]

I use binoculars every day in the field.  I always carry them when hunting.  I agree with what many have said.  6-8 power magnification would be max.  I would shy away from anything smaller than a 32mm objective.  That is about the same light gathering capability as the human eye.  Go with anything smaller and you won't be able to use them well in that magic dawn/dusk time frame.  Anything over 32mm will gather more light than your eye can naturally.  My everyday carry for forest work here in the ozarks is a 8 X 32 nikon SE.  I also have the 10 X 42 nikon SE.  These are both porro prism design which I just prefer over the roof prism.  I also really like the Vortex line.  Really good glass and a great company to work with.   You can get nice glass for under $300.  The $300-$800 has a lot of variability with coatings and special features.  My everyday carry bins are in that range.   Over $1000 gets into the elite league. Fantastic glass, but not on a teacher's salary          ...someday maybe after retirement  The biggest recommendation is to go try several sets and find the one that fits your eyes best.

[Knotter]

Vortex diamondback in 8 x 28 are a good value. Personally, my faves for riding in the pocket are Leica trinovid 8x20s. Not great in low light but awesome throughout the day. Clear and easy on the eyes.

[Medic85]

Leupold rogues for a man on a budget.  Been very happy with them.

[larry]

Vortex, great glass at a price way lower than what they are wroth

[A.S.]

Originally posted by larry:
Vortex, great glass at a price way lower than what they are wroth

Dittos, check out Eagle optics. They have great sales. Same company as Vortex

[Riverrat43]

Bladepeek, You're right. The low end zoom binos have really bad reviews for the most part. The Pentax doesn't fare much better if any.

[Terry Lightle]

Leupold for 20 years here.

[PeteA]

Hey guys, thanks for all the great feedback. Looks like I have a pair of Leupold Yosemites 6x30 in my future. Found them in NYC for $79.