Binocular Suggestions

[scttcanuck]

I followed what I think was a big 4x3 muley for over 2KMs this weekend. He gave me a good shot opportunity at 120 meters but I couldn't confirm he was a 4x3 and not a 3x3.

Needless to say, I'm upset and want to upgrade my Bushnell H20 8x42 to higher quality binoculars.

Have any suggestions?

I have a decent understanding of the specs for binos but there are a lot of specs (eye relief, magnification etc.)
I'm willing to spend some money to have higher quality binos so I don't let a 4x3 walk away again.

Looking at Nikon Monarch ATB 10x56 and Leupold Olympic 10x50.

Thanks,

[Fisher-Dude]

Don't waste your money on mid-range stuff. Just buy these and you'll never have to buy binos again for as long as you live: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?71228-Wts-Wtt-Leica-Duovid-8x12x42-Binos

Good deal, IMO.

[dakoda62]

Bought a pair of Vortex Fury 10 X 42. So far the best Pair I have owned. 35 years + Mid range 300-400$

[Gun Dog]

If you go to the Hunting Gear (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/forumdisplay.php?14-Hunting-Gear) forum and search for "binoculars" there's only 100 threads on the subject. I have Nikon Monarchs from OpticsPlanet in the US. During the day any bino will do but it's twilight when good glass becomes noticeable.

[RayHill]

Don't waste your money on mid-range stuff. Just buy these and you'll never have to buy binos again for as long as you live: http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?71228-Wts-Wtt-Leica-Duovid-8x12x42-Binos

Good deal, IMO.

Why not just buy a brand new pair of Zeiss 10x42 FL they are better and $2000 on Ebay

[whitespringer]

Check out the Pentax dcfsp 10x43. Best bang for under $500 bucks. Super quality at a reasonable price point. The birding crowd are all over these. Also, buy out of the big optic stores in the states, way cheaper. My two cents.

[Jonas111]

I have a pair of Leupolds and there is nothing wrong with them either and they are in the $500 range. Mine are 10x42 and I love them. If I was to replace them it would be with Lecia or Swaro.

[300rum700]

Minox is supposed to have the best glass in that price range.

[Dirty Steve]

I just bought a set of Vortex Talons 10x42 HD. $460 Love them and lifetime unconditional warranty!

[recon]

Vortex Fury, just under $500 and they're awesome... why spend more?

[Everett]

Minox is supposed to have the best glass in that price range.

Wife has a pair of minox HG 10x43 and as much as I hate to say it they are just as good as my swaros for $1000 less.

[bearhunter338-06]

I have a pair of the Vortex Diamond Back 10X42's and have no complaints. They are what I can a ford. I have talked to people ho have Ziess Swarros and Leapoulds (who aren't gear snobs) and have been told by them that they wouldn't hesitate to by Vortex optics.

Let the whining begin.............:-)

[jamfarm]

Yup, Minox

[claybuster]

Try http://www.binoculars.com/ I got a great deal on my Nikon Monarchs
They ship fast and have good service.

[slednecksbrown]

Can't find my Steiner Predators so I just ordered some Minox BL 10X44. Looks like a decent binoc...

[donny.brooke]

my Minox have been great and 1000 bucks cheaper than Swaros, glass and waranty are excellent

[Dmytro]

I personally never get happy until I get the best. So I stopped spending money on cheaper stuff knowing that I will still seek out the best later. The only exceptions are disposable items, but binos thankfully aren't in that category :) Do not waste your money on Leupold, Vortex, Nikon, etc. I use lots of Nikon gear and they manufacture kickass optics for microscopes for example, but their binos are nothing to be excited about.

The absolutely best resolution is delivered by Zeiss FL and the new Swarovision. Swarovski is a bit better for my eyes, but not by much. Everything else does not come close, not even Leica (that is my opinion based on my tests, you can find many people who will tell you Leica is great).

So my advice would be to look for the best deal on either Zeiss FL or the new Swarovski model. Do not buy used Swarovski, as far as I know they don't transfer the warranty on resale.

[Dmytro]

By the way, don't get 10x unless you get big objectives. In 42mm get 8x or 7x. Your eyes won't be able to resolve as much with 10x42 as they will with 8x42.

[open-sights]

The biggest problem with asking for advice from people on a public forum is that they will tell you to buy what they have, do yourself a favor and dont make the same mistake you made in your first purchase. Go to different stores that are open late and ask a sales staff member to take some binos outside for you in low light, then buy what fits best for you, get the best that you can afford or get used to packing a spotting scope with you. Best of luck

[mastercaster]

Can't find my Steiner Predators so I just ordered some Minox BL 10X44. Looks like a decent binoc...

Just ordered that same pair out of the States fro $399 and it has a $25 mail in rebate.

[Weatherby Fan]

Wife has a pair of minox HG 10x43 and as much as I hate to say it they are just as good as my swaros for $1000 less.

Yes you are correct I have bought 2 pairs of Minox HG's, 10x43 for $330.00 and a new pair of 10x52 for $400.00,both on Ebay and they are outstanding binoculars for the money as I use 10x42 Leica's and very close in clarity and no eyestrain whatsoever,I prefer the 10x43 as theyre a little lighter for ease of use.
Either way if u have some patience you can get a great deal online.
WF

[J_T]

Love my 10x52 Minox. Not too heavy and I love the low light. Real easy to shift between my eye glasses and no glasses.

[tikkat3]

anyone know a good deal on vortex online, that ships quickly??

[muledeercrazy]

Vortex Fury, just under $500 and they're awesome... why spend more?

you mean, if thats all you can justify or afford? otherwise, why buy chineese glass when you can get european optics

[muledeercrazy]

The biggest problem with asking for advice from people on a public forum is that they will tell you to buy what they have, do yourself a favor and dont make the same mistake you made in your first purchase. Go to different stores that are open late and ask a sales staff member to take some binos outside for you in low light, then buy what fits best for you, get the best that you can afford or get used to packing a spotting scope with you. Best of luck

good advice.

[The Hermit]

Just got back from 9 days hunting elk. We have 8 guys in camp and a couple evenings and mornings we were all together spotting across a valley in very low light conditions. We had Minox, Swaro ELs, Vortex, Leos, and Liecas to try. Everyone agreed, my KOWA Genesis 8.5x44 blew them all away! I have that pair of demos available at $1200 (MRSP $1540)

[Nekhani]

It is al about what you can afford but and what you can't afford in the field for optics. I used bushnells for years in the old days and wouldn't even glass as they hurt my eyes and were terrible optics.

I got into an old pair of Swarovskis and never looked back.

Good optics are one of your best hunting tools you can own so if you spend a little more than you can afford on a good pair of glasses you will never regret it... out in the field.
Pretty hard to beat Swarovski and you can get them a little cheaper now with the us dollar exchange, I would imagine.

Leupold and Nikon have come along ways as have many of the manufacturers and the leopold warranty is great.

Buy the best pair you can afford... just save enough for some bullets..

[Singleshotneeded]

The Euros at Cabelas, made by Minox, are meant to be equal to the Swaros and Leicas that some people are
spending stupid amounts of money on, and they're a grand, regular price. I think I've seen them on sale
before at cabelas.com for $700.

[frenchbar]

Just got back from 9 days hunting elk. We have 8 guys in camp and a couple evenings and mornings we were all together spotting across a valley in very low light conditions. We had Minox, Swaro ELs, Vortex, Leos, and Liecas to try. Everyone agreed, my KOWA Genesis 8.5x44 blew them all away! I have that pair of demos available at $1200 (MRSP $1540)
spoken like a true salesman .................................................. .................................................. ...............J/k lol.....

[Bow Walker]

spoken like a true salesman .................................................. .................................................. ...............J/k lol.....

X2....:) he's found his true calling.

I agree that it's all about budget. How much can a person reasonably afford to spend? How much should a person reasonably spend? Once that is established it's time to go out and get your hands on as many different brands within your budget as you can. Check them out in low light conditions and then go with whatever 'floats your boat'.

Those are 'the-best-bang-for-the-buck' for YOU, and no one else.