Id like to get a smaller set of optics that are easier to use and keep out of the way, when im crawling about. I'm spending too much time messing with the big ones.
Leica 10x25; I got mine off the classifieds here about ten years ago and use them almost exclusively. Still have a couple of large ones but never use them unless I'm in the truck.
I'm not sure what you are calling "big ones", and I'm sure many will disagree with me, but I really have not been satisfied with the mini binoculars.
Most of the small ones I've tried are way to high powered for the objective size (like 10x25) and are useless until the sun is well up and stop working for me as soon as the sun starts setting. Of course they weren't Walt's Leica glass, but I did try one of the lower end Zeiss. I've had an 8x32 that was compact, but way too heavy. A 4x25 would be a great woods glass for bow hunting, but I don't think anyone makes one. Even a 6x25 would be OK, but again, nobody makes one that I know of.
So, I lug along my 8.5 x 45 Nikon HD and enjoy a bright, clear view and live with the size. With one of the better harnesses it is not bad to carry, or with a slightly longer than normal strap hung over my shoulder and under the arm on the other side.
I will be watching this post for ideas. Or, if I win the lotto, I will look seriously at a nice small set of Leica glass.
I just got a pair of Nikon 8x32's Monarch 7's from the classifieds. They are very light and have a great field of vision for a compact. They are not as bright as my go to 8x42 Vortex Stokes but they do have very good low light performance and I don't even feel them around my neck.
I once had a pair of Zeiss 10x25's, they were terrible in low light and the field of view was an eye stain source, but in bright light they were very clear just not good to be looking through for a long period.. Best thing about them was they fit into a shirt pocket
I have a pair of Pentax Papillio they are 6.5 x 21 and I love them. No they aren't as good in low light as bigger ones but, they sure are better when they are around my neck instead of back in the truck where the heavier ones usually are.
Most recommendations are for expensive glass which is best for those that can afford them. But for someone looking for a lower cost alternative checkout the Leupold Yosemite. Comes in 6x,8x and 10x. I got them for my grandson and was impressed with the quality for the $'s. Noticed Thom Jorgensen on the Wild Things website FAQ's uses and recommends them also.
Got a pair of Leupold 10x42 Mojave Guide binocs, been pretty happy with them.
bang for the buck if you don't want to break the bank: Alpen (Japanese glass) or Vortex (awesome bang for buck but Chinese). That being said my goto is Alpen.
I have been very happy with Bushnell H20 compact binos. I have the 8x and the clarity and field of view are too good for $50 optics.
I can't really recommend a super small bino. I tried the compact route with a 25 mm lens and went back to my Nikon Monarch 10x42. Not as convenient to carry, but much better on the eyes. I hunt out west a lot or I would carry the same in an 8x42. Unless you spend $2k on Swarovski it is hard to be the Monarch line by Nikon for the money.
I have a set of Leica Ultravid 8x20. They are excellent. I took them to Africa a few years ago with a pair of 8x 32 Ultravids to compare. I looked at lots of "stuff" from dark to dark. The 20s did everything the 32s did. Neither do what Alpha 10 X 42s will, but for whitetail/turkey/bear hunting I will most often carry the compacts.
QuoteOriginally posted by nek4me:
Most recommendations are for expensive glass which is best for those that can afford them. But for someone looking for a lower cost alternative checkout the Leupold Yosemite. Comes in 6x,8x and 10x. I got them for my grandson and was impressed with the quality for the $'s. Noticed Thom Jorgensen on the Wild Things website FAQ's uses and recommends them also.
The 6X is the best budget glass out there. Plenty of places stock them so you look before you buy.
Vortex raptor. Great optics for the money.
I'm also in the market for replacement binoculars.I've had some Leopold's (8x) for several years. The twist up eyepiece on one side stopped staying in place. I know I could send them to Leopold and they'd fix them. However, I noticed on a recent antelope hunt that my 6x Leica range finder was much more clear than these binoculars.
I don't want to spend more than $1,000 and for as little (almost never) as I use binoculars in my home whitetail hunting, I shouldn't spend even half that. I've never seen the advantage of binoculars in my home whitetail woods. I see what's coming or I don't. If approaching bow range, I see it. I fear the binocs would cause me to move around too much?
My trips west are unfortunately very infrequent, if I'm lucky about every other year.
I'm considering Vortex (step up from diamondback but not all the way to Razors). I'm also looking at Nikon Monarch's 5 or 7. A pair of Leica Hds are interesting as well but they approach the $1,000 barrier.
I'm thinking 8x42.
I like this thread. I'm going to look at those Vortex Raptors -- great warranty and lots of people recommend the Vortex.
If you compare the Raptors with Yosemite side by side you'll buy the Leupolds. I have both and the Yosemites blow them away.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bowwild:
However, I noticed on a recent antelope hunt that my 6x Leica range finder was much more clear than these binoculars.
I am constantly amazed at these optics threads here. Even when guys see it with their own eyes, they still want to somehow "beat the system".
You can't buy a $200 binocular and expect it to perform the same as a $1000 binocular.
More than anything else, you get what you pay for in optics.
If you buy the top of the line in the Zeiss, any Leica, or any Swarovski, you will never need to upgrade. Zeiss Conquest are not Zeiss Victory. There is no way around it. Vortex are not equal to those three; not even the Razor HDs.
If you buy the BEST binoculars you will use them more and see things you have missed for years.
Bowwild--you are a smart enough hunter, you will not spook game using your binoculars.
Save the extra, get the best glass, and you will never want to go back. Most spend double of a good set over time buying inferior glass always chasing "the deal".
Not everyone can afford the best. Sure there's lots of junk out there and it is always good advice to buy the best you can afford but some have to make a choice from less than the best and that is where judicious research and recommendatons from others can help someone possibly find the best in their price range.
I carry the same glass as Walt Francis, Leica 10x25 compacts. These fit in my shirt pocket and go with me anytime I'm out and about.
Grouse
I'm loving my Leica Ultravid 8x20's. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Been using Zeiss 10x25s for the past couple of years, and they are very good. Just yesterday, I peered through some Swarovski 10x25, and if I had lots of money, I would have some, but they are above my pay grade. I also have some Steiner 10x compacts, and they are good, but not up to the Zeiss.
8X25 Zeiss. I almost always have them with me when bowhunting. I forgot them on a bear hunt this past week and really missed them when the light grew dim.
Just got some Bushnells L 250. they are great 10x42
If you can find an older pair of Bushnell 6x or 7x 26, you won't find a better small glass for the money. If money is no object, 8x32 Leica Ultravids.
I just ordered a pair of leupold Mojave 10x42 but after reading all the comments I'm starting to wish I'd have got the 8x42s
I have been pleased with my Vortex optics I have the 8x32... Nice compromise between price and power
I have the Leopold Yosemite. 6x30 I believe.They are a mid size but the optics are really good for picking apart the hardwoods here in the North East. They are also really good for low light. Very good for $90.
I have been looking for a new set myself.......do a lot of research and read all reviews.....go to all the big stores and actually look through any you plan to buy.....so far, for the money I like Vortex the best.....I wear eye glasses and they fit me best....be careful and choose wisely....Optic Planet actually recommends a Bushnell pair taking everything into consideration.....
To clarify a bit, I also have 8X Swaro's. I use those for other applications.
But for sitting on stand in the woods, for bear or deer, it is always my little 8X Zeiss.
SteveO is right on the money. Save up and buy Zeiss, Swarovski, or Leica, it is well worth it. I don't have a lot of money either, but I sold a handgun and bought a pair of Swarovski 8x30. I have never regretted it.
Hey Guys, I like this thread as I work for Leica Sportoptics as the Product specialist east.
For a compact bino or for any bowhunting situation for that matter, I find our 8x32 Ultravids to be second to none. They are one of the lightest most compact in its class and actually has a larger field of view that the 8x42 ultravid if you can believe that or not! This is my go to bino when i have the option to use any of our samples.
From a more economical stand point we are also now offering the Trinovid HD in 8x42 and 10x42. This is the best bang for the buck out there right not at $949 for the 8x42 and $999 for the 10x's. The only difference you will find between these and the Ultravid HD will be that the diopter adjustments are on the right barrel vs the focus wheel, a stainless steel center pivot arm vs titanium, slightly differnt rubber coating, and no aquadura coating on the lenses. This allows them to be ant a much better price point and not sacrifice any optical quality. They also come with our new adventure strap which is an excellent all in one harness/strap.
If any of you have any questions on Leica products please feel free to reach out to me!
QuoteOriginally posted by jt85:
I just ordered a pair of leupold Mojave 10x42 but after reading all the comments I'm starting to wish I'd have got the 8x42s
Give the 10x42s a chance. They,'re easy and quick to focus in one hand, nicely balanced.
Went from 8s to 10x42, had em a little over a year. Haven't once wished I,d gotten 8s instead.
For a clear sharp compact binocular at a good price(under $180) it takes a lot of cash to beat the Sightron Blue Sky 8x32.
(I own Swaro, Leupold and have owned Vortex. I use the Sightron when deer hunting more often than the others.)
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bowwild:
However, I noticed on a recent antelope hunt that my 6x Leica range finder was much more clear than these binoculars.
I am constantly amazed at these optics threads here. Even when guys see it with their own eyes, they still want to somehow "beat the system".
You can't buy a $200 binocular and expect it to perform the same as a $1000 binocular.
More than anything else, you get what you pay for in optics.
If you buy the top of the line in the Zeiss, any Leica, or any Swarovski, you will never need to upgrade. Zeiss Conquest are not Zeiss Victory. There is no way around it. Vortex are not equal to those three; not even the Razor HDs.
If you buy the BEST binoculars you will use them more and see things you have missed for years.
Bowwild--you are a smart enough hunter, you will not spook game using your binoculars.
Save the extra, get the best glass, and you will never want to go back. Most spend double of a good set over time buying inferior glass always chasing "the deal". [/b]
Amen my friend!
Different opinions for sure. If I was hunting all the time in the the west or AK all the time, my suggestion would probably be different.
I went from cheap 6X to 8X30 Swaro's to 10X40 Leica, back to Swarovski 8X30 then added the 8X20 Zeiss.
Have you thought about monoculars , just bought a vortex 10x36 from Cabela's . About 100$, nice and clear, light, compact. Comes with a lanyard and belt clip.
For me a pair of Swarovsky 8x30 are hard to beat and very compact too. You can find a pair of SLC for less than $500 and you have a life warranty,plus they keep their value and you can always sell them for the same price..
I paid $600 for a brand new pair and sold them some years later for $650
I have the Swaro 10x32...love them.
Went nuts today. Or maybe the subject came into focus today?
Been studying this topic for a very long time. This thread and a PM or two convinced me to pay more attention to binoculars.
I decided that I haven't counted on binoculars much in my hunting because I've never had good ones. I also figured with my future hunt plans I'd fine myself in NR situations for turkey in the spring and charismatic mega fauna in the fall.
Bought the Swarovski SLC 10x42. It was between Leica and Swarovski. I did look through some Swarovski 8x30's and was impressed. More portable than the ones I bought. I was concerned about eye fatigue, steady hold, and field of view. I thought the 10x might be better for the wider open spaces I travel to?
I'm going to send my Leupold 8x back to get the eyepiece fixed. Probably give em to my son.
If I were a Colorado hunting guy who just wanted one pair for my pocket, I'd be very tempted to go Leica 10x25s. I'd want to look at Steve's 8x20s after what he said about them. Of course this is without any consideration of cost. I'd also want to do a 30 day demo of some Maven B3s before I made a purchase.
Hunting Wyoming two weeks ago I only took my Leica 10x42s and they did great for me. Might be a little bigger than "compact" but I do love them in open country and low light.
For what it's worth, I do still use those cheap Leupold Yosemite 6x30s more than 90% of the time I'm hunting. All of that time is thick woods and swamps. I really want a pair I don't care if I bang them up or break them. The price is right on these for me to consider them disposable, while giving me a 6x advantage over nothing. Not to get too philosophical about it.
Oh, I did buy one pair of Raptor 6.5x32s two years ago and I donated them after one hunt when I found out I couldn't return them. I happily went back to the old Yosemites before my next hog hunt.
A lot of varying opinions on this thread...
Thom
I bought the Leupold Yosemite after trying a friends and really like them . i just recommended them to another friend that hunts too .
I have a pair of Nikon pro staff 8x32 that works great for me . They are light weight and have good glass . That said my personal needs are humble .
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
QuoteOriginally posted by Bowwild:
However, I noticed on a recent antelope hunt that my 6x Leica range finder was much more clear than these binoculars.
I am constantly amazed at these optics threads here. Even when guys see it with their own eyes, they still want to somehow "beat the system".
You can't buy a $200 binocular and expect it to perform the same as a $1000 binocular.
More than anything else, you get what you pay for in optics.
If you buy the top of the line in the Zeiss, any Leica, or any Swarovski, you will never need to upgrade. Zeiss Conquest are not Zeiss Victory. There is no way around it. Vortex are not equal to those three; not even the Razor HDs.
If you buy the BEST binoculars you will use them more and see things you have missed for years.
Bowwild--you are a smart enough hunter, you will not spook game using your binoculars.
Save the extra, get the best glass, and you will never want to go back. Most spend double of a good set over time buying inferior glass always chasing "the deal". [/b]
Nailed it. You're not buying binoculars, you're buying glass and advertising. Pay for the best glass you can, in the biggest size you're willing to carry. But before we knock Zeiss Conquest, being someone who lived most of life with nothing but cheap glass, Zeiss Conquest changed my life. Put a 3-9x40 on an extra long bow in 30-06 and I will never go back. With that said I have some bushell 10x42 binoculars which I like. They are not great but they are good.
The problem with small objectives is just that they don't collect a lot of light. The difference in light transmission between Conquest and Victory is something like 92% vs 96% ... That's less than the difference in photons between 40 and 42mm objective. Then again part of it is also aberration at edge of frame and other things.
At the end of the day, always wait and spend twice as much as you planned when it comes to optics.
I have an older Panasonic digital camera with leica glass ... It's 5MP and it will blow the doors off my wife's new canon 20Mp point and shoot travel cam.
Can't beat great glass ... Period.
I used to do a fair amount of woodchuck hunting with a 222 Rem chambered rifle. That translated to a lot of "glass time" checking for woodchuck head peaking out of their holes . I eventually got my first "good" pair of binocs.They are small enough to carry all day, but big enough to be comfortable and steady. I got a pair of porro prism 8x30 Dr Optic binocs made in the early 1990's with their multi-coated glass. I think they were $150 20+ years ago in "as new" condition.
Researching binocs years ago I remember coming across statements from "optic experts" that you can get better optical performance at lower cost with porro prism (zig-zag layout) binocs, compared to a roof prism design ("straight tube"). This is due to the roof prism lens design which creates phase shift and reflective issues of mating lenses. These design issue required higher quality builds (+++$) to minimize lens surface mating issues(which drives up cost). So at what price point do you get equal optical performance from porro vs roof prism designs? I'm not a man of means, and only have that one pair of binocs, so I can't answer that. My guess is that a 300-400$ par of porro prism binocs would be close to $1000 roof prism binocs, but that's just a guess.
In short, you get more optical quality for the $ with "very good" porro prisms compared to similar optical quality of roof prism binocs (which needs more $ to make it work as well or better than porro /zig zag binocs). Hence my decision to get the 8x30 Dr Optic porro prism binocs.
The 8x30 porro prism binocs are a small package, but big on optical performance for that price point.
No eye stain after a full day of glassing chuck fields. Very crisp image. Resolution (ability to see detail from quality lens material, and manufacturing) is where it's at, and what you pay for.
8x30 porro binocs are not "compact", but certainly small enough for my needs in rifle hunting and archery needs. I'd like to try a pair of Nikon 8x30 EII porro prism binocs-just to "see" what they offer. Maybe someday.
I have the little Portugese Leupold 9x25 that was made around 1990. Wonderful compact binocular. Also have a pair of beat-up but still mechanically and optically perfect Leica 10x42s I bought around 1995 for about $800. Almost never use the Leupolds.
If I could have just one binocular, and any binocular I wanted, it would be the old Leica 8x32 BA. Perfect combination of optics and size. The Ultravid may be even better, but I haven't any experience with it.