I've been lookin for a "good" setup with regards to binoculars and I'm interested in what you people are leanin towards. I've done some searching and the Leupold Mojave's are climbing my list of probables. What's your thoughts?
8X30 Swarovski.
8X40 Steiner, had real good luck with them!
Swarovski 10x42 or Zeiss 8x20 depending on how I am hunting.
Bushnell Legend 8 x 26 Waterproof.
(http://bushnell.com/images/19-0826.jpg)
I know, cheapies. But they are small, light enough I can wear them and shoot with them, and do, and they are rainproof. Also have enough eye relief I can use them with my glasses on and actually see something.
For anyplace on the eastside of the Cascades and beyond I use 8 X 42 Nikon Monarchs. For the wetside of the Cascades, where the woods tend to be dense and great distances are not a concern, I use a light pair of 10 X 28 Luepold Gold Ring binoculars.
Leupold Wind Rivers, 10X42.
Vortex...can't beat the quality and price.
Nikon Travelite V 8x25
Perfect for woodland hunting
I can read the writing on my carbon arrow from 20 ft. up in a stand to 10ft out from the tree
Read the arrow after the shot without climbing down. Thats SHARP
$85
8 x 32 Minox
Swarovski 10x42 EL
Said to be some of the best out there. And for the money they had better be.
Pick a size that you will use and not leave in the truck.
Pro staff waterproof binoculars by Nikon 8 X 25
These work well in a treestand waterproof and coded.
I also have a pair of buckhorn Bushnell 10 X 42
I use the Pro staff more because they're not as heavy and they are compact .
Carl
QuoteOriginally posted by DEATHMASTER:
Swarovski 10x42 EL
Said to be some of the best out there. And for the money they had better be.
Pick a size that you will use and not leave in the truck.
I don't think I'd leave a pair of Swarovski's behind in the truck no matter what the size.
:D
Zeiss conquest 8x30 work for me. :)
for the money I like my 8 x42 Nikon Monarch
for the money I like my 8 x42 Nikon Monarch
Cabela's branded 7x36, about 20 years old now. I think they were made by Redfield. Definitely got my money's worth out of them. I also have a pair of 8x42 Leupold Cascades. Am saving for a pair of topshelf glass though, likely to be Swarovski EL's or something similar.
8 x 30 Swarovskis. Best money i ever spent. 20 years old and going strong
I've been using the same pair of Zeiss 10x40's for the last 32 years...guess they must work ok for me. I do a LOT of open country spot & stalk hunting, though.
10X42 Eagle Optics Rangers. Great optics without spending a fortune.
Zeiss 8X30 armor coated. Fantastic quality.
I think Dave Bowers was the said it first, Vortex!! man you just cannot believe what you get for teh money!! I ahve the vortex vipers ... picked them up for under 350 to my door. Super bright, ultra clear ... the best feacher is the depth of field. these are as good as binos over 2 times the price. Do your self a favor and try them, it is just incredible! On par with Ziess, way better than any Nikon, and very reasonably priced.
Bob.
Been using 8x32 Leicas for the past 10 years or so. Can't be beat, though they are on the expensive side. Also have an older pair or 7x26 Bushnell Custom Compacts. Probably 20-25 years old. Very good glass for the money then, and still serve as a good back up. Might be able to find them very reasonably priced on the used market.
You don't say where/how you're going to use them, but if you're going to hunt primarily in the Eastern woods where the cover is thick, I'd recommend 6x or 7x glasses. Plenty of power and easy to hold steady. If you would use them more for western hunting, long distance glassing, 8x or 10x would be a better choice.
I use 8 X 20 Zeiss compacts for whitetail hunting in the east.
Mr. Ranger58,
Our Leica Trinovid 10x40 binoculars have served us well for almost 30 years.
Best Wishes
6 x 32 Vortex Vipers. Great bino for woods hunting. Very clear and easy to use with glasses. Bob
We need two categories here: glass >$750 and glass <$750...
I can only afford the second category at this point:
I use 10x42 nikon monarchs, but I have heard great things about Vortex from someone who knows about such things, I just haven't tried them yet.
Leica 8x32 have done me right for the last 11 years.
I have a pair of 8 x 42 Leupold Pinnacles with me all the time.
i have had good luck with a pair of Alpen Apex 10X50.
Zeiss 10X40
I love my 10 year old 8x32 Leicas, but I just got a new pair of the Leica 8x32 Ultravid HD binoculars and there is nothing as good. They have better optics than my old Leicas and are about two-thirds the size and weight. The onuly drawback is the $2000 price tag. The
Swarovskis are great binoculars too, and I have them in three sizes. The top model in the Vortex is definitely a good binocular for the price. The Burris Signature Select is also a good buy for a relatively low price. I have many great optics, and a very good pair of 8x32 binoculars is all a bowhunter or most other hunters everneed for 95% of their hunting.
That depends on the terrain.
Wooded or broken stuff Leica 8 x 32's.
Out west or to do serious glassing it's Leica 10 x 42's
I had an eye injury years ago and can really tell the difference between the brands, even the top of the line brands.
I use a pair of 8X32 Minox binoculars I've had for the past 10 years and they work like champs. They are roof prism binos and are fully coated. I had a friend that once told me that he didn't carry binoculars because if you had to use them then you couldn't shoot game with your bow because they were too far anyway. I think he had a good point and it sure beats carrying them around your neck, but I sure like to watch game with my binos and I don't mind the added weight.
Anyway, Minox gets my vote for an affordable good quality glass binocular.
Good Luck
I use a pair of 8X32 Minox binoculars I've had for the past 10 years and they work like champs. They are roof prism binos and are fully coated. I had a friend that once told me that he didn't carry binoculars because if you had to use them then you couldn't shoot game with your bow because they were too far anyway. I think he had a good point and it sure beats carrying them around your neck, but I sure like to watch game with my binos and I don't mind the added weight.
Anyway, Minox gets my vote for an affordable good quality glass binocular.
Good Luck
8x32 Vortex, Vipers.
8X30 Leupold Yosemites, inexpensive but more than enough for all my hunting in MD,PA,and OH. Good for looking "through" brush than spotting at a distance.
For all-around hunting Leica 8x32's are my constant companion. None I have seen are brighter or sharper for the size & power.
While scouting from the vehicle or for using w/ a tripod as a spotter, I like the Leica 12x50's. Much more comfortable and easier on the eyes than looking thru a single-lens spotting scope IMO.
>>--Ron--<>
Zeiss 8x30. These are perfect for me, an eastern Whitetail hunter. They're not heavy or bulky and the clarity is amazing.
Mitch
I hunt with a pair of 8x20 Swarovski's. They fit right in my shirt pocket. My 8x30 Swarovski's usually stay at camp because they are bigger. They cost a lot but I just put them on layaway and pay until they are mine. I have never regretted buying them. Gary
Nikon Trailblazer 10x40
I had a truly hard time finding an affordable pair that would match up to some of the higher end binos. After much research and trying out in stores I settled on an 8x32 Chuck Adams sig. edition. They really are crystal clear in most all lighting situations and for $170 you can't beat em. If money is not an issue there are obviously better sets but for the price these compete with most Nikon, Leoupold binos out there.
Pentax 8x43.
If you want to find some good reviews on binocs check out some of the bird watching sites.
I have the 8x30 and 10x42 Swarovski's. If money is an issue the next best thing I have used are Vortex Razors. About half the price of the big three and not far from them quality wise.
Good luck
I am telling you Zen-Ray and Promaster are the best you can buy for your money, period! I understand the Hawk brand is made in the same factory as well. For less than $400 you get ED lenses with the same ergonomics you get when you pay 3-4 times as much. They are every bit as good as Swarovski, and Leica. Far superior to anything Leopold makes, and better than anything Nikon has ever made, with the exception of the Premier line and the EDGs which are in my opinion the best ever made at at any price. I agree that Minox provides an exceptional value as well. I have several pair, but I will never spend another dime on anything but Zen-Rays. If you dcn't believe me check out the bird watching sites.
Swarovski 8X30 and Swaro EL 10X32.
Some of the best lenses and they keep their value.
I like my 8x42 Gold Ring Leupolds just fine for the fine clarity and excellent quality, not to mention the unlimited lifetime warranty.
However, while looking for some a bit lighter in wt. I found their 6x30 Yosemite's to be great Binos. for very little cash invested... light weight, great field of view, very clear, excellent light gathering capability, waterproof, and lifetime warranty to the origional buyer, and all for around $125.00 :thumbsup: Which is a huge differance in cost to what my Gold Rings cost new.
I find those little 6x30's very handy in the dark areas in heavy timber where I hunt Roosevelt Elk on the Wa coast. Seems the heavier 'Gold Rings' seem to be spending a lot more time in the truck or back in the trailer at camp.
Gene
Pentax DCF's 8x42
I've been using a Nikon Monarch 10X40 for 15 years. My truck binoculars are Nikon Monarch 8X56. I've used the 10X40 from the Eastern Woodlands to the Artic Tundra. The 8X56 are too heavy to carry but are great for late afternoon scouting.
7x42 Canon's- nobody has mentioned these yet, under $300 when I bought them and have been excellent so far, clear and bright. Replaced my Leupold Gold Rings with these when the Leupolds got taken from my truck. These are great for the price.
8x42 Kahles - a little more glass and I use them the most.
10x42 Kahles for elk and sheep hunting in the mountains or deer on the prairies in the coulees.
Terry
Leupold Arcadia 10x42, great bino for the price! :thumbsup:
8x30 Steiner w/armor. Tough with excellent light gathering qualities during low light conditions.
I just picked up a pair of old 1950's Stellar binos 75x50 with a FOV of 375 at 1000yrds. These things are crystal clear at long distances and they un-screw so you can clean all the lenses.They were cheep back in the day and I got these for $15.00.
Leuopold 8X when I use them. I have to admit, I have not made binocs part of my gear on many occassions. I reckon if I hunted out west, in bigger country more often, I would use them.
Leupold
Vortex Diamondbacks, sweet pair of binos! Ya get a lot of bang for your buck with them for sure and a great warranty.
10 x 42 steiner. great glass, real comfortable on the eyes with the soft rubber eye cups.
Leica 8x32, awesome! had them for 10yrs now...
Bowwild you're not alone.
My knockaround set is a pair of Brunton Eterna 8x45's. They are nice to look through, but weigh a ton and are larger than I'd like so I usually never carry them.
I'd like to pick up a set of bright 6/7xwhatever that weighed less (and hopefully with decent eye relief), so I'd probably use them more.
Finding a small set that works with glasses has been a pain.
I have a pair of Minox 8x32 for stand hunting at home. SLC 10x40 for out west.
QuoteOriginally posted by DEATHMASTER:
Swarovski 10x42 EL
Said to be some of the best out there. And for the money they had better be.
Pick a size that you will use and not leave in the truck.
Same for me, I was going to buy the Leupold mojaves, but splurged!!
Leica 8x32's!
Nikon 10x
I like the Luepold Cascades, 8x42. Great light gathering, clear and not to heavy/big. Easy to carry all day + can't beat the warrenty.
Bought a pair of Bushnell Compact binoculars 20 years ago and they have served me very well .
Leica 10X50 and Zeiss 8X30
I have a pair of 10x42 Mojave's and really like them. Good clarity, light weight and even got them on sale. My friend has a pair of bruntons that he paid double what I payed and he likes the Mojave's better. I think that you will be happy if you go with them. Just my imput and you can PM me if you want some more info.
Clayton
Bought a pair of Stiener 10x26 20 years ago. Light for carrying out west on long hikes. Best $100 spent. Wish I could afford the names mentioned here but I don't care if he's weak on the left G2! If I see horns, he's worth goin after--if I can't see 'em he's too far to get to today!
Swarovski 10x42 EL.
MID SIZE 7,8 power for hunting. 10 Power for glassing.
Leica 8x32
I got the Leupold mojaves 8 x 42 for Christmas and love them. They have helped me find a few sheds already.
My go to is usually whatever my sons have left me.
I like my nikon monarchs 8x42. Certainly not top of the line but good for the money I think.
Sent you a PM !
I've tried lots of binos and for bowhunting out west I like a 10x42. As far as the brand, I can't afford the big $$$$ ones, but I really like my Nikon Monarchs and Wind Rivers.
I bought a pair of Leica 10x42 BAs about 15 years ago. They have been used incredibly hard and are beat to heck, but still optically and mechanically perfect. At the time, they cost about $1000, so I'm paying about 70 bucks a year (and declining every year) for incredible performance. Lifetime cost... not just initial purchase price is worth considering.
10x42 Khales for carrying on my Bino harness and my 15x16 SLC Swarovski's for sit down glassing off of my tripod.
Vortex diamondback 8x42 - love them!
10x30 Zeiss Conquest
10x42 Pentax DCF, clear, easy to carry
8x42 Leupold Wind Rivers (most carried)
7x26 Bushnell custom compacts 30years old. They're really pretty good.
If you want to see discounted prices, look at thesamplelist.com, an outfit out of Houston that sells floor samples, reconditioned optics, and new.
I have two pair;
Swarovski 8.5x42 EL and 6x32 Eagle Optic Ranger Platinum series. The EL's are awesome and the Rangers are very clear/bright with a wide FOV (something I look for in glasses).
Vortex Diamond 8x42,I've had other brands in the same price range,but the quality was not the same.Plus a lifetime transferable warranty.
Burris Signature Series 8x32 have served me well for several years.
For local bowhunting and stalking thich terrain a pair of swarovski slc 8 x 30 for out west or long glassing a pair of el 10 x 42
8x40 Burris signatures
Just bought a pair last year. Cabela's XT 8x42. They are made in Japan and do not use BAK-4. I was out with a buddy using them. He has a pair of compact binos and I have these. The difference was amazing. I bought them in the bargin cave for $179.00. You can't beat that with a stick!
Martin
Eastern hardwoods deer, Minox 6X30 fixed. Western more open area's Swaro 8.5X42s.
Tight & close areas around here for Bowhunting. Use 6.5x32 Vortex Fury for woods. For more open areas or use in other weapons seasons, 8x42 Vortex Sidewinders.
Leica Ultravid 10X25s. Clear, bright, not too heavy, fit in a shirt pocket so they're always there. Leave the big glass in the truck!
Leica 8x32. Small enough to always have with me, can shoot with them slung tucked under my left arm, low enough power to hand hold, big enough and powerful enough to glass all day, practically indestructible and will last a lifetime (unless burned in a house fire, like my first pair).
8x30 Swarovski.
Vortex Fury...8x42...one sweet piece of glass!
Alpen apex 8.5x50
Everyone has their own opinion on glass. I have managed to pick up three pair of bino's over the years that serve me well. What, how, and where I'm hunting determines which pair I carry. I use a 7 by 24 Bosch and Lomb when archery hunting in the thick stuff, my 8 x 30 Zeiss as a general purpose all around glass, and a 10 x 40 Zeiss when stalking out west. My advice is to buy the best you can afford, but let your eyes and pocketbook determine what is best for you and the way you hunt.
I have 2 Binos right now.
Alpen Shasta Ridge 8X42
Alpen Apex 10X50
Both are a little big for every day carry but for hunting or long range Archery Shooting they are perfect.
Leupold Wind Rivers, 10X42.
There are better, but not for the price. Monarchs are good also.
Bushnell permafocus 10x42. I am extremly rough on equipment. I have had one pair for over 8 yrs. from spring turkey through late goose they dont get much down time. A lot of bang for the buck.
10x25 pocket leica's for chasing the local whitetails.
10x50 Swarovski
Steiner Predator 8x... I love em. Wife got them for me several years ago. They are the perfect size and power (although old eyes sometimes want 10's but can't hold em staedy enough) I am not sure they make that model any longer
For out here in the West it's 10X42's. I think the Nikon Monarchs are great glass for the price. I found a pair of Leica's for a great deal though...had to sell the Nikon's and buy the Leica's. No eye strain in these beauties.
The last couple of years I've been using a pair of Kahles 8X32's and I really like them.
6x32 Vortex great glass and warranty