Anybody use these brand binos for hunting? If so what power do you use?Anybody use the wildlife series 8x26?
I also have a pair of Wildlife 8x26s. Happy with them, carry them for deer hunting around home where I don't want to lug my bigger Liecas.
I have some 8x35 with the marine armor.
They are tough as nails. I have had other more expensive binocs (Leicas) fog or get out of alignment from dropping them, but these have survived multiple episodes of being dropped, submerged, salt water and living in a rain forest.
If you can afford them they're awesome. I've used them in the Army and they were very clear.
Had a pr of Stien but sold and went to Swarovski EL series.
I use the merlin 10 x 42 and love em. I really like the shape and feel of the rubber eye relief ends. Much easier on your eyes during a long day of glassing.
I have an older 8x30 Military/Marine w/armor. Work well. I like that once you get the eye-pieces set, you don't have to fuss with focusing.
Prior to getting these in the late 80's, I used a set of compact roof prizm glasses. They were nice until the sun went down, then they were very poor. They just couldn't bring in the light needed for effective glassing. Bought the Steiners, and what a difference! Very clear in low light situations.
QuoteOriginally posted by akbowbender:
I have an older 8x30 Military/Marine w/armor. Work well. I like that once you get the eye-pieces set, you don't have to fuss with focusing
x2 :thumbsup:
My friend who is a USDA trapper / hunter turned me on to them. He used them everyday and they are tough - light to carry.
I have the peregrine 10x44. Great glass and optics but for the money, they are not very durable. I hunt in the back country and really use my glass. The eye cups broke, the clips for the neck/chest strap broke, the lens cover lanyard broke. I sent them in and I was sent a new pair, but again I don't feel like the quality is the best.
I use the merlin 10x42 and they're great.I had trouble looking thru binos with glasses on.The steiner's let you see clearly and no fuss with leaving your glasses on.
I have the 8x Predator model and they have been bombproof. They are a great buy for the money.
Alpen is darn near as good and less than half the price. Sportsman's Warehouse stocks them.
Yes, great optics, but the eye relief is very sensitive. Once I figured that out I loved them.
I had a pair of Steiner Bighorns. They were supposed to be perma-focus, or never need to focus them.
Thay should have told me that they can't be focused, 'cause that was the truth.
I sent them back to Cabelas for refund. Funny, they don't make them any more.
I bought a pair of Zeiss from that giant auction web side and have been served well by them.
I had some government issue Steiners when I worked for MO Dept. of Conservation in the mid 1990's. The were good glasses. Army green, rubber coated and 8X. Sort of mid-size. I think the state got em for about $150 -- I'm sure many of the staff still have them.
I have used the 8X30 Predators for many years now. Have been very happy with them.
I have had the Predators also. Love em. They are the perfect bino for my use. The clarity is great and the size on the Predator is perfect.. I would buy another pair in 10x but I dont think they make the Predator any longer....
I received a pair of 8x30 Safari pros for a retirement present. They are not center focus; you have to focus each eyepiece -- set them up for 50 yds out (or so the instructions say). They are not good for close focusing (within 25 yards). Maybe I'm just not used to them yet. I'm thinking of keeping them in the truck for road birding.
Richard
Have a set of the 8X30 Predators too and like them.
They have great customer service also. Had a pair replaced after hitting a couple tree steps on the way down from dropping out of a tree stand. They didn't question one bit and sent a replacement pair right to the house without a charge. I was impressed.
The Military/Marine 8x30s I have, the exit pupil is small and if you wear glasses it won't work as well as others with a larger exit pupil.Mine are an older pair with folding eye cups but they are clear.
Mike Lee