Whats a good compact brand?What power?will be for ground hunting.Was thinking about getting a pair of Steiner predator pro 8x22.Anybody use these?

Price range?

Look at Nikon or Burris for mid range prices.

I've had great luck with Vortex.

I'd stay with a minimum of a 30mm objective at the very least. You can still get a lightweight bino in the 30mm to 32mm range. Anything less than that, depending on power won't give you the low light gathering capacity. Anything above that is a trade off of better low light performance and weight. For eastern whitetail 6x30 is an ideal size. Buy quality glass and you won't have to do it twice

I've been very pleased with the Leupold 6x30 Yosemite glass.  According to both the online reviews and my personal observations, these $100 binoculars are as bright, clear, and sharp as most competitors and even other Leupold binoculars that cost much more.  I'm not a glass connoisseur but you may want to look through some and try some out.

Minox 8x32 BL's should serve you well if you want compact and light.
I haven't looked through a pair of any 20mm objective binocs that were worth a darn after the sun went down.

Another vote for the 30 - 40 mm glasses. I have a fairly decent 8x22 that I carry in the door pocket of my car, but as soon as the light gets dim, you can't tell an 8-point buck from a bush.

Leupold for lots of years

The Vortex Vipers in 6x32 are a great binocular. Last year I picked up a set of Pentax DCF WP 8x30 and they are very impressive. There is a lot of great glass out there now. Look at as many as you can before deciding.

I looked through a pair of Redfield Rebel 10x42 today and I was really impressed, they were about $150 at academy.

I second the vote for Minox. It's probably one of the best "unadvertised"  brands on the market.

For compacts I have a pair of Vortex Vanquish 8x26 and am happy with them.  Small, lightweight and good quality.  They come with Vortex's unconditional lifetime warranty as well.

I use the Steiner 8x22 for deer hunting. I like them a lot. I know you give up some low light capabilities with the smaller glass, but I know me, and I wouldn't carry anything much bigger. Sometimes I don't even take those (monocular).


 For ground hog hunting, you should be able to carry larger glass without much hassle. There seems to be some good suggestions here.

QuoteOriginally posted by 3Feathers:
Whats a good compact brand?What power?will be for ground hunting.Was thinking about getting a pair of Steiner predator pro 8x22.Anybody use these?

I have a pair of these and never go hunting without them. Paid $100 for them a few years ago, no regrets.

If you want an excellent glass and the best warranty/customer service in the game....Vortex!

I carry a pair of the first generation Leupold rangefinding binos.  I guess the new ones have a compass built in and I think they changed from a red to a green display.  They are 8X and mid sized but with my bino buddy I don't even know they are there.

Ill second the yoseminites..Handy size and a great value....

For a compact glass my recommendation would be 8x32's.  Once you decide what size glass (shape and magnification) be sure to spend as much as your wife will let you.  Glass is like bad taxidermy; you'll wish you had spent a bit more once you have it in hand.

Vortwx, I have a pair and by far thee best glass I have everowned.
Godbless you , Steve

Vortex!!