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.