Binocular opinions wanted

[aromakr]

I totally agree with Rick McGowan. I've owned both Zeiss and Leica's. I prefer Leica. I was in Germany a few years ago and according to their consumer report Leica ranked #1 Zeiss #2. If your going to invest in a pair of bino's don't skimp on quality.
Bob

[IDABOW]

Try the Alpen line of Binoculars and look at the Apex, Rainer and Shasta. First have the salesperson set out some of your favorites (Steiner, Zeiss, ect.) then close your eyes and pick up various pairs and decide without looking at the brand name which one's are best for you.
Good luck,
Idabow

[IDABOW]

I was kindly reminded that it is "ETC." and not "ECT." by my firefighter co-worker who thinks he is an english teacher.
Idabow

[Terry Green]

Has anyone tried the new Vortex line of binos?

I bought some 10x 42s for out west for $209...and they are gas filled and have a lifetime warranty.

My Swaros are 8x32, and was just not enough power for out west, so I went shopping....

I compared them to some other high priced brands, and I was very impressed with the Vortex.

I think the company is about 2 years old.

Anyone?

  Click Here then click select 10x42 on the Diamondbacks

[Grant Young]

Terry, I looked at the Vortex line and was really impressed, especially in the higher powered models.I felt like the Viper and Razor models were exceptional. I was really looking for 8x32 for my area so I ended up with Kahles and I'm satisfied for the price I paid but if the Vipers had been available with a 32 objective lense I would have bought them.     Grant

[jonsimoneau]

I bought a pair of Leicas a couple of years ago and I cannot believe how much time I wasted with cheap binoculars.  Most of the time, I would not even bring them with me.  Now, I will not go in the woods without them.  I bought the 8x32 model and they are absolutely perfect for bowhunting whitetails in thicker cover.

[Rick McGowan]

I can't agree more, back when I had cheapy binos, I rarely even took them with me, since I got the Leicas, I almost never go hunting or scouting without them, its amazing how much walking they can save,i.e. "is that a rub way over there or just a patch of sunlight". The other thing I discover that it wasn't worth it to economize was socks, believe it or not, when I finally broke down and bought QUALITY socks, I thought to myself, life is way to short to wear cheap socks!

[Terry Green]

Thanks Grant.....I think the Vortex 10s are gonna serve me well for the few days I spend out west.  And I'll still have my 8s for here back east for most of my viewing.

The guy that sold them to me was very excited about this new line, and that they were definately undervalued as most nitrogen/argon gas filled glasses start at $500.  He said they were cutting into his higher price glass sales, but he was selling more binos because of the Vortex value/quality.  Most folks couldn't tell much difference in binos costing a $1000 more.

[Tom Anderson]

Terry,
How do the Diamondbacks compare in resolution and color saturation to your Swaros? Do you have the 8x32 SLC's?

[TNstickn]

All things being equal the larger objective lenses let you see much greater detail, especially at dawn and dusk. Hard to find a good store that will let you carry the binos out in the parking lot at dusk so you can look at something 1/4 mile away at dusk. Pick out the best ones you can find/afford and compare them that way.I bet they look totally different near dark. You might even see something you simply cannot make out with a 42mm and smaller especially at those western scouting ranges.

[Tim Nuss]

I have a pair of the Vortex - Hurricane 10x28 compact size. I am very impressed with them. They are great optics for the money.

Tim

[Orion]

Mojostick:  I agree re the lower power for eastern and midwestern hunting.  I have an old pair of Bushnell 7x26 custom compacts that work real well.  A friend of mine has the 6 power.  It's a shame that more manufacturers don't make 6 and 7 power binos.  Just like the magnum craze in guns, there's the high power fad in binocs.

[SOS]

Been quite happy with my 8x42 Leupold Windriver Olympics. Great mid priced binos - in the suitcase for a trip to SA as we speak.

[BD]

I've heard the 8x36 Nikon Monarch ATBs are excellent for treestand hunting (even had a Vortex dealer tell me this). Can anyone comment?

[Rick Perry]

Originally posted by Tom Anderson:
 

Originally posted by Rick Perry:
........ I also bought my wife a pair of Nikon 8x30 and they are very good as well for the price I was very pleased ....

Rick, which model Nikon's ? [/b]

Monarch ATB


correction  ....... they are 8x36

[Don Stokes]

I'm too hard on equipment to spend big bucks on binos, and I've been perfectly happy with all of the Nikons I've had. I've gone through several pair of 8 or 10 power (kids!), and they have all had quality optics. I prefer the 8's. The only time I want something bigger is out west, where you spend a lot more time with them stuck to your face.

[Mr.Chuck]

"money" pretty much dictates what we will do or not, or what we get. I bit the bullet to have the Leica 8X40 and the Leica 12X50.  Leica, there are none better!  I've owned Zeiss and Steiners and Bauch & Lombs.  I have them all, and the Leica stands out, bar none. I've always believed, you get what you pay for! I'm looking for a set of Leica 8X32 now!  lol  

[foxbo]

My vote for the best all round hunting bino goes to the swarovski slc 8x30. It's light weight, has plenty of power and a great field of view. I traded mine in on a new pair of EL 10x42, but I think I used the 8x30s more than the ELs.

[Jason R. Wesbrock]

I don't know if they've been mentioned yet, but I think one of the most under-rated set of optics is the Bushnell Nature View roof prisms. They run around $150 and blow away similar optics that are better than twice the price.

[Doug in MN]

The Vortex line has a great deal to offer at a lot of price points, very nice glass. For the money at any of them.