Durable Weatherproof Spotting Bino's... What's Worth the $'s?

[Molson]

Around here we just use Steiner Predators with the auto focus for deer hunting.  They work great for the typical distances we use them at in Ohio and are virtually indestructable.  We're going to start heading out west to hunt some different critters so the glass is definitely going to need an upgrade.  What binos do you guys who regularly hunt the vast areas and glass at distance recommend and why?

[Pete McMiller]

I've hunted Colorado for archery elk since 1993 and have used my Swarovski 7x42 every year.  Once in a great while I want something like a 10x but most often my 7x's work just fine.  This is archery in the timber after all so you really don't need great magnification.  The 7x42's give me great low light transmission and a good field of view.  I use them alot for picking out animals in dense dark timber 50 to 100 yards away.

[bowslinger]

The best pair of binoculars is one light enough you will carry it and and use it, and good enough optics you won't get eye fatigue when spotting several hours a day.

Your Steiners should work fine (suggest 7x or 8x with a 40 to 50 mm objective).  If you are concerned about a higher power, you may want to consider carrying a light weigth spotting scope along with your binos in a 10x20 power or 15x30.  These are relativley light weight and will give extra distance and higher magnification to check out a distant animal you can't quite judge with binos.

If you don't own a harness for your binos, I strongly encourage you to get one.  It makes carrying binos easier and keeps them out of the way.  It will also save your neck versus using a thin neck strap.  You will be more likely to use your binos more becuase they are readily available and don't involve putting them in and out of case.

[Bivyhunter]

I make multiple hunts in the west for deer and elk and ALWAYS use 10X binos.  I feel a spotting scope is a must for deer because of their smaller antler size.  If you are looking for a specific class of deer, I wouldn't leave camp without one in my pack.  If you are just looking for "a buck", you can probably get by without one.  I frequently find myself glassing distances that I can see the body of the deer, but cannot determine whether it is a buck or a doe, so always have one with me.  For elk, that usually isn't a problem.

[LPM]

My personal rule for quality in binoculars is that your eyes should not feel much of a change when you take the binoculars down from your face.

Roof prism binoculars are the most compact and if you like the idea of setting a focus to your eyes and not having to change for varied distance, then the high end glass like steiner is the choice.

I don't mind rotating the focus wheel so I settled for a less expensive yet quality set of binoculars made by Leupold. The Acadia 10x42 is my go to for quick spotting coyotes and red fox during the winter months.  Not too expensive and when I look away my eyes don't feel any distress.

There is a lot of good glass out there but you don't have to break the bank to be satisfied.

[R.W.]

I have, and do carry my Zeiss 10 x 40 bino's for deer,elk,antelope and sheep hunting.
These aren't the lightest glass, but I will pay the "weight penalty" for the clarity, and being able to glass for extended periods without getting eye strain, or a headache.

[Shedrock]

I have used good quality 12x50 binos for years and love them. I did want to make a change because of the weight and bulkyness while stalking. I went with Swaros 8x30 for close range work, and the Nikon 13-30x50 spotter for long range glassing. I used that spotter on my sheep and mule deer hunt with great results. The 50mm lense exceeded my expectations in lower light. I would rank the clarity of this little, lightweight, only 16 oz I believe, spotter, with Swaros. Nikon is a sponsor, check it out.

[stalkin4elk]

R.W.x 2 except I use 10 x 42 Leica. Swaro, Leica,and Zeiss are supurb at low light I will add.They hold their value and are good for life. You only feel the $ pain until you use them a season. I like to spot game from far and then hunt. I also have a 20 x 60 x 85 Nikon ED spotter and regret not investing in above brand spotter. The spotter stays fairly close to the truck by the way.

[JEFF B]

bushnell h2o good glass

[hunt it]

10x42 Swarovski's are hard to beat in my book. I've had 7x and 8x but have settled on 10x for good, best all around option for my hunting.

[JockC]

Depends on what and how you're hunting, of course.  If you just want to see animals and get an idea measure of size, Big Eye binocs (12x50 at an absolute minimum)on a tripod are supposed to be the ticket.  If you want to count points at distance or really judge goats and sheep, you need a good, full sized spotter.  

The meaning of "worth" can be debated forever.  Most agree, though, that you can get one bump behind first rate binocs for cheaper than they have ever been, and they are better than what first rate was a decade ago.  If you're willing to buy Chinese, you can now get outstanding optics from Zen-Ray or Promaster for about $400.  Jury is still out on long term durability, but the optics are incredible.

I have a spotter, a fantastic pair of 8-12 x 42 Leica Duovids bought for well less than half what they go for now, and a pair of 8x32 Ultravids (refurbs).  More and more I just pack the Ultravids, because I'm not a serious trophy guy, I love to hunt light on multiday trips in the backcountry, and I don't mind having them out and ready all the time.  I'm also in well-timbered mountains most of the time.

Go to the Hunting Optics forum on 24hourcampfire.  This stuff is debated ad nauseum, and there are some very knowledgeable people there.

[JockC]

I also use a pair of $80 Leupold 6x30 Yosemite's in the heaviest timber.  They are amazing. Porros aren't as durable or water resistance as roof prisms, but their optical performance shouldn't be ignored.

[Wannabe1]

10X42 Leupold Acadia's. Perfect for all terrains here in Oregon and the rainy weather.  

[Cootling]

I bought a pair of 10x42 Leica's about 15 years ago.  Seemed expensive at the time.  Seem cheap now, given the lifespan and cost of a new set in 2011 $$.  Have used most of the others (use them at work) I would buy another set like mine in a heartbeat.  

Don't overlook the fact that magnification is only half the equation.  Resolution counts, too.  You may find that a premium binocular is as useful as a mid-priced scope for judging antlers (small and crystal clear may beat big and blurry).

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I use 10X42 Leupold Gold Ring binoculars and 15X30X50 Leupold Gold Ring Spotting Scope.

[Shedrock]

I have always wanted some Swarovski 15x60 for my mule deer hunting, but the weight and price keep me away.

[Bob B.]

Well, I'll share my 2 cents.  Ihave long been a Vortex optics fan.  I ahve a pair of 6 power Vortex Vipers.  They were around 300 bucks, big money for me!  However, thelow light capability is unreal!!  hte clearity and hue of objectrs viewed is incredible.  the best feaure in my opinion is the clearity anddetail as well as the depth of field.  I think, this is what seperates good optics from great optics.  The Vipers come in many magnification ranges, one could easily get an 8 or 10 power.  They all have the ability to be mountd on a tripod if needed.  the quality of the optics is easily over two time the cost.  Give them a try, i am sure you will not be disapointed.  Vortx Vipers!!  They rock!!

Bob.