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If so, I would appreciate hearing about your experiences.
I would like to buy a high quality pair of binoculars for field use when hiking and target identification/shooting, something durable and well-made, that I can carry is an assault pack (I am using a Kifaru X-Ray, currently). I am partial to German glass, of course.
Budget upper limit is $2K. “Cry once” I figure.
Thanks in advance for your input and views.
$2k is a really good start.
I personally carry a pair of Swarovski CL companions 8x30 daily onto ships in harsh offshore environment. They've held up great and I'm very happy so far after a few years. I had a pair of bifolds that were more compact, but were annoying to use.
I have both Kahles and Minox 8X30 something and Leica 10X40 something.
Occasionally use the Leica when glassing from truck but virtually never carry them afield.
I use and carry the smaller Bino’s a lot. Both are fairly good glass with very good low light capability.
CDNN used to carry close outs of decent Bino’s very reasonably priced.
For that money, Swaro EL's or Leica Ultravid HD's. You may also want to consider a range-finding bino- a gently used Leica Geovid HD can be had for that money. For field use and carrying in a pack, I'd get a 42mm objective over something smaller for better performance from the larger exit pupil.
Also, consider carrying your binos in a chest harness. A quality model (such as Alaska Guide) makes carrying and using binos exponentially easier when in the field.
Second the Swaro's with the HD glass. For handheld probably 10x max. Just can't be beaten at the price point.
I have a pair of the Leica Geovids (prior generation) that I paid about 2K for years ago. Have been knocking them around for maybe 15 years hunting and lots of use while out in the sxs, etc. They just keep rolling. Glass not quite as good as swaro but the integrated rangefinding feature is top drawer. I hated having to carry a rangefinder in addition to my binos.
A real sleeper brand is Meopta. I have two pair of 10x42 $550 Meoptas that just kick butt. Lightweight and very nice glass. Again not quite up to Swaro but you're going to have to figure out for yourself what is best for you.
You can't go wrong with the Swaro EL's.
I have the lower priced compact BCA 8x Trinovids and they are spectacular. Too small for extended usage like birding or a chest harness, but great for packing in for shooting purposes. Glass is excellent and will satisfy all but the biggest glass snobs.
My Leica NoctoVids were $1600. They are really good bins but, I gravitate towards my Steiners more and are easily half the cost.
My Celestron Granite ED 7x33's were also purchased gently used for $155 delivered. I'm so impressed with them I'm considering getting some 9x33's too which retail for $320.
For low light use and hunting in general, the Steiner 8x56's are hard to beat. I also like the fact that once they are focused (or adjusted for your eyes) you never have to worry about focusing again for good details in the image. The Steiner's you find at the common big box outlets are not what I'm referring to FWIW. Go to one of the better online retailers that specializes in cameras and optics and you will find Steiners at half to a third the cost of similar "alpha German bins" and you will get 90~99% of the performance in a pair of bins that are tough as nails and a bit bigger and heavier then the more expensive competition.
I greatly appreciate the very informative and helpful information, Gentlemen.
Thank you all, very much.
Geez, I was gonna suggest my handy Bushnell Permafocus 10x binoculars that I’ve used for years doing surveillance....but then I saw the $2k budget so I’m just gonna go sit over in the corner with my cheap bino, non-NVG, no Crye-having Chad ass... LOL
I have had over a dozen pairs of various quality binos over the past decades to include a few Steiner Military/Marines and stabilized Canons. The past few years I have been very happily running a Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 and a Vortex Razor HD 10x42.
These are in the $1300ish range and I was able to compare them at a local specialty store to their respective $2K+ish next level before I bought them. Of course they were maybe 10% better, but the HDs were like 50% better than the $500ish models.
Both the HDs have equal resolution and are bright and accurate and kill my Canon stabilized 15x50 in clarity. I used to use the Canons to read plates on the move during surveillances, but the non-stabilized HDs are so clear they work almost better even when moving. If I had to choose between Zeiss and Vortex I would say the Vortex seem a bit tougher and more ergonomic.
Good Luck!
Dennis.
With a $2k budget, I'd go with the Swarovski EL 10x42 as top choice. The Vortex Razor UHD binos are also top notch, and a bit cheaper than the Swaros at around $1,500 new.
I will say, one pair of binos i've been shockingly surprised with are the Cabelas Euro HD binos. They are $999, with glass made by Meopta, and they stack up very well against my Vortex Razor and Swaro binos. They punch far above their price tag.
Me too! Was gonna suggest the poverty Nikons I got for $100 which have been solid, but nice to own the top end stuff if you wanna drop the $ on. I have used some Leica lenses and cameras (my fathers), and they were big $ for reason.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boy Scout
I'm not super experienced on binos.. especially high end. But the Steiner Marines were the first glass that I looked through and was really blown away.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis
My most carried binos are Maven 8x30 because they're compact, weigh about a pound, and have an outstanding FOV. From the expert reviews I've read, they compare well against alpha glass and are among the best compacts you can buy.
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A lot of people dismiss Steiner's, especially on birder forums but they are very good bins for the money IMHO.Quote:
Originally Posted by markm
My 8x30's are bulky but, the views are really really good. The 8x56 ShadowQuest are in a different league and a real steal for the money, get'em while you can!
... ... ...
Any feedback on Steiner’s warranty support? In years past I’d heard they weren’t very customer-friendly when it came to repairing/replacing scopes ... hoping things have changed since then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sid Post
Duplicate post ...
I can't speak to scopes but, on birder forums, the bino warranty returns and refurbs get good marks overall.
If you can find a pair, the Carl Zeiss Jena (old East German manufacture) EDF 7 x 40's offer good optics in a nearly bomb-proof package. They were
standard issue to Warsaw Pact units in the 80's.
FWIW, apparently they were very highly coveted by GI's in Europe.
My brother served in Berlin and wanted a pair. He was unable to get them when he was over there. Years later, I got him a pair as a present and he was extremely happy.
I have the same Binos that my grandfather used in Korea during the Korean war.
Other than that I have cheap stuff. I really do need to find a better set.
I can't speak to customer / warranty support from Steiner. I've only had their products twice. The first was your typical old full sized military 10 power ones that I hardly ever used because of their size, so I sold them off. The second, however, is a compact (somewhat) set of 8x30. (also the military/marine) Had them for probably 12 or 15 years, and they've been outstanding. They get banged around a lot too. In fact, their rep for being tough was why I got them. Their field of view is good, everything seems crystal clear, good adjustability, I don't get fatigued using them... but the main thing on them is that I NEVER HAD TO send them in for any warranty claims. At least not yet. I look at them kinda the same way I do my Aimpoint Comp M4s. They're kinda bulky, and old school, but built like a tank. I love companies that stand behind their products, but when things go bad, those companies may no longer exist... and I'd MUCH rather have a product that doesn't break, vs one they'd fix when it does. For the $300 or so they cost me, they were a good purchase.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buncheong
My other set of binos is also a compact ones. I tend to like the more compact ones. I'd rather have a set on me, than in my pack. In fact, the above Steiners ride in the big pouch on my Haley Strategic D3CR-H Chest Rig as if it were made for them. Anyway, my other set is also compact, the Swarovski 8x30. They're every bit as clear as the steiners (maybe even a bit better) but they have funky eye caps that I've never fully been hip on, that go out on the sides as if these were some kind of night vision. You still have to hold them the same distance from your face as a regular set of binos though... Also, they just don't seem to be made as heavy duty, so I've kept them in a more protected role as my car binos. Not saying they're less rugged... just seems that when you handle them you find yourself wanting to be a bit more careful with them. At least I do. Also (and this is big when it comes to user friendliness) the eye caps on the objective lenses are hinged with rubber that's too strong, or has taken a set. When I flip them off to use, the caps will hold themselves up in the view of the lenses. I have to fold them down, and hold them against the body of the binos. It's stupid, uncomfortable, and awkward... and can really slow you down when you're trying to get them out, and in operation to quickly see what that was that just caught your attention way the hell over there. The Steiner system that rotates, and hangs from the center just is much more user friendly.
I'd still like to have your budget though, just to see what's out there in that price range.
When it comes to binoculars, the "best" or "favorite" model can vary based on individual preferences, needs, and budget. Several reputable brands offer high-quality binoculars, and the ideal choice depends on factors such as intended use, magnification, objective lens size, and specific features.
Some well-regarded binocular brands include:
Swarovski: Known for premium optics, Swarovski binoculars are often considered top-tier in terms of clarity and image quality.
Leica: Leica binoculars are appreciated for their exceptional optics, build quality, and often come with innovative features.
Zeiss: Carl Zeiss produces binoculars with excellent optical performance and a range of models for various uses.
Nikon: Nikon offers a wide range of binoculars catering to different budgets and needs, from entry-level to high-end models.
Vortex: Vortex has gained popularity for providing good value for money, with a range of binoculars suitable for different activities.
Bushnell: Bushnell is known for producing binoculars across various price points, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Celestron: While renowned for telescopes, Celestron also manufactures binoculars, offering a variety of models for different purposes.
Ditto, the pair I looked through belonged to my Platoon Sergeant.Quote:
Originally Posted by markm
Andy
It sounds like you're due for an upgrade! Investing in a quality pair of binoculars(https://wildhuntinggear.com/best-binoculars-under-500/) can greatly enhance your outdoor experiences, whether for hunting, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature. Here are a few recommendations
1- Nikon Prostaff 3S 10x42 (https://wildhuntinggear.com/celestro...on-binoculars/)
2-Vortex Diamondback 8x42
3-Swarovski EL 10x42
I've been following this thread for a bit as my daughter hit HS and plays varsity soccer. As a result my wife and I need to volunteer for something. I chose the booth during JV games and immediately became the spotter using loaned binos. Ended up with 8X32 Vortex HD as they came well rated were $200 and available at the local gun show a couple weeks ago.
Spotting numbers on the jerseys for shots on goal, corner kicks, substitutions in and out along with free/penalty kicks has been easy after reading the instructions on setting up the binos. Obviously they are on the low side, 10% of the $2K mentioned above, but great on moving targets to identify small details from afar.
We have 8x42 Leica Trinovids that have been spectacular for over 15 years, but I don't have significant experience with other high end binoculars.
Whenever I'm considering a new optic purchase, I like to look at what ILya Koshkin recommends. His website (Optic Thoughts) has recommendations for rifle scopes, spotting scopes & binoculars - divided up into price ranges. He has a page titled "Binoculars:Over $1500 / Price no object":
https://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=97
It sounds like you're looking to upgrade to a better pair of binoculars. Here are some recommended options across different price ranges:
Budget-Friendly Options:
1-Celestron Outland X 8x42
2-Nikon Aculon A211 10x42
3-Nikon Monarch 5 8x42
4-Celestron Nature DX 10x42
5-Swarovski EL 8.5x42
6-Zeiss Victory SF 8x42