Good pair of compact binoculars

[Amur]

Looking for a nice pair of compact Binos for general purpose. In the o'l BOB, when hiking, hunting etc.


Not sure about budget as I am not sure about the market. What kind of options are out there. I do like nice things though and hae buy once cry once mentality.

What's is a good magnification amout?

Thanks
Amur

[Kain]

What do you consider compact? Size/weight? Also what is your price range? I personally have a set of 8 power Steiner Predators that are not that big, great glass, and modest weight. However, I don't really personally consider them compact. Have been personally looking for a small monocular for about the same purpose as yourself. Just haven't had it high on my priority list.

But would still like to hear others thoughts and ideas on this subject as far as size, weight, power, and everything. once power and optic size is there thoughts on for a BOB on having a set of binoculars compared to a quality monocular, supposing a quality monocular could be found since it would in theory be lighter and offer most of the same advantages.

[Amur]

Honestly, I have never really look at the bino market and have no idea. I would say something that could fit into a smaller cargo pocket.


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[Redbeardsong]

I don't really know binoculars, but the offerings from Vortex seemed nice, and their optics have been great for the money.

[payj]

Swarovski of some flavor will be top

Sent On The Fly

[VooDoo6Actual]

Opinions here are going to vary as usual.

That said, I run 4 pairs of Binos. I have a no-nonsense or illusions of what good glass vs. price point value is.
1) Leica Trinovid BCA 10x25 binos that are armored, light & about as compact as it gets w/o sacrificing decent glass. I picked them up on ebay for about $230.00 USD.

Here's a link to a pair of Leica's here for comparison, but are higher price than what I paid.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Trinov...item417c6e720c

2) Fujinon M24's armored that have Tenebrax ARD's, a ranging scale, anti-laser glass that are pretty darn good as well. They have a pinkish cast to image & picked em up for about $90.00 USD.
Here's a link on Ebay w/ no bids yet that MAY go out at a good price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuji-M24-Mil...item43c5f4f135

3) Steiner Predator 12x42 C5 coated glass are pretty decent as well but heavier & do not meet your compact criteria.

4) Canon 15x IS UD Glass do not meet your criteria of compact.

Cargo pocket wise the Leica's or M24's will work easily.

I have had Swarov, IOR, Bushnell, Vortex & what I have now are what I like best especially after a lot of hours spent behind glass. You would be hard pressed to find better glass than Swarov whether it's EL, EL Range, CL, SLC glass BUT you won't get the value price point for it either. My Leica 10X Trinovid BCA were a steal but I searched & waited until I found a super deal. M24's were same dealeo. Bottom line if your patient & know the products, you can find some smokin' deals out there now.

HTH & good luck on your quest...

[Amur]

Opinions here are going to vary as usual.

That said, I run 4 pairs of Binos. I have a no-nonsense or illusions of what good glass vs. price point value is.
1) Leica Trinovid BCA 10x25 binos that are armored, light & about as compact as it gets w/o sacrificing decent glass. I picked them up on ebay for about $230.00 USD.

Here's a link to a pair of Leica's here for comparison, but are higher price than what I paid.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Trinov...item417c6e720c

2) Fujinon M24's armored that have Tenebrax ARD's, a ranging scale, anti-laser glass that are pretty darn good as well. They have a pinkish cast to image & picked em up for about $90.00 USD.
Here's a link on Ebay w/ no bids yet that MAY go out at a good price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuji-M24-Mil...item43c5f4f135

3) Steiner Predator 12x42 C5 coated glass are pretty decent as well but heavier & do not meet your compact criteria.

4) Canon 15x IS UD Glass do not meet your criteria of compact.

Cargo pocket wise the Leica's or M24's will work easily.

I have had Swarov, IOR, Bushnell, Vortex & what I have now are what I like best especially after a lot of hours spent behind glass. You would be hard pressed to find better glass than Swarov whether it's EL, EL Range, CL, SLC glass BUT you won't get the value price point for it either. My Leica 10X Trinovid BCA were a steal but I searched & waited until I found a super deal. M24's were same dealeo.

HTH & good luck on your quest...

Great feedback. Thanks voodoo

[VooDoo6Actual]

Great feedback. Thanks voodoo

your welcome Sir.

Here's a smokin' deal for the $ if your into Swarov Compacts that were certified & just service for alignment etc. I haven't seen a pair in 10X this inexpensive & clean in a while.

"Habicht" means "HAWK" auf deutsch
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swarovski-Ha...item461b21d148

another pair here not as clean but good glass no doubt:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swarovski-10...item4d192ec258

Here's some pretty decent glass for a good deal.

Steiner 10.5x28 Wildlife Pro black armored
http://www.steinerbinocularspecials....product_id=134

Predator Extreme pro 10x26 here for $199.00
http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars...binoculars.cfm

Here's a clue & more food for thought. Once you get down to good glass vs. not so good glass it's get down to coatings & light transference properties. Certain glass coating colors are enhanced & toned towards that end of the light spectrums' colors. I.E. reds/yellows/oranges or blues/greens. Similar in concept to picture film is. Think Kodachrome vs. Ektachrome. Some people in PI Profession/LEA Surveillance prefer oranges/browns/yellows/reds for people watching / Uraban terrain & Hunters/Wildlife watchers seem to gravitate towards greens/blues. Figure out what you want to do or what your eyes tell your brain & process & then it's just a matter of how fast & far you want to go & how much you want to spend.

[Amur]

Any thoughts on something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000063EKE

[NongShim]

Any thoughts on something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000063EKE

I have the same ones but with the reticle as shown here: http://www.steinerbinocularspecials....ry-refurbished

They are fantastic. They have incredible glass and are nearly bombproof. They have enough weight to fill the hand, but still lightweight enough to carry all day. I have spent many hours behind them and have no complaints. Hard to be for an 8x.