|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Site Sponsor
Looking at buying a quality pair of binoculars. Not looking to spend more than $5-600. Maybe slightly more if it gets me a jump in quality. They would be a do-all pair; use at the range, looky-looing while hiking, spotting game, checking out the hot neighbor while she sunbathes. Any help, suggestions, comments appreciated.
Member
Got some Nikon Monarch 10x42 back in November. I love them. Plus I am rough on stuff, so the fog / waterproof was mandatory. Only in the $300 range.
Use them at the range and nature watching. Just great.
edit - mine are 10x42 not 10x50
Last edited by taylodr; 02-21-11 at 10:51.
Member
First is size. What I have found to be a best Do all Bino is a a 10x42 pair. Enough magnification and light gathering without to much weight for hiking or holding. If you were using them on the move ,like on a boat or from a car you would want less mag (8x42) if the platform was not steady to minimize the bounce. Large boat than you can go for more Mag and objective . I like my Nikons but have since discovered Vortex and price point to price point I like them better. They have a new line out this year called "Talon HD" The ergos are great with an open hinge section for easy grip and they will have the High Density objective glass which is great. They are offered in 8x42 or 10x42..They should sell on the street in the$450 /$500 .
Next step up would be the Viper line which you could still do @ the top of your price range. Both of these are argon filled and come with an unlimmited lifetime warrany.
Last edited by BravoWhiskey; 02-02-11 at 13:14.
Site Sponsor
Found some Vortex Vipers 8X42 for $450. Great reviews. Thinking hard about them.
Member
Make sure they are the Viper HD's. The Viper with out the HD is a great pair as well but you might want to chack out the new Talon w/ the HD glass or the new Viper w/ the HD glass. Last years item had XD glass for the objective. The HD is one step up. The Vipers have a great locking Diopter ring and real nice eye relief cups and are a tad smaller & lighter than the Talon counterpart.
Member
Everything you ever wanted to know about binos (specs not brands)...
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com...binoculars.php
More than I needed to know anyway.
Buds has some great prices on some of the Bruntons. Not fancy at all but I'm happy with my 8x42 (large exit pupil) pair for what I need. I got these for about $80 w/free shipping from Buds...
http://www.katerno.com/detail.php?s=189034
-That's the next cheapest place I've seen them (at $170).
They seem to be out of the 8X42. These 10x56s are $200-$300 everywhere else I've looked ($99 at Buds)...
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411538269
Not in your price range but I think they're a great "value/budget" choice for others in the market for such a thing. At least at the Buds price.
Last edited by Jerm; 02-02-11 at 22:17.
Senior Member
About six months ago I scored a pair of NIB 10X50 Steiner Military/Marine binos on Ebay for $250 delivered on what is normally a $500 pair of binos. You might take a look over there.
Last edited by kmrtnsn; 02-02-11 at 22:32.
Member
Your First link is good basic info and should enlighten most folks that optics are like cars ,steak knifes and cabinets, you get what you pay for. In this day and age your entry level decent bino is approaching $275, most everything else is blue light special. For Bino's priced over $1k, only the discerning user with wants or needs will realize the difference between a pair of $1200 or $2500 binos.Originally Posted by Jerm
The Meat and Potatoes fall between binos in the $300 /$1000 price point. If a person looks for bino options and is willing, looking for a certain level of quaility , I would not send them to K mart . I would buy .22LR @ K mart but not my glass.
Member
Steiner USA is/has been made by Burris which has /will shut donw the German set up plant in Jersey. The old german made Steiner's were once the bence mark but the current steiners are nothing like the originals. Hope you got a pair from the original plant.
I don't want to be the wet diaper here but most companys have done the same thing. The best stuff will be coming from the smaller companys who are the most dedicated.
Senior Member
I have been nothing but pleased with them.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks