Binocular recommendations.....

Jeeper

I want to purchase a couple of small binoculars (no more than ~25mm lenses, compact size) for myself and the wife. I have some 8X Nikon's that are 35mm, that are just not all that handy (kinda heavy too).

If I try to stick to a budget of ~$150 each (call it <$175 with shipping, etc), what do you recommend for the best optics?

Luis

jaywapti

I have 2 pair that I have carried for years a Nikon 8 - 20 zoom x 26 that are only 4" long X 3 1/4" wide. The one I use most are Brunton Lite-Tech 10 x 26, 4 1/4" long X 2 1/2" wide, they fit in your shirt pocket. Both are very clear with no vignetting, Neither one weighs more than a few oz,

JAY

bullsi1911

I have not bought one yet, but I gave been looking at the redfield rebel binocs whenever I go into cabelas, and have been impressed so far. Probably going to be my next pair of binocs

http://www.cabelas.com/product/redfield-reg-rebel-8x32-binoculars/1625020.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dredfeild%2Brebel%26x%3D10%26y%3D6%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%252BProducts&Ntt=redfeild+rebel

bullsi1911

Damn. Opticsplanet has it for a smoking price...

http://www.opticsplanet.com/redfield-rebel-8x32mm-binocular.html

snake284

I look at Binos differently than rifle scopes. To me a rifle scope is not to be used for looking for game or identifying game. It's a sighting system and being so I don't demand it be super clear and sharp, just good enough to see the animal clearly enough to put the cross hairs on it and squeeze off a shot. If it is more clear and bright than that, it's a bonus but not something I will normally pay a whole lot for.

Binos I believe should be super clear and sharp, as much so as you can afford. I use Binos to find and ID game. I want to be able to count antler points and judge size out to 500 yards. I want to be sure of what I'm about to shoot. And I want to do that without pointing a loaded rifle at an as of yet unidentified target.

Saying this, I have a pair of Nikon binos that cost me about $65 new. But they aren't as clear as I want. They are 10x25s, nice and compact, but the optics aren't what I want in Hunting Binos. I've seen some that cost roughly twice what mine did but were more than twice the quality of Optics. I would spend $300-$500 for a good set. I don't require a pair that I can count rocks on the moon with, but I want them good enough to make out antler size and ear width with.

Johnny reb

If you're going too be using the Binos a lot buy the best you can afford. Binoculars and spotting scopes are not a place too be cheap. Go too a shop and compare a few side by side. I use swarvski and zeiss expensive yes but buy once and cry once.

Johnny reb

Check out the Cabelas euro style Binos I have heard good things about them. Steiner also makes a descent bino that's not extremely high.

snake284

Johnny reb wrote: »

If you're going too be using the Binos a lot buy the best you can afford. Binoculars and spotting scopes are not a place too be cheap. Go too a shop and compare a few side by side. I use swarvski and zeiss expensive yes but buy once and cry once.

Iffin you buy swarvski and zeiss you buy once and cry NOT!

Well you may cry about the price, but you won't cry about the Binos.

Uncle Fester

snake284 wrote: »

I look at Binos differently than rifle scopes. To me a rifle scope is not to be used for looking for game or identifying game. It's a sighting system and being so I don't demand it be super clear and sharp, just good enough to see the animal clearly enough to put the cross hairs on it and squeeze off a shot. If it is more clear and bright than that, it's a bonus but not something I will normally pay a whole lot for.

Binos I believe should be super clear and sharp, as much so as you can afford. I use Binos to find and ID game. I want to be able to count antler points and judge size out to 500 yards. I want to be sure of what I'm about to shoot. And I want to do that without pointing a loaded rifle at an as of yet unidentified target.

Saying this, I have a pair of Nikon binos that cost me about $65 new. But they aren't as clear as I want. They are 10x25s, nice and compact, but the optics aren't what I want in Hunting Binos. I've seen some that cost roughly twice what mine did but were more than twice the quality of Optics. I would spend $300-$500 for a good set. I don't require a pair that I can count rocks on the moon with, but I want them good enough to make out antler size and ear width with.

I have a pair of Votex Viper HD that I love. Although a little heavy, they are sturdy, weatherproof, and help me out with my vision issues (astigmatism). It is very easy to make out details.

In addition, I have a pair of compact Nikon binocs that are good enough for squirrel hunting and very useful from the cheap seats at football games.

HAWKEN

I have a pair of 10x32 Simmons that fit in a shirt pocket that are handy, but I have been eyeing those 8x32 Redfields as well. robin

Jeff in TX

Jeeper wrote: »

I have some 8X Nikon's that are 35mm, that are just not all that handy (kinda heavy too).Luis

One thing to consider. I have to pair of Zeiss bino's the 8x30BGA and 7x42EDF. The 7x42 EDF's are a bit bulky. I got a set of the bino straps that cross in the back and let's the bino's rest on your chest. The Zeiss sit flat on my chest and I actually can't even tell they're there. The elastic strap lets them fit anything I'm wearing even over my bulk winter wear. They let them come up easy and go right back down when I'm done. You might save yourself a few bucks just by changing straps. Just a thought! Best of luck on what you pick up.

snake284

Uncle Fester wrote: »

I have a pair of Votex Viper HD that I love. Although a little heavy, they are sturdy, weatherproof, and help me out with my vision issues (astigmatism). It is very easy to make out details.

In addition, I have a pair of compact Nikon binocs that are good enough for squirrel hunting and very useful from the cheap seats at football games.

Yeah, my Small Nikons are great hsthose uses. Something like Squirrel hunting and football games they work great. It's just when you're looking trying to ID a doe or buck at 200-300 yards they get a little sketchy.



I think from what I've seen, Vortex would make some nice solid binochs. My one scope they made is very clear and good in low light. The only thing I see they suck at is eye relief. That's their only short coming that I can see. And if they had just an inch more, they'd be fine. Yeah, I know, that's what she said too!

MileHighShooter

Vortex are pretty good binos

Redfield would be a great choice as well, bit heavier

Leupold Mojave, I have been very impressed with that line.

I am actually looking to purchase a set of lighter binos this year, in a similar size but high quality, so I can use those while I'm glassing while walking/stalking, and use my spotting scope for anything that needs a serious look. My 8x42 Pentax have served me well for 10 years, and they are still great binos but dang they are heavy for the type of hunting I do.

Let us know what you decide on!

wildgene

...second on the Steiner 10X26 Predators, fit the bill & much better glass than you'ld expect for the price...

HAWKEN

I have a pair of 10x42 Nikons that have excellent glass but they are heavy. I also have a pair of 10x42 compact Simmons that fold up small enough to put in your shirt pocket. They came as a bonus when I bought a Simmons 3x9 scope. They are handy but I think I would like something with a wider field of view. I am giving serious consideration to the 8x32 Redfields...........robin

Artbrownsr

Mine ARE NOT LIGHT AT 3#6.1 Oz. I'm not sure of their exact age either. But they are "Storm King" Mark II by Swift in the "Mariner" configuration at 7X50, rubber armored, both eyes adjustable.
They probably have a better counterpart today as they DEFINITELY wear the neck. I picked them up used at a gun show for about $100.00, I believe at the time the worth was 3X that.

Jeeper

Went to BassPro... Got to try almost everything mentioned above, but the glass on the Nikon Prostaff 3s 10x42 model was as good as anything up to the $500 range. So for ~$130 they followed me home.

They're a smidge bigger than I wanted ideally, but they only weigh about 20 oz. and are much more compact than the other pair I own.

The smaller Steiners were clear, but not NEARLY as bright. Night and day difference.

Luis

shootbrownelk

Johnny reb wrote: »

Check out the Cabelas euro style Binos I have heard good things about them. Steiner also makes a descent bino that's not extremely high.

Those Cabelas Euro's are made by Meopta.....good glass.

Fisheadgib

Jeeper wrote: »

Went to BassPro... Got to try almost everything mentioned above, but the glass on the Nikon Prostaff 3s 10x42 model was as good as anything up to the $500 range. So for ~$130 they followed me home.


This is definitely the way to go for optics, compare them side by side under the exact same conditions.


The smaller Steiners were clear, but not NEARLY as bright. Night and day difference.


You're comparing a 42mm objective to a 26mm objective

Luis

I'm sure that you'll be happy with your choice.