which pair of binoculars?

R

rob paetzold

Active member
What's your guys opinion on binoculars. I want to buy a new set for the up coming season/ forever. I've currently got a pair of Stiener 6x35's would like to up grade to a 8x or 10x under $1000. My buddy has a pair of liecas but $1600 is a little to much money for me even though I view this as a long term investment I think I can find some thing suitable for less
 
You are on the right track. I know of few products where you definately get what you pay for, but binoculars are one of them. I have had a pair of 7x42 Swarovskis for maybe 12 years and still think they are great. I had to send them back last fall after one of the internal lens came loose - didn't cost me a dime even though they had to go all the way to germany.

Go to a good binocular store where you can try out binoculars from the top makers such as Zeis, Leica, Swarovski, Steiner, etc. The afternoon/evening I went shopping 12 years ago it was rainy and as night came the differences in binoculars became very clear - literally. At the time I felt that the Swarovski were the best for the money. Sure the Zeis and Leica were a bit better, optically, but they were also a lot more money. That could all be different now - 12 years later, but you won't know unless you see for yourself.

Shopping for fine optics is a lot of fun.
 
I agree with Pete go to a store where they have a lot of binoculars and try them out. Don't let price be the determining factor, let your eyes. I went five years ago and thought I don't care what it cost. I want a good pair. After comparing all the glasses from $2000 and down, the best glasses for me cost $350 Every bodies eyes are a little different. I wear glasses so what a person with out glasses might use and rave about wouldn't work for me.

Before hand I read a article on what to look for and look out for in picking out glasses. It was in one of the sporting magazines. Think carefully about what and where you will be using them. weight, water proof, durability. How long of a time you will be looking through them. There is no perfect glasses for all uses. Good luck on your search.
 
Another consideration is power vs objective lense.If you will be using them in low light conditions or at night,you
might look at 7x50 ,8x56 (expensive),or 10x50,(marginal).You are looking for an exit pupil of 7mm as this is the diamater of the pupil under no lite conditions,
and will give you the most lite your eye can absorb.8x32,for example are not good at night,(exit pupil-4).Also too high a power are hard to hold.Now they have them with stability control (more $)to eliminate that problem.Weight may be a factor,but 7x50's in a kuba hitch type harness are ok when hunting on foot,and are best in a boat.
 
Agreed that Eagle Optics is a great source.

I'm on my second year with the Nikon Monarch ATB 8X42s and I love them. For the money it's hard to imagine a better deal from a quality standpoint. I did a ton of research. I've pretty much trashed these unfortunately...somebody(NOT ME!)dropped them on something hard and the tube on the right outboard is bent in but it has no impact on their function at all. They also have a slightly messed up eye cup. I'm sending them back to be repaired but I was amazed at how well they held up. I dropped them several times....off the seat of the truck on to the street, whacked them into trees while turkey hunting and they were flawless. I think of them as the Remington 870 of binos at this point....seems like tons of people have them and they love them.

Unless you're going to do lots of open country big game or surveilence I'd go with the 8 powers...for scanning flocks of waterfowl etc they are perfect. Nice and stable. I offer my experience with the 8's...I was parked on the south end of section last spring watching flocks of geese on the far north end. I could clearly differentiate specks and Canadas and of course snows and blues but what amazed me was I was able to spot neck collars at that range. My buddy had 10 powers and while he was "closer" he was so unstable that he had a hard time seeing the same things-even with a vehicle hood for stability.

It just seems like the dealers are pushing the 10 powers these days and I think they're overkill much of the time.
 
Jay,

Are you sending in your binoculars to Nikon under warrantee or do you expect to pay for repairs? If this is a warrantee claim, I'll be interested in the outcome.

Pete
 
I called them and as it was explained to me "the most it will cost you is $20"....but having had several cameras fixed by them over the years I have hard time believing it. The tube is not a warranty issue and other than actually replacing it I doubt they can do anything. It does not impact the use of the binos other than I'd suspect the water resistance/seal is probably compromised. I'm sending them to Cali.
 
Eagle Optics has a retail store in Madison, WI (might actually be in Middleton) if you find yourself in the area. I thought they were a pretty good outfit to do business with.
 
I have a pair of 10x42 Swarovski. The glass and the crystals in them are unbelievably clear and will soak up every drop of light especially when there is almost none. This helps to overcome unstability and shakes. My father has big game hunted all over the world and has the same pair that I do. He has had many guides put down Steiners, Zeis, Liecas and Nikons to use his Swarovskis to evaluate game. Whatever you buy though remember, any pair of glasses will look good in the store. Go in the evening and ask to take a couple pairs outside for comparison.
 
I have been using Cabela's Alaska Guide 10x42 binoculars for a few years and I like the clarity in this model for the price. However, and any pair of binoculars will have improved clarity if you use a good lens cleaner. The 10x42 power is good to hold without having a shaking view of things. If I need more magnification, I get out the spotting scope. I am not trying to pitch Cabela's, but they are worth looking through.
 
I've had a pair of Steiner Bighorn 9x40 for the last 10 or 12 years that I love. They are a bit heavy for elk hunting by a flatlander like me..but I have been out of shape for the last 20 years.
 
For something a bit different look at the Fujinon Techno-Stabi™ 14 x 40 Binocular.
I think you can find them for around $1100. I would assume most of the binos mentioned are probably better on a stand with no motion, but image stabalization on the Fujinon is really good and if you are glassing for long periods it is very easy on the eye.
---Joel---
 
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