I am looking to buy some new binoculars for whitetail hunting (in VA). Pretty much set on 8x42's. All of my research on the net has been a bit overwhelming and I really just want some real-world opinins. My budget is in the 500 dollar range. I've been happy with two Vortex scopes I own and was looking at their Talon HD's as a possibility. However, if people have been happy with lesser priced glass or equivalents from other manufactures I would like to hear opinions. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Hunting & Fishing Need suggestions for new binocs
- Thread starter Mschloss
- Start date
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
For what I use them for, I'm happy with my old beat up 8x42 Nikon Monarchs.....With that said, my next pair of binocs will likely be Vortex Viper 10x42. In comparing them to mine last week, much better glass and I do like the added magnification of a 10 power. They are right at your price limit I believe, and do make a 8x42.
For what I use them for, I'm happy with my old beat up 8x42 Nikon Monarchs.....With that said, my next pair of binocs will likely be Vortex Viper 10x42. In comparing them to mine last week, much better glass and I do like the added magnification of a 10 power. They are right at your price limit I believe, and do make a 8x42.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
Actually, never heard of the Talons before you mentioned them. Not sure what the difference would be in glass between the Vipers?
Either way, they look good too.
Actually, never heard of the Talons before you mentioned them. Not sure what the difference would be in glass between the Vipers?
Either way, they look good too.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I have the vortex diamond backs which are the cheaper ones i am very happy with them. i would guess the talons would be better yet.
I have the vortex diamond backs which are the cheaper ones i am very happy with them. i would guess the talons would be better yet.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
They're not 8x42's but take a look at the Leupold Olympic 10x50
They're not 8x42's but take a look at the Leupold Olympic 10x50
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
Heres your Binos, 10power but F#CKING awesome for the price VALDADA B/GA 10x42. Jenas are incredible but more than you want to spend
http://www.valdada.com/product/04dcd588-d9da-4020-be2f-883babedf057.aspx
Heres your Binos, 10power but F#CKING awesome for the price VALDADA B/GA 10x42. Jenas are incredible but more than you want to spend
http://www.valdada.com/product/04dcd588-d9da-4020-be2f-883babedf057.aspx
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
Just got the Vortex Talon HD in 10x42 and so far I really like them. Got them to replace an older pair of Steiners that I was never happy with.
Just got the Vortex Talon HD in 10x42 and so far I really like them. Got them to replace an older pair of Steiners that I was never happy with.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I 2nd what Nate O suggested, can't say im an expert on binos but have used a few chepo's and mid range binos. I bought a pair of the leopuld olympic bino's and like them alot. Not to bulky, good glass and little under the 500 dollar range. I use them for hunting now but originally bought for a ornithology class and worked great for bird watching.
I 2nd what Nate O suggested, can't say im an expert on binos but have used a few chepo's and mid range binos. I bought a pair of the leopuld olympic bino's and like them alot. Not to bulky, good glass and little under the 500 dollar range. I use them for hunting now but originally bought for a ornithology class and worked great for bird watching.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I've been shopping for a while, and had just about decided on the Zen Ray brand. They've got pretty good reviews from the bird watching crowd. However I just bought a set of Minox from CameraLand on an open box sale they've posted in the for sale section. There are some serious deals there. Check them out. Good glass is underrated.
I've been shopping for a while, and had just about decided on the Zen Ray brand. They've got pretty good reviews from the bird watching crowd. However I just bought a set of Minox from CameraLand on an open box sale they've posted in the for sale section. There are some serious deals there. Check them out. Good glass is underrated.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I own a pair of Swaro 10x42s. I did have Leupold 10x28s. When I was shopping for new binos, I looked long and hard at a variety of models. In that price range, the Nikon Monarch ATBs impressed me most.
I own a pair of Swaro 10x42s. I did have Leupold 10x28s. When I was shopping for new binos, I looked long and hard at a variety of models. In that price range, the Nikon Monarch ATBs impressed me most.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I am very happy thus far with the Vortex Diamondbacks at about 220$ for a hunting Bino. I purchased the 10x. The glass/ergo/adjustments are excellent for the price point. I carried them for a couple months in Utah on a 4wheeler looking at the terrain and critters time to time.
I am very happy thus far with the Vortex Diamondbacks at about 220$ for a hunting Bino. I purchased the 10x. The glass/ergo/adjustments are excellent for the price point. I carried them for a couple months in Utah on a 4wheeler looking at the terrain and critters time to time.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I love my Burris Signatures. They are great in low light, offer a seriously sharp picture, and they're lightweight. You can probably find a pair for around $350 and the glass in mine compares favorably with much spendier binos.
If those don't do it for you, look at a pair of Nikon Monarchs...they are a true pleasure to look through.
I love my Burris Signatures. They are great in low light, offer a seriously sharp picture, and they're lightweight. You can probably find a pair for around $350 and the glass in mine compares favorably with much spendier binos.
If those don't do it for you, look at a pair of Nikon Monarchs...they are a true pleasure to look through.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I did quite a bit of research and comparisons 3 years ago when I was looking for new binos. Decided on the 10x Nikon monarch ATBs and have been very happy with them. Great durability and excellent low light performance.
I did quite a bit of research and comparisons 3 years ago when I was looking for new binos. Decided on the 10x Nikon monarch ATBs and have been very happy with them. Great durability and excellent low light performance.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I had a pair of Minox BL 10x42 BR's for a few years. I still like them, allot.
Not the name you think of for sporting optics. A shooting instructor had a set that I used, I really liked them and got my own pair. Great image and reasonable size and weight.
There, one more Mfg to consider.
I had a pair of Minox BL 10x42 BR's for a few years. I still like them, allot.
Not the name you think of for sporting optics. A shooting instructor had a set that I used, I really liked them and got my own pair. Great image and reasonable size and weight.
There, one more Mfg to consider.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nate O</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They're not 8x42's but take a look at the Leupold Olympic 10x50 </div></div>
I have the Leupold 10x50 Olympic wind rivers andvthey are great, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Those 50's really gather the light
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nate O</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They're not 8x42's but take a look at the Leupold Olympic 10x50 </div></div>
I have the Leupold 10x50 Olympic wind rivers andvthey are great, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Those 50's really gather the light
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
If $500 is your budget then go here Cameraland and check out the Zeiss demos Doug has to offer.
Link is to the Conquest 8x30 BT, regular price $650, demo unit sells for $450.
I have the 10X model. I bought 'em, as a demo unit, from Doug about 8 years ago. They came from the SHOT show IIRC. Love 'em and you can't beat the warranty from Zeiss. I broke my pair, it was MY fault, yet Doug hooked me up with Sanja at customer service. They took the bins back, sent them off to Germany, and a short while later I had a BRAND NEW pair dropped off here at the house....no charge to me.
If I ever need a new set for some reason, it'll be Zeiss, and Doug gets my business.
If $500 is your budget then go here Cameraland and check out the Zeiss demos Doug has to offer.
Link is to the Conquest 8x30 BT, regular price $650, demo unit sells for $450.
I have the 10X model. I bought 'em, as a demo unit, from Doug about 8 years ago. They came from the SHOT show IIRC. Love 'em and you can't beat the warranty from Zeiss. I broke my pair, it was MY fault, yet Doug hooked me up with Sanja at customer service. They took the bins back, sent them off to Germany, and a short while later I had a BRAND NEW pair dropped off here at the house....no charge to me.
If I ever need a new set for some reason, it'll be Zeiss, and Doug gets my business.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
I'm very happy with mu Leupold Mojave's. I think I paid ~300 on sale at cabelas last fall.
I'm very happy with mu Leupold Mojave's. I think I paid ~300 on sale at cabelas last fall.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boomholzer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a pair of Minox BL 10x42 BR's for a few years. I still like them, allot.
Not the name you think of for sporting optics. A shooting instructor had a set that I used, I really liked them and got my own pair. Great image and reasonable size and weight.
There, one more Mfg to consider.
</div></div>
I'm pretty happy with the Minox glass I bought earlier this year. Nice clarity and light gathering...used them antelope hunting a few weeks back and they did much better than I expected.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boomholzer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a pair of Minox BL 10x42 BR's for a few years. I still like them, allot.
Not the name you think of for sporting optics. A shooting instructor had a set that I used, I really liked them and got my own pair. Great image and reasonable size and weight.
There, one more Mfg to consider.
</div></div>
I'm pretty happy with the Minox glass I bought earlier this year. Nice clarity and light gathering...used them antelope hunting a few weeks back and they did much better than I expected.
Re: Need suggestions for new binocs
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mschloss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the input guys. I finally ordered a pair of Zen Ray ED3's in 8x43. Will post my layman's review of them when I can. </div></div>
nice. I try to keep my eyes peeled for stuff people are selling for far less than market price. I picked up a pair or Leupold Golden Rings that were screwed up bad from a guy at a gunshow for $20 bucks!!! YES $20!!! He said they were messed up bad, and for a couple hundred bucks i could get em fixed by Leupold, but he didn't want to deal with it.
Apparently the idiot didn't realize that Leupold is a LIFETIME warranty (and i did), so i pounced like a rat on an open bag Cheetos!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mschloss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the input guys. I finally ordered a pair of Zen Ray ED3's in 8x43. Will post my layman's review of them when I can. </div></div>
nice. I try to keep my eyes peeled for stuff people are selling for far less than market price. I picked up a pair or Leupold Golden Rings that were screwed up bad from a guy at a gunshow for $20 bucks!!! YES $20!!! He said they were messed up bad, and for a couple hundred bucks i could get em fixed by Leupold, but he didn't want to deal with it.
Apparently the idiot didn't realize that Leupold is a LIFETIME warranty (and i did), so i pounced like a rat on an open bag Cheetos!
