Hunting & Fishing What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

[threetrees]

I'm thinking of getting binos with a range finder already included ... but i'm undecided on the magnification and objective size.

either 8x40 (-> leica or, more likely, the new swaro)
or 8x56 (-> here only the swaro comes close; or zeiss?)

Well. let's hear what you lads and lasses use out there.

 

[BALLISTIC]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Swarovski 7x42

 

[eleaf]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

IOR Valdada 8x42.

 

[Cinch]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Zeiss Classic 10x40

 

[boudin]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Leupold Yosemite 8x30

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

8x50 swaro with a 8x30 laser guide.

I am looking at that new LRF bino swaro combo too but will have to save for a couple years first...

 

[coldboremiracle]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

I use the Nikon 12X42 Monarchs, absolutely love them, my brother uses the 12X50's and his are even better. For quicker and more frequent observation I use my Swaro Laser guide.

 

[threetrees]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

interesting to see that most of you use (for our area) rather low-diameter objectives. here a Yx56 is more common. also, magnification usually hardly exceeds 10x

 

[redirt78]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Steiner 12x Predators and Leupold RX1000 rangefinder

 

[Nortex]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Got some Minox this year and have really been impressed with them.

 

[retrieverman]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

I carry my binos and rangefinder separately. I have a set of early 2000's Zeiss Conquest 12x45's and a mid 90's Bushnell Yardage Pro 800 rangefinder.

 

[Wes3377]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

I've got the Leicas and absolutely love them. I do a lot of hunting on a ranch where being absolutely sure of what you are looking at is critical, and I've never been disappointed with my Leicas. Dad has the Swaros, and the weight difference is noticeable without any return in better clarity.

 

[thewileyone]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

It all depends on how far you will be glassing... I have had many binos in the past and I really like 10x or 12x binos, for me 8x is just not enough. My opinion is Swarovski is the clearest (I have not had them against the Nikon EDG, which I understand is pretty much a tie), Pentax DCF ED will compare very close to the Swaro SLC's for a lot less $$$, I used to have a pair of Zeiss but they broke and Zeiss customer service leaves a lot to be desired so will not buy again nor recommend, Leica Geovids are awesome but get the ED version they are a close second to Swaro in clarity (I used a pair and loved them and these will probably be my next purchase). I understand that Swaro is coming out with the all in one bino/rangefinder pretty soon but the $$$ is going to be high.

For $, I would get the Geovids over the Swaro and put $1k in my pocket for the 5% difference.

 

[Cserv]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Just picked up Redfield because side by side comparison with Leupold was brighter, at about half the price (10x40 $149 vs $299), and Leupold Rx-lll.

 

[bitter24]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

I use Swarovski 10X42 and Swaro rangefinder, love the glass. Its expensive but once you get them you wont regret it. Buy once cry once. Though going to cry again soon placed my order with Euro optic a month ago for the new Swaro Ranges 10X42 been waiting for Swaro to release that for a while now. IMO they make one of the top binos on the market.

 

[G38]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Agreed on the "buy once, cry once". I've had my Swaro 10 X 42s for a number of years and they have been worth the price.

 

[Chad Ryan]

Re: What binos do you use/recommend for hunting?

Swarovski or leica is the only way to go.