Binoculars

What's everyone using for binoculars? Right now I have a budget set of Bushnells that I use when I go away or on the boat and they're fine, but I am considering upgrading to something a little better.

 

A pair of twenty year old Nikon 10X50's.

 

Budget?

 

Vortex

 

Ask a game warden in your area what they are using, I guarantee you, they are some good stuff. They might even let you test em out.

 

I found my Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 to be a little short for me so I gave them to my brother and grabbed the same bino in 12x50. Ymmv

 

Swarovski
EL 42 Range
10x42


buy once, cry once.

 

I have a pair of compact 7 x 35, can't remember the name, that is kept in the truck. A made in Japan Tasco 312 10 x 50 for everyday use around the house and an old pair of Carl Ziess 10 x 50 field glasses that have been passed from Grandfather to Father to me. They really need to gone over by someone that knows what they are doing.

 

Well these guys are talking top of the line
Not sure what your use is but check out Bass Pro their Cabelas brand are pretty decent and not too expensive
I have a pair of BP Red Heads that are about 20 yo they’ve been great, gone through a few grands and tossed around many vehicles

 

Steiner 10X50

 

https://ad.doubleclick.net/searchad...p.ds&msclkid=64a271290ade1721ed55195c1fef67f2
Looks like they make some very reasonable priced stuff as well as the crazy

 

I also use 10x42 Vortex Vipers and will likely never need another pair. Bright, clean, high quality glass.

 

I have cheap compact pair to keep in truck. Don't even know brand. Was from either Bass Pro or Amazn. Also care less if/when kids damage them because cheap. They buried my last pair in the sand for some reason while I was fishing. Grit and moisture ruined those not long after. At least those had been cheap ones too.

I have sorta started liking monocular better than binocular. More magnification takes up less space.

 

Mine have been discontinued: P1050 | Steiner High-Quality Optics I don't recall how much they were, I've had them for over 10yrs.

 

Tract Toric for the $ are fantastic. Punch way above their price point

 

I'm the outlier and will say don't buy Vortex. Every one of their optics I've owned had multiple warranty returns.

I run Bushnell and Leupold optics. If you have the money to spend Zeiss are great. The Conquest line is actually reasonably priced.

 

Maybe like $3-400? Definitely don't need a set of Swarovskis. lol

 

I could never justify a set.

 

Vortex. I live 30 minutes from their HQ

 

If you check out Sierra Trading Post you can get some refurbished Vortex for really good prices. I don't know what power you want but they have some Viper HD's for $330. Still covered by warranty as well.

https://www.sierra.com/vortex-optic...bished~p~7wfyr/?filterString=s~vortex-optics/

 

Zeiss Victory 10 x 32

 

I have a pair of Carsons I’m partial too. Not hateful priced (at least they weren’t), very clear, and have a lifetime warranty.

 

Vortex would be my #2.

 

Scan the internet for a nice pair of older Japanese made Fujinons... Marine grade would be preferable, and don't be afraid of age if they are well kept! (probably $800-$1200) used

You can also look for an older pair of Kahles (good deals on these are generally in the $600-$800 range) used

Newer Kahles are made by swarovski, and they are nice, but the glass on the older Kahles is incredible... I have a couple of older Kahles scopes that are several decades old and they outperform anything I have from this area

Light transmission and clarity of the glass in incredible in any of the above options.

Another route to consider is image stabilizing binos; these can get pricey, but if you watch for military and police surplus sales you can often find a great price on a decent pair...

If you're targeting under $300 for a price point, grab a set leopolds. This is what I always have in the center console of my truck, but if I'm doing something specific, I grab the Fuji's

Don't be afraid to check your local pawn shops, you'll find some really nice binos in those places sometimes for well under $500...

Don't buy junk, it's a waste of your money and viewing experience:

Junk Fujis:

$229 Fujifilm Fujinon Mariner 7x50 WPC-XL Porro Prism Binocular

https://www.amazon.com/Fujinon-Mari...id=17696195379473153884-B00009XVPA-&hvexpln=0