what power is good for binoculars??? 10x42?

[backwoods_boy]

Going scouting this weekend and need to get a good pair of binocs.
prolly going to joes cause its close.
can spend about $80-$100$
do you guys think these would be ok.

http://www.gearbuyer.com/products/barska_optics_10x42_blackhawk_waterproof_binocular.html

[bobcat]

No, I don't think those would be ok. I would recommend the Vortex Diamondbacks that www.cameralandny.com has for $129.

You can get them in 8x42's or 10x42's. I'd say if it's your only binocular, you might be better off with the 8x.

[huntnphool]

MBB2, I learned a long time ago that the one thing you dont skimp on is good optics, that being said I seriously doubt you're going to get anything close to "quality" for $100.00. Not trying to rain on your parade or sound negative but its just a fact. You would be better off borrowing a pair for a hunting season and saving your money until you can afford a better set, just if cost is an issue.

My experience has seen lots of friends do the same thing and end up purchasing several different sets over a 10 year period, only to end up getting a good set at the end, and having blown all that money in the mean time.

[snohohunter]

You can also support elknut1, and buy vortex binos from him. You can link to his site from his profile page.  Give him a call...he's great to work with. 
I've bought a bunch of stuff from him.

[bobcat]

Cameraland has a special on the Diamondback right now...it's only $129.99, regular $200, but these have "slight color imperfections."  I have ordered three of them, and the color imperfections are barely noticeable. Great binocular for the money. Even at $200 it would be a good deal. I don't know if elknut has this special and that's why I recommended cameraland. For only $30 more than you wanted to spend, you can get a really good binocular that will last a long time. Vortex has a lifetime warranty.

Try this link: http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexdiamondback8x42

[Bean Counter]

The magic words are "fully multi coated optics."  "Coated optics" or "multi coated optics" are commonplace, but fully multicoated optics means that every piece of glass that touches oxygen receives several treatment coatings to the glass to improve light transmission and image quality. If you can get up to this in your price range you've found yourself a great deal.

I bought Nikon Monarch ATBs (8x42) for $250 through some knife distributor on Froogle.  If you could forgo xxxx vice (beer, three months cable, etc) to go up to there, you wont regret it.  I've had mine for 3 hunting seasons and it will probably be 10+ years before I want to upgrade. 

Time and gas are precious so if it were me I'd buy a $20 throwaway pair and take that for this weekend.  Then I'd buy the above.  Best luck.

[huntnphool]

I bought Nikon Monarch ATBs (8x42) for $250 through some knife distributor on Froogle.  If you could forgo xxxx vice (beer, three months cable, etc) to go up to there, you wont regret it. 

  Good advice right there.

[MountainWalk]

To me, in most cases, ten power is too much. Eights, in my opinion, are perfect all around.

[thinkingman]

agree...8X is a better all-round magnification and $100 will not get you quality binocs.
No experiences with Diamondbacks but Nikon Monarch ATB's are pretty darn good for the price range.
Save your money....$100 'nocs are garbage.

[backwoods_boy]

ok so got some nice ones


Leupold Olympic 10x50mm
$350.00

The Olympic 10x50mm binoculars are powerful, yet lightweight enough to be your full-time optics.
The slim, ergonomic design of the Olympics fits well in any size hand.
Fully multi-coated lenses ensure maximum brightness, clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
Phase coated prisms work with the lens system to further enhance the sight picture.
Generous eye relief and twist-up eyecups for comfortable extended viewing, even with eyeglasses.
Armor coated, rugged, waterproof, and covered by the Leupold Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Available in natural, black, or Advantage® Timber™ HD™ camouflage finish.

[GoldTip]

You'll like the Olympics, they are a good set of glass for the dollar, to my eye not quite as clear as were the Nikon Monarch ATB's, but a very good glass.

[Bofire]

 :)I have both and prefer the 10X42.
Carl

[ICEMAN]

10x42

[robodad]

I have the 8.5x56 Nikon Monarchs dream season series and really like them but they are too big to be packing all day, My experience has been that as you age your pupil will only be about 5mm and the larger the exit pupil in your binos the better, and what I mean is you take the objective lens size and divide it by the magnification number and that will give you the exit pupil,(i.e. 8.5x56 = 6.5mm) or (10x50 = 5mm) or 10x42 = 4.2mm)and (8x42 = 5.25mm). So with that the larger the exit pupil is the better the binos will preform in low light conditions which means the larger the exit pupil is the more light can enter your eye the better you can see without being uncomfortable.

The Nikon suggestion is very sound advice without costing so much and also by being the very best in optics under $300, you won't go wrong but like I mentioned above look for the largest exit pupil and I suggest the 8x42 over the 10x42 any day.

Good luck !!!

[Ray]

8x and 10x are fine.