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Author Topic: First pair of binoculars?  (Read 9298 times)

Offline tides56

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First pair of binoculars?
« on: November 23, 2012, 07:07:43 PM »
I have been avidly hunting for 6 years of my life I think it is time to invest in a good pair of binos. I have look around, watched videos, and read review but I'm still unsure on what would be ideal for glassing hillsides, etc. What would you recommend for a good quality pair that I would have in the field with me? Price is not a problem. Thanks.
“The encouragement of a proper hunting spirit, a proper love of sport, instead of being incompatible with a love of nature and wild things, offers the best guaranty for their preservation.”

-- U.S. President and Nobel Prize winner Theodore Roosevelt

Offline Huntbear

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2012, 07:13:43 PM »
Buy the best you can afford..

Heck, I just bought a pair of Redfield 10x42 Binos this fall, love them.
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Offline Crunchy

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2012, 07:25:47 PM »
I used a pair of Leupolds for years, and finally upgraded to Swarovski  El 12x50.  Excellent glass, but very expensive.  It was worth it for me, and after my first year of using them I wished I had pulled the trigger long ago.

Offline Eli346

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2012, 07:43:09 PM »
 I use the Cabela's HD Euros quite a bit when it's fairly dry but also bought a pair of Bushnell Legend HD's with Rainguard for when it's really wet. !0x42's. The Cabela's  would be fine in the rain but I just like the Bushnells with the Rainguard. That stuff really works and they're great binos for under $300.

Offline jburkett

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #4 on: November 23, 2012, 08:19:54 PM »
I swear bye my Nikon monarch 10x42. I went to cabelas and compared every thing in my price range side by side And nothing compared.   And they were cheap enough that it doesn't bother me to take them hunting in rough conditions. Not to mention the warranty is a 25 years no fault policy :twocents:
I don't always shoot big mule deer, but when I do, it's with a bow tech!

Offline Cascade_fisher

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Re: Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #5 on: November 23, 2012, 08:29:50 PM »
I swear by my Nikon monarch 10x42.   And they were cheap enough that it doesn't bother me to take them hunting in rough conditions. Not to mention the warranty is a 25 years no fault policy :twocents:
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Offline BK Dave

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First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2012, 08:36:09 PM »
I agree with Crunchy, I can't justify $2400 on binos, but one day I'll buy those!     

Offline WilliamIV

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2012, 10:43:51 PM »
I bought the Vortex Diamondbacks a nd love them. They work really well actually for the money.

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #8 on: November 23, 2012, 10:48:38 PM »
If money is not an issue then I would buy the swarovski EL hands down.   Now if there is a budget or you cant justify that kind of money on bino's then I like the Bushnell Legend HD, Vortex, or Leupold.  I personally am not a fan of the nikon monarchs.  I have owned two sets and sold them both.  I now own Swaro and Bushnell legend, love them both.

Offline Bean Counter

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #9 on: November 23, 2012, 11:49:22 PM »
Definitely go with the HD/ED/LD quality glass. The suffix varies from one manufacturer to the next but will consistently put you in the top tier of that manufacturer's range. Plan to spend $1,000 or more unless you can fine a screaming deal on Craigslist. Consider the Leupold Gold Ring HD, Zeiss Victory, Nikon EDG, Vortex Razor, and of course, Swarovision. Let us know what you pick.

Offline Widgeondeke

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #10 on: November 23, 2012, 11:59:36 PM »
Buy the best you can afford..

Heck, I just bought a pair of Redfield 10x42 Binos this fall, love them.
+1 I love mine.

Offline MountainWalk

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2012, 12:04:01 AM »
I use Swaro 7x30'sB SLC's and the glass is so good, the image from edge to edge so crisp, that I do not feel handicapped by just 7 power.
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Offline Crunchy

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2012, 12:44:04 AM »
I use Swaro 7x30'sB SLC's and the glass is so good, the image from edge to edge so crisp, that I do not feel handicapped by just 7 power.
agreed on the swarovskis.  The edge to edge and color is tuff to beat.  I use my 12 power on my tripod or have to make sure I get a good steady rest.  When I killed by buck during late modern two other trucks had pulled up to the same cut prior to me.  Both glassed it and then drove off.  I was able to see the buck in the timber line from 600 yards away that both of them thankfully missed.  I was also able to glass bucks 700 yards away and could have probably counted points if they stayed still long enough.  I could not have done that with my old leupolds.

Offline Deep Forks

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #13 on: November 24, 2012, 02:22:08 AM »
I use Vortex Razor 10x42 and my son Vortez viper hd 10x42 and we like them much better than the Leo's they replaced.  The warranty is forever and is covered for anything except if you lose them.

Offline MikeWalking

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Re: First pair of binoculars?
« Reply #14 on: November 24, 2012, 02:51:42 AM »
Money was an issue for me.  Minolta BK Sport 10x50 all the bells minus Phase Correction  $135? in a local camera shop  I later saw something at Cabela's with the PC for $10 more :bash: :bash:

No issues so far even after 5 long trips with 6 flights each

 


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