need some optics!

[Bonedar208]

Obviously when buying glass you get what you pay for. But as people are already suggesting for lower end glass the vortex seem to be a pretty big hit. Lower end Nikon's are pretty decent glass for being on a budget as well.

If you spend alot of time in more open country you wont regret a 10x42. Notice alittle more shake and maybe a bit darker in low light but its nice to have that little extra sometimes.

[dvolmer]

I have done the homework and field testing in low light and clarity.  Get the nicest Vortex's you can afford.  I have the Vipers that cost around $550.  No matter what class you are looking at the Vortex outperform all others of the same price.  That along with the 100% no fault warranty you cant go wrong.  Have a bad day and take your binos our and smash them with a sledge hammer and they will fix or replace with no questions asked.  Don't have to have any paperwork or proof of purchase and don't have to be original owner.  Just try that with any other brands.  Nikon's and Leupolds don't come close to the Vortex.

[jackelope]

You can buy Vortex Viper HDs online all over for $599 which us about $100 off normal price.

[Yeti]

I tried Bushnell, Vortex, Alpen Apex, and Nikon Monarch......The Alpen Apex are what I carry. 

[steeliedrew]

picked up a pair of Nikon monarch ATB 10x42's from a forum member the other day. Hunted with them today. I'm very happy with them.

[TriggerHappy]

I agree with the Vortex. I personally have a pair of Steiner 12x42 best glass i have ever owned but this year while adjusting some how the binos broke right in half. I would love to have the Vortex no fault warranty right now. Still have to send them in to Steiner but I'm sure it will cost me money to have them fixed.

[blacktail chaser]

Triggerhappy I have a pair of steiners and had the rubber eyecaps come off, so I sent them back to them to get them fixed also  figuring I would have to pay for the fix. But to my surprise they sent me a new set of binoculars. It pays to buy good glass. The only optics I have ever had to pay to fix was my Bushnell spotting scope. Figures huh!

[Bean Counter]

OP: If you decide to go with Vortex, consider ElkNut1, he is a site sponsor and an authorized distributor of Vortex. You can sponsor those who sponsor this forum! 

[steeliedrew]

already picked up a nice used pair of Nikon monarch ATB 10x42's for a great deal. I'll keep elknut in mind when I'm looking to upgrade. although I wouldn't mind some Swarovski binos down the road.

[TriggerHappy]

Triggerhappy I have a pair of steiners and had the rubber eyecaps come off, so I sent them back to them to get them fixed also  figuring I would have to pay for the fix. But to my surprise they sent me a new set of binoculars. It pays to buy good glass. The only optics I have ever had to pay to fix was my Bushnell spotting scope. Figures huh!

I hope this is the case i am sending mine in tomorrow Mine broke completely in half no idea how it happend i was adjusting them and click what was that crap