Window shopping for better binoculars

[Eric M]

So I've been using Redfield 10x42's for quite a while. Easy on my eyes. I also have a pair of low end Vortex. I am thinking about upgrading a notch for east side bear this summer. I was wondering if anyone on here has done a side by side with the Vortex Viper HD's 10X42 vs. the Leupold 10X42 Mojave HD's (the Pro Guide). Wondering if for the extra money if the Mojave's are that much better? And also, should I maybe be looking at some 12 power glass for the east side? I'm a little concerned because of how much coffee I drink but maybe I could get a tripod? If so, does anyone have any suggestions in the $400-$500 price range. Thanks.

[Eric M]

@7mmfan did you ever do a side by side?

[Nash]

I'm in a similar boat. Been shopping around. I'm kind of thinking about going to a 12x.

[T Pearce]

Search betterviewdesired.com

[thinkingman]

Search betterviewdesired.com

Good idea.
Also opticstalk forum.
12x glass in that price range is going to be sketchy.

[elkaholic123]

Save up and get those 8.5-42 Swaro's in the classified's, they seem to me to be closer to 10x than 8.5.

[Eric M]

I'm in a similar boat. Been shopping around. I'm kind of thinking about going to a 12x.

The problem I think would be stopping and glassing if you are hunting and moving. I do that a lot which is one reason I'm a little leery of 12X. Maybe if I knew I was sitting and glassing they'd be ok

[Eric M]

Thanks for the responses. I'll check those forums out.

[buglebrush]

Nikon Monarch 7's are great for the money.

[Miles]

Check www.cameralandny.com for deals when you decide on a brand/bino.

[Eric M]

Check www.cameralandny.com for deals when you decide on a brand/bino.

Have you purchased anything through them? They seem like they have some good deals. I just get skittish about buying online from an outfit I never heard of. Thanks

[Crunchy]

I would find the best 10x you can afford. 12x  for me is tuff to keep still without a tripod, kneeling, or sitting down.

[Eric M]

I would find the best 10x you can afford. 12x  for me is tuff to keep still without a tripod, kneeling, or sitting down.

Thanks I thought so too.

[Eric M]

Nikon Monarch 7's are great for the money.

Thanks!

[steeleywhopper]

Check www.cameralandny.com for deals when you decide on a brand/bino.

Have you purchased anything through them? They seem like they have some good deals. I just get skittish about buying online from an outfit I never heard of. Thanks

I have purchased 3 scopes and 2 cameras from Cameralandny.com without any issues other than extremely awesome service. Shoot them a call or place a online order, you wont be disappointed.

[Wetwoodshunter]

So I've been using Redfield 10x42's for quite a while. Easy on my eyes. I also have a pair of low end Vortex. I am thinking about upgrading a notch for east side bear this summer. I was wondering if anyone on here has done a side by side with the Vortex Viper HD's 10X42 vs. the Leupold 10X42 Mojave HD's (the Pro Guide). Wondering if for the extra money if the Mojave's are that much better? And also, should I maybe be looking at some 12 power glass for the east side? I'm a little concerned because of how much coffee I drink but maybe I could get a tripod? If so, does anyone have any suggestions in the $400-$500 price range. Thanks.

I am running 10x50 Mojave pro guides. They are phenomenal glass. I have compared them with the vortex razors HD's and in my opinion they edge the Razors out at half the price. I wouldn't hesitate getting the Mohave pro guides Leopold is an awesome company and has high standards for their products.

I also used mine on a tripod last year for a lot of the season. It's a game changer for grid searching with binos. The Vortex Summit is what I was using and it's fairly light and can easily handle binos but I don't carry a spotter. The leopold mounts on the tripod by some threads in the front.

[Eric M]

Check www.cameralandny.com for deals when you decide on a brand/bino.

Have you purchased anything through them? They seem like they have some good deals. I just get skittish about buying online from an outfit I never heard of. Thanks

I have purchased 3 scopes and 2 cameras from Cameralandny.com without any issues other than extremely awesome service. Shoot them a call or place a online order, you wont be disappointed.

Good to hear thank you

[Eric M]

So I've been using Redfield 10x42's for quite a while. Easy on my eyes. I also have a pair of low end Vortex. I am thinking about upgrading a notch for east side bear this summer. I was wondering if anyone on here has done a side by side with the Vortex Viper HD's 10X42 vs. the Leupold 10X42 Mojave HD's (the Pro Guide). Wondering if for the extra money if the Mojave's are that much better? And also, should I maybe be looking at some 12 power glass for the east side? I'm a little concerned because of how much coffee I drink but maybe I could get a tripod? If so, does anyone have any suggestions in the $400-$500 price range. Thanks.

I am running 10x50 Mojave pro guides. They are phenomenal glass. I have compared them with the vortex razors HD's and in my opinion they edge the Razors out at half the price. I wouldn't hesitate getting the Mohave pro guides Leopold is an awesome company and has high standards for their products.

I also used mine on a tripod last year for a lot of the season. It's a game changer for grid searching with binos. The Vortex Summit is what I was using and it's fairly light and can easily handle binos but I don't carry a spotter. The leopold mounts on the tripod by some threads in the front.

Appreciate the comment. I had a guy I work with say the same thing. Thanks also for the info about the tripod. I need to get one I think

[JDHasty]

10x on tripod will surprise you.  Does one have a better tripod mount than the other?  We use both Leupold & Vortex product, but are not familiar with the specific models.  Can't beat the product support from either. 

[NW SURVEYOR]

I love my Stieners.
They have been great.

[Miles]

Check www.cameralandny.com for deals when you decide on a brand/bino.

Have you purchased anything through them? They seem like they have some good deals. I just get skittish about buying online from an outfit I never heard of. Thanks

I have purchased 3 scopes and 2 cameras from Cameralandny.com without any issues other than extremely awesome service. Shoot them a call or place a online order, you wont be disappointed.

Good to hear thank you

I've bought two pairs of binoculars and a rifle scope.  Excellent people to deal with!  I also have directed several friends their way and there have been no complaints.  One binocular was an open box special and I couldn't tell the difference from the new one.

[MHWASH]

I just went through the same "delima". I only was able to do a side by side in the store, but I went with the Vipers. To me the Vipers were much better than the Mojaves. The guy I was with agreed with me.

Caneraland even had the Mojaves for $350, $100 less than the Vipers, and I still chose Vipers.

[Sakko300wsm]

I have a pair of Cabelas Outfitter HD 12x50's , I'm happy with the glass quality and low light. Think they were in the $500 range

[N7XW]

I really like my Steiner Predator 10x42s.  Pretty darn good glass for the money.  Don't think they compete with Swaros, but they were only around $400.  Also have CAT - color adjusted transmission.  It does seem to make a small difference when spotting game.

Good luck with your choice.

[dscubame]

Nikon Monarch 7's are great for the money.

Absolutely.   

[timberfaller]

Camera Land! 

purchased my last two Nikon's bio's from them, great service.

10x42 Monarch in the pickup and pack 12x25 Prostaff walking.   

First looked at them at sporting good stores, decided on the one's I liked and placed order with Camera Land for a better price.

[Eric M]

Appreciate the responses about Camera Land. Looks like they have good deals.Thanks to everyone for the replies. Hadn't thought too much about the other brands. I'll check them out first.

[JDHasty]

Appreciate the responses about Camera Land. Looks like they have good deals.Thanks to everyone for the replies. Hadn't thought too much about the other brands. I'll check them out first.

Eagle Optics has been my "go to" for three decades now.  Hint:  Check their Hot Buys, and ask about open box and demos when you talk to them,  a lot of times customers are not sure what they want and order both and they take back the open box item and will make you a deal if they happen to have one. 

I hesitate to post this because one of the great site supporters seems to treat members very well though.  But if recommending someone else is going to happen anyway...  They have been so good to me, and friends that have become customers who I have referred, that I cannot recommend them highly enough. 

 

[Eric M]

After going back and forth and looking at the various binos and online shopping at the places you guys recommended, I ended up purchasing a set of Leupold  BX-3 Mojave Pro Guide HD 10x42mm Binoculars through Camera Land. They're selling them for an unbelievable deal. Thanks for all the help.

[carpsniperg2]

great choice

[Eric M]

great choice

They are great binos. An imbecile must have designed the front lens covers. They fell off constantly all weekend until I finally lost one. Leupold is sending replacements, which I will wire tie on. What a terrible design though. My Redfields have clip in covers No problem. They don't quite fit the Pro Guides though. I love glassing with these though.