Looking for Binos

[wt]

I'm starting my quest for binos. I have a low end set of fairly compact,Leoupolds (I'm not looking at them so I can't list the specs)that fogged up a lot (on the outside). They had collapsible eye reliefs that seamed to cage the fog in a little bit, but I don't know if that was actually happening or if it was a false association. I've read a few of the other postings and have learned a lot, however here are my general needs in  new binos. I'm a wet side hunter, I'm ready to make a lasting purchase, budget: under or near $1k, dusk/dawn vision is not my singular requirement but who doesn't like clear vision then when light is fleeting?, I bike into my areas and walk a lot so size and wait are important. In short I'm looking for the best general purpose binos for hunting the west side, I'm tired of tired eyes and I was more than upset about endless fogging last year. Any help is appreciated.

[GoldTip]

Look for a used pair of Swaro slc's in 10x42.  Should be able to find them used for around a grand.  Unless you step up in budget quite a bit to get the EL's, you'll have a very hard time finding anything with as much low light transmission that is any lighter.

[addicted]

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/swarovski.pl?page=demo-swarovski8x30slc

[addicted]

here is a good deal on some HG minox
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62155

[addicted]

zeiss
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=524510

[Skyvalhunter]

Go to Cabelas, Sportsman warehouse, etc and try looking thru a bunch and see what you might like then go shopping

[addicted]

Go to Cabelas, Sportsman warehouse, etc and try looking thru a bunch and see what you might like then go shopping

  oh wait i mean... 

meoptas
http://swfa.com/Meopta-8x42-Meostar-Binocular-P7971.aspx

[addicted]

docter
http://swfa.com/Docter-10x42-Binocular-P8925.aspx

[addicted]

steiner
http://swfa.com/Steiner-Merlin-Binoculars-C383.aspx

[addicted]

take a note pad and a pen with you to the optics counter and take little notes on what you liked, didnt like,  and the prices so you can shop online(best prices) moste efficiently.  I'd like to see what you end up with.   I think there are many people looking for the same thing.

[300wsm]

PM sent

[thinkingman]

I have posted before and based on your weside hunting and biking, size matters.
8x30 is the perfect compromise.
No need for 10x, maybe a liability.
Swaro is where I'd start.
Glass in the $500 and over is all good, and so is construction.
Outside fogging is going to happen from breath, humidity.
It's not going to change by spending more $.
See what fits you and your eyes best.

[addicted]

Any news WT?

[Firing Pin]

Most binos look good or ok in the store.  Go to the store at dusk and pick out the ones that you like, then ask the person behind the counter to bring them one at a time outside and see what they look like when the light gets low.  For example, I have a pair of Nikon Premiers and my buddies have the Nikon ATB's.  During the day there is not much difference, BUT I can glass at least a half hour before they can at sun-up, and can glass longer than them at sun down.  During low light is where you see the difference between the $500.00 and $1500.00.

[addicted]

Most binos look good or ok in the store.  Go to the store at dusk and pick out the ones that you like, then ask the person behind the counter to bring them one at a time outside and see what they look like when the light gets low.  For example, I have a pair of Nikon Premiers and my buddies have the Nikon ATB's.  During the day there is not much difference, BUT I can glass at least a half hour before they can at sun-up, and can glass longer than them at sun down.  During low light is where you see the difference between the $500.00 and $1500.00.