Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 12:41:59 PM

Title: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 12:41:59 PM: I've been busted by all but a couple deer since October while still-hunting. Usually the case is that I don't even know they're there and all of a sudden they bolt out from their hiding spot. I'd like a pair of 10x42's that I can wear on one of those binocular harnesses. that way I can be glassing every couple steps. I was thinking the Nikon monarchs look nice and reasonably priced.

So what do you recommend for a guy on about a $200 budget? Also, if you've got a pair of 10x42's you'd like to get rid of, please let me know. I need to get a pair this week. Tired of being busted!!!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on December 17, 2012, 12:44:53 PM: 8 x 42's are better for low light!
I just got a pair of Leupold BX 3 Mojave 8 x 32 at Cabelas Sat. There 100 dollars off right now. I used my 20 dollar off coupon also. About 280 plus tax for some awesome bino's~!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 12:49:47 PM: I didn't know that about 8x42's. I figured 10x42's are they way to go because that's all I ever hear anyone talk about. haha. maybe I'll swing by cabelas and see what's in the bargain cave.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on December 17, 2012, 12:52:59 PM: Not much in the Cave as of Sat except SLC's and the like price stuff. I went there first also. Lol
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on December 17, 2012, 12:56:08 PM: 8X or 10X is the magnification.
But the more magnification the less light. Its a trade off. 10X is better for longer range, but Westside IMO 8x is great and its darker in the woods here.

You'll get lots of opinions and mine is only one.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2012, 01:01:55 PM: You've got a long time until the next hunting season. Is it possible you can save up a little more and/or wait for a better deal on a used pair?

If you must buy now, yes Nikon Monarch's are hard to beat.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: ICEMAN on December 17, 2012, 01:05:16 PM: I have the Nikons, work great.

If you are getting busted, slow down, look farther out, and relook. It is OK to slow your hunt, especially since you have noticed being busted. Make each hike THE hike...slow down!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: crschralping on December 17, 2012, 01:10:12 PM: I have the Vortex Cross Fire 10x42 binos they were like $140. They work great for me.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: huntnfmly on December 17, 2012, 01:20:11 PM: The brightness can be effected by the magnification but it is the front lenses that you get the brightness from I have the 10x56 monarchs they work great
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 01:24:49 PM: those vortex don't look half bad.

here's another question...what do you guys do to keep your lenses from fogging up when hunting on rainy days?
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bob33 on December 17, 2012, 01:26:47 PM: I may have a pair of Monarch 10x42s gathering dust somewhere. I'll check and PM you if I do.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 01:28:06 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on December 17, 2012, 01:26:47 PM
I may have a pair of Monarch 10x42s gathering dust somewhere. I'll check and PM you if I do.

Excellent! Thank you.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: wastickslinger on December 17, 2012, 01:29:18 PM: Bobs Monarchs would be better glass but I have a pair of Leupold Mesa 8x42(gently used) I'd let go for $100. Or a pair of Cabelas Pine Ridge 8x42 (new in box) for $90.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: spin05 on December 17, 2012, 01:47:58 PM: I have Leopold mojove 10x42. love em but not in your price range. I bought my son Alpen 10X42 and sometimes when i look thru them they feel more clear then my mojove. $179 plus $10 off with a coupon out of the game regs at sportmans wherhouse.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Cap.Silver on December 17, 2012, 02:21:35 PM: I have MINOX 8x42 and love them . Got them from Camera Land in NY. I also have the Nikon Monarch they are OK to have as extra pair .I would go with 8x42 to give you bigger field of view IMHO
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: huntnfmly on December 17, 2012, 02:34:19 PM: I have a alpen spotting scope great glass so I would imagine their binoculars are good as well
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 03:02:58 PM: so how do you guys keep your lenses from fogging while hunting in the rain? is there some kind of rainX type stuff to apply?
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2012, 03:07:57 PM: Anything less than fully multicoated optics is a waste of effort to carry into the field, especially if you're in a rainy area. Those will already have coatings on there and you don't want to apply any harsh cleaners such as Windex as it will break down and remove those critical coatings. Use dry toilet paper or anything soft that wont scratch the lens.

As for fogging any quality pair will be sealed and wont fog from the inside. however, I have a $2,000 pair of binos (got 'em for a steal at 1/3 normal price) and they will still fog up on a cold day if you breathe right on them. can't change the basic physics of glass with good quality. Use your objective lens covers and that will cut down on quite a bit of both problems.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: bobcat on December 17, 2012, 03:13:05 PM: Quote
Use dry toilet paper or anything soft that wont scratch the lens.
:yike:

Only if you want to scratch the lenses!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2012, 03:13:59 PM: LOL ok maybe not.. but what do you do when its pouring down rain and your pupillary lenses are soaked?
I've never noticed scratching but where I live it doesn't rain too much.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on December 17, 2012, 03:15:16 PM: Dont rub your lense with tp...pat it try....it absorbs alot....also cat crap works pretty good on the lenses
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: wildmanoutdoors on December 17, 2012, 03:28:16 PM: Toilet paper and paper towels have wood fibers in them. Might not feel it on your butt, but your lenses will feel it.
A clean cotton shirt is better than paper products!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bean Counter on December 17, 2012, 03:46:57 PM: I've never noticed any from the times I've blotted with TP. I suppose better safe than sorry so go with the cotton. :tup:
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: MountainWalk on December 17, 2012, 03:51:07 PM: Got some Swaro's for sale.
Title: need some optics!
Post by: sirmissalot on December 17, 2012, 03:55:04 PM: Quote from: deerhunter_98520 on December 17, 2012, 03:15:16 PM
Dont rub your lense with tp...pat it try....it absorbs alot....also cat crap works pretty good on the lenses

Cat crap?
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 17, 2012, 03:57:29 PM: not from the litter box. It's an anti fog product for ski goggles.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 17, 2012, 04:41:32 PM: naw i would put cat crap from the litter box on it. way better anti fog! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: need some optics!
Post by: Squatch on December 22, 2012, 10:34:23 AM: Mountain Walk - what ya got and how much$ -
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: MountainWalk on December 22, 2012, 10:39:53 AM: Check the member classifieds.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: MooseStock on December 22, 2012, 02:26:13 PM: I second the opinion on Minox. I have a pair of 10x42 and they are pretty awesome for what I paid for them. I too got them from cameraland. They are selling the BF 10x42 BR Minox that are usually $299 for $139.99 with no tax or shipping cost. My Minox were a bit higher caliber but that is a great deal on German glass. I have a pair of those coming now that I ordered for a friend but I have nothing to say but good things for both Minox and Cameraland. Hope that helps........Les
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bonedar208 on December 22, 2012, 04:05:04 PM: 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.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: dvolmer on December 22, 2012, 06:45:35 PM: 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.
Title: need some optics!
Post by: jackelope on December 22, 2012, 07:11:30 PM: You can buy Vortex Viper HDs online all over for $599 which us about $100 off normal price.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Yeti on December 22, 2012, 07:48:51 PM: I tried Bushnell, Vortex, Alpen Apex, and Nikon Monarch......The Alpen Apex are what I carry. :twocents:
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 22, 2012, 08:34:03 PM: 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.
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: TriggerHappy on December 24, 2012, 01:56:44 PM: 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. :bash:
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: blacktail chaser on December 24, 2012, 03:34:51 PM: 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!
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: Bean Counter on December 24, 2012, 07:35:43 PM: 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! :tup:
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: steeliedrew on December 24, 2012, 07:45:50 PM: 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. ;)
Title: Re: need some optics!
Post by: TriggerHappy on December 26, 2012, 03:01:30 PM: Quote from: blacktail chaser on December 24, 2012, 03:34:51 PM

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 :dunno: Mine broke completely in half no idea how it happend i was adjusting them and click what was that crap :yike: