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Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: bare.hunter on December 29, 2012, 10:56:38 AM


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Title: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on December 29, 2012, 10:56:38 AM
I need some new binos mostly for low light and clarity at medium distance.I have a pair of nikon prostaff and they are just ok for mid day but fall way short during low light.
Iam willing to pay around 600 or less but I want the best for the money.Thanks for any help in advance.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Crunchy on December 29, 2012, 11:29:40 AM
Not sure how good of glass you are going to get for 600.  I do however feel your pain when it comes to upgrading.  I threw down some serious cash and bought some high end glass both in spotter and binos.  Now there will be no need to upgrade ever!!! I hope.  I will say with that big investment I spotted so many more deer this year than in years before. 
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: scottfrick on December 29, 2012, 12:07:13 PM
Vortex vipers 10x42 :tup: I'm very happy with mine.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: 3nails on December 29, 2012, 12:11:20 PM
$600 is in that no-mans land area. You won't get anything great and would kill the saving up for great glass fund. Personally I'd hold out a year more (or 2) and save up for great glass. :twocents:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 29, 2012, 12:15:59 PM
You can get some great glass for that kind of money. Charles with Zen-Ray is a site sponsor and they have excellent optics in that price range.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Alan K on December 29, 2012, 12:16:25 PM
I'll second the Vortex glass.  I got a pair as a gift and have been pleased with them.  Like 3nails mentioned though, you've got a decision to make.  Seeing as you're a third of the way or so to premium glass, you can keep saving or get some mid range stuff and start over saving again when you decide to upgrade.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 29, 2012, 12:19:06 PM
I think that Vortex and Zen-Ray are comparable and Zen-Ray has stepped up a few times to help our community here at HuntWA. I've sent Charles a message to get involved in this thread. He's a real stand up guy.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: jackmaster on December 29, 2012, 12:23:10 PM
Stieners are one of the best set of BINOs a guy can buy at a great price, I think I have the safaris and they are awesome and they were only around 200 but that was 12 years ago, my wife got them for me for my bday
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bshiftbc on December 29, 2012, 12:35:35 PM
I'll second the Vortex glass.  I got a pair as a gift and have been pleased with them.  Like 3nails mentioned though, you've got a decision to make.  Seeing as you're a third of the way or so to premium glass, you can keep saving or get some mid range stuff and start over saving again when you decide to upgrade.

 :yeah:
I also have the Vortex and really like them. If I could afford better, I'd do it!
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: singleshot12 on December 29, 2012, 12:44:10 PM
The Vortex Viper HD is sure nice glass for the coin :twocents: And if you order them through Elknut.com (Paul), you'll save $
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on December 30, 2012, 09:32:09 AM
I need some new binos mostly for low light and clarity at medium distance.I have a pair of nikon prostaff and they are just ok for mid day but fall way short during low light.
Iam willing to pay around 600 or less but I want the best for the money.Thanks for any help in advance.

Hello there, based on the requirements and budget, I would highly recommend our 10x42 PRIME HD binoculars.  It has field flattener lens in the system, which offers very sharp resolution for both center field and extreme edge of the view. It also has dielectric coating on the prism for enhanced brightness.  Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. 

For all Hunt-WA members, please drop me a note after you place the order. I will add a free lens cleaning len and free shipping (by refunding your shipping charge) for your orders.

Thanks and Happy New Year
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on December 30, 2012, 09:46:48 AM
I think you should save more.  You won't gain much over your other Bino's.  Though my friend got the Cabelas Euro HD Bino's which are made by Meopta which is a high end Euro Glass.  They go for about 1 Grand.  Better then the 2k for the EL's.  Just something to think about.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 30, 2012, 10:09:41 AM
I have a pair of Zen Rays that I love.  Great glass for the price.  Have had a couple of buddies look through mine and went out and bought a pair for themselves.  Had mine for 3 hunting seasons now and have yet to feel the need to upgrade.  That's just me.  I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior, but can't justify the cost yet (and stay married... :chuckle: )...
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on December 30, 2012, 10:26:26 AM
I have a pair of Zen Rays that I love.  Great glass for the price.  Have had a couple of buddies look through mine and went out and bought a pair for themselves.  Had mine for 3 hunting seasons now and have yet to feel the need to upgrade.  That's just me.  I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior, but can't justify the cost yet (and stay married... :chuckle: )...

Pathfinder101, I am glad that the Zen-Ray binoculars are still working hard for you. 

I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior
With PRIME HD binoculars, we need to revisit this statement.  ;)

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year to you.

Charles
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Wacenturion on December 30, 2012, 01:14:07 PM
You can get some great glass for that kind of money. Charles with Zen-Ray is a site sponsor and they have excellent optics in that price range.

 :yeah:  Bought a couple pairs of ED2's a couple years ago......go Zen Ray ...great value. :tup:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Wacenturion on December 30, 2012, 01:19:40 PM
I have a pair of Zen Rays that I love.  Great glass for the price.  Have had a couple of buddies look through mine and went out and bought a pair for themselves.  Had mine for 3 hunting seasons now and have yet to feel the need to upgrade.  That's just me.  I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior, but can't justify the cost yet (and stay married... :chuckle: )...

Funny you mentioned that.  Had the same thing happen.  Showed mine to a buddy and he could not believe how nice they were.  He also owns some high end optics like Swaro.  Called and ordered some immediately after viewing mine.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on December 30, 2012, 04:19:29 PM
I need to do some research on these zen rays
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: whacker1 on December 30, 2012, 04:29:47 PM
I had the first version of the 10 x 42 Zen Ray ED's, and was very happy with them.  After a couple times of me falling all over myself and down hills this year, the two lenses bumped out of alignment of each other.  Zen-ray was very quick to respond on the warrranty work, and offered either to repare them or allow me to upgrade to the PRIME HD.  I took the opportunity to upgrade glass, and can attest to Charles comment that there is a huge difference in the upgrade.  The low light time frame of dusk and dawn provides signficantly crisper images and a lot brighter images.

I am extremely happy that I upgraded. Now it just sucks that 2013 hunting season is a little over 8 months away.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: go4steelhd on December 30, 2012, 05:09:05 PM
I suggest buying some used Swarovski's. I think you can find some used slc's in the $800 range. Or save up and get any grade they sell. They are worth it. There is a reason you hear people compare others to them. I have looked thru vortex and they are good also. But if you get the best you won't ever have to upgrade.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: jess on December 30, 2012, 05:18:50 PM
leupold mojave! Great in low light and under 600 bucks plus the best warranty you can get for that price! I run the 12x50
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: RadSav on December 30, 2012, 05:36:56 PM
What magnification/power rating are you looking at getting?

I've been running the Bushnell Elite 10X for the past few years.  I think I paid less than $600.00 for them online.  The best I've used below the premium three (S, L & Z).  They fall a little short on durability, but the glass is pretty darn good.  I ran B&L Elite for a lot of years and loved those.  The new BushElite aren't nearly as good as the old B&L but for the price range your looking at they should be worth a look.  I have no experience with Zen-Ray so I could not tell you the comparison.

I had a buddy who got the Leupold Mojave.  One look through them and I talked him into donating them to the local Boy Scouts and gave him a pair of my B&L's.  Perhaps he got a bad pair :dunno:  But they were down right awful in low light.  I'm a big Leupold scope fan, but I don't think they have made a quality bino in more than 25 years.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on December 30, 2012, 09:40:03 PM
Thanks guys you have given me alot of info.I looked through a pair of leupolds today and they where nice.Where can I look at the zen rays and has anyone had first hand experience with the cabelas euros.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Wacenturion on December 30, 2012, 09:56:44 PM
My son had a pair of the Cabelas Euros a couple years ago.  Took them back....he also loves his Zen Rays.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: thinkingman on December 30, 2012, 10:00:09 PM
If you don't need waterproof, look into porros.
Nikon Premier SE can be had in your price range and they have image quality similar to the alphas.
For low light image, do not go above 8x and get 50mm objectives or larger.
More mag equals less image brightness.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: thinkingman on December 30, 2012, 10:04:45 PM
Thanks guys you have given me alot of info.I looked through a pair of leupolds today and they where nice.Where can I look at the zen rays and has anyone had first hand experience with the cabelas euros.
Leupold rarely gets mentioned when discussing great glass.
There were Meoptas(Cabelas) in the classifieds not long ago....excellent glass and construction.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 31, 2012, 03:22:17 PM
I have a pair of Zen Rays that I love.  Great glass for the price.  Have had a couple of buddies look through mine and went out and bought a pair for themselves.  Had mine for 3 hunting seasons now and have yet to feel the need to upgrade.  That's just me.  I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior, but can't justify the cost yet (and stay married... :chuckle: )...

Pathfinder101, I am glad that the Zen-Ray binoculars are still working hard for you. 

I have looked through Swaros in the field and agree they are far superior
With PRIME HD binoculars, we need to revisit this statement.  ;)

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year to you.

Charles

That may be true.  Mine are the EDs.  Love 'em :tup:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Steve C on January 02, 2013, 10:47:07 AM
These days the idea that you can't get good glass for $600 or less is just plain silly.  Mid price stuff has advanced so much in the last few years that there is really no reason to spend more than that.

I have the ZEN Prime HD and they will stand up to ANYTHING without fear of embarrassment.  Built like a tank too.  No reason to spend alpha money unless you want to.  Just keep your goals in mind.

The real no man's land is now the $1,000-1,200 binoculars.  Come SHOT show we'll start to see some new models that will seriously crimp the big stuff.  One example is, and this one's already out, just look at the new Zeiss Conquest HD at $969.  Then ask yourself if you really need to get the top end Zeiss.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Mongo Hunter on January 02, 2013, 11:17:15 AM
Wholy crap you guys like your bino's! Cant imagine spending $600 on a set of bino's, where the hell did the idea that you cant get good binos for less than $600 come from? I wouldent and havent spent more than $200 on a set. They only look at stuff far away they dont have to take the recoil of a .50 BMG  :chuckle:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: NumaJohn on January 02, 2013, 11:22:13 AM
I have been quite satisfied with my Brunton binoculars, and I've had them for 20+ years.  For more information, go to http://store.bruntonhunting.com/optics/binoculars/eterna/ (http://store.bruntonhunting.com/optics/binoculars/eterna/)

However, if funds allowed, I would definitely upgrade, and I'd be looking at Zen-Ray and others, without a doubt.

John
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: d_wilson on January 02, 2013, 11:29:15 AM
Vortex vipers 10x42 :tup: I'm very happy with mine.
:yeah: Bought a pair last week and love them.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 02, 2013, 11:33:29 AM
Wholy crap you guys like your bino's! Cant imagine spending $600 on a set of bino's, where the hell did the idea that you cant get good binos for less than $600 come from? I wouldent and havent spent more than $200 on a set. They only look at stuff far away they dont have to take the recoil of a .50 BMG  :chuckle:

I felt the same way until I spent $500 on a pair of HD binos. There's no comparison to cheaper glass. Your eyes see easier, especially for long periods of time. You can distinguish more in low light. I simply can't go back to cheap glass after having used better.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Pathfinder101 on January 02, 2013, 06:06:30 PM
Wholy crap you guys like your bino's! Cant imagine spending $600 on a set of bino's, where the hell did the idea that you cant get good binos for less than $600 come from? I wouldent and havent spent more than $200 on a set. They only look at stuff far away they dont have to take the recoil of a .50 BMG  :chuckle:

I felt the same way until I spent $500 on a pair of HD binos. There's no comparison to cheaper glass. Your eyes see easier, especially for long periods of time. You can distinguish more in low light. I simply can't go back to cheap glass after having used better.

 :yeah: X2
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on January 03, 2013, 07:53:45 PM
Thanks guys you have given me alot of info.I looked through a pair of leupolds today and they where nice.Where can I look at the zen rays and has anyone had first hand experience with the cabelas euros.

Hello there, we offer 30-day no question asked money back guarrantee so our customers can actually take the binoculars to compare something more expensive. 

Please feel free to contact me if there is anything i can help with.

Thanks


Charles
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bean Counter on January 03, 2013, 08:12:11 PM
Wholy crap you guys like your bino's! Cant imagine spending $600 on a set of bino's, where the hell did the idea that you cant get good binos for less than $600 come from? I wouldent and havent spent more than $200 on a set. They only look at stuff far away they dont have to take the recoil of a .50 BMG  :chuckle:

I felt the same way until I spent $500 on a pair of HD binos. There's no comparison to cheaper glass. Your eyes see easier, especially for long periods of time. You can distinguish more in low light. I simply can't go back to cheap glass after having used better.

 :yeah: X2

x3
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bean Counter on January 03, 2013, 08:18:26 PM
If I lost my binos today, regardless of how much I'd be covered by insurance, I wouldn't spend less than about $1,000 on a replacement. And no, I'm not made of money.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bob33 on January 03, 2013, 08:24:09 PM
Some individuals may not be able to discern a difference between $200 binoculars and $1000 binoculars but most can, particularly in dim light or extended glassing sessions. A quick glance through a pair at the optics counter may not show much difference.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Elknut1 on January 04, 2013, 06:45:19 AM
I would mirror Bob's thoughts & add edge to edge clarity is lacking from the 200.00 glass in comparison to 600.00 glass. 200.00 glass lacks ED /HD as well where these can be found in 400.00 to 500.00 glass & up. Most hunters do not notice these things until they are needed. (grin)

  ElkNut1
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Mongo Hunter on January 04, 2013, 07:54:12 AM
Some individuals may not be able to discern a difference between $200 binoculars and $1000 binoculars but most can, particularly in dim light or extended glassing sessions. A quick glance through a pair at the optics counter may not show much difference.

I can tell the difference its just not worth 3 of 4 time the money to me, I use my stuff and as a rule of stuff getting used (especially while hunting) stuff breaks or gets lost. I would rather break or loose a set of $200 binos than a $1000 set. I would rather spend big bucks on a spotting scope or a rifle scope. Sorry my stuff doesn't stay in the truck and I'm not a stump hunter  :chuckle:

PS: That was a joke, nobody should get all twisted up about it
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 04, 2013, 08:00:25 AM
Some individuals may not be able to discern a difference between $200 binoculars and $1000 binoculars but most can, particularly in dim light or extended glassing sessions. A quick glance through a pair at the optics counter may not show much difference.

I can tell the difference its just not worth 3 of 4 time the money to me, I use my stuff and as a rule of stuff getting used (especially while hunting) stuff breaks or gets lost. I would rather break or loose a set of $200 binos than a $1000 set. I would rather spend big bucks on a spotting scope or a rifle scope. Sorry my stuff doesn't stay in the truck and I'm not a stump hunter  :chuckle:

PS: That was a joke, nobody should get all twisted up about it

If you can tell the difference and it's not worth it, I suggest you don't use them very much and for very long. Spend big bucks on Vortex binos and get an unconditional guarantee if they break. That's another difference between cheap and expensive glass - you're covered. If you lose it, maybe you need a better harness.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bean Counter on January 04, 2013, 11:48:23 AM
I think it depends on your hunting style as well. You may not need a pair of binos at all on an Arizona Unit 9 bull elk hunt, where the unit is mostly flat. Also, if you can't sit still for more than  few minutes of your time, an $300 pair of glass might do you just fine. Me? I seek out a tall mountain a mile or two from any road and if I know its a good area, I'll be on top of that mountain all day. You will notice a different between middle market and top shelf glass after several hours.

As far as fear of loss, I have a personal articles insurance policy on my glass, so even if I loose them, I am covered.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Widgeondeke on January 04, 2013, 10:14:18 PM
Camofire.com just listed a nice pair of Zeiss for $650
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: ellensburgpo on January 04, 2013, 10:16:08 PM
Camofire.com just listed a nice pai r of Zeiss for $650

I was just gonna put that here.  :chuckle:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Roperfive88 on January 05, 2013, 08:30:58 AM
Vortex vipers 10x42 :Tupi: I'm very happy with mine.
  :yeah: Awsome glass and in your budget.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Widgeondeke on January 05, 2013, 08:35:24 AM
Another place to look is....

www.eagleoptics.com (http://www.eagleoptics.com)

They have some good deals on various brands.  :twocents:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on January 05, 2013, 01:16:26 PM
Camofire.com just listed a nice pai r of Zeiss for $650

I was just gonna put that here.  :chuckle:
It wont let me order them.Anyone know whats happening.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bean Counter on January 05, 2013, 01:18:12 PM
With Camofire.com: you snooze, you loose. They rotate their advertised item every few hours, so you gotta be on top of it.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Widgeondeke on January 06, 2013, 03:26:14 PM
Camofire just listed the Nikon Monarch 3 for $200
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: huntnnw on January 06, 2013, 09:34:20 PM
id try saving for the $900-1100 range big difference in glass in that category
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on January 09, 2013, 08:25:35 PM
I want to thank everyone that had ideas for me.But as of today iam the proud owner of a pair of zeiss conquest 10x40s.
I think I got a great deal bought them on ebay for 630$ brand new in the box.I sure like the Idea of getting one of the big 3 for a midrange thanks again guys.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bob33 on January 09, 2013, 08:27:51 PM
Great choice. You will be well served by that glass.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: Bean Counter on January 09, 2013, 09:31:52 PM
 :yeah:
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 10, 2013, 09:31:20 AM
Cool glass. Make sure you get them itemized on your homeowner insurance at retail value.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on January 10, 2013, 05:34:16 PM
Cool glass. Make sure you get them itemized on your homeowner insurance at retail value.
good idea thanks i will do that
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: hambone on January 11, 2013, 06:59:13 PM
Well i will put my two cents in i have 2 pairs of leupold binos one 10x50 and just bought a pair of 10x42 acadia  have never had problems with leupold binos ever one who looks thru them thinks there great and the leupold life time warranty isn't bad either and bought both pairs and didn't spend any were close to 600.00 for both of them
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: bare.hunter on January 12, 2013, 01:25:05 PM
Well i will put my two cents in i have 2 pairs of leupold binos one 10x50 and just bought a pair of 10x42 acadia  have never had problems with leupold binos ever one who looks thru them thinks there great and the leupold life time warranty isn't bad either and bought both pairs and didn't spend any were close to 600.00 for both of them
Iam happy that you are happy with your binos I just wanted the best glass I could afford for low light and clarity looking at whitetails at extreme distance.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: trophyhunt on January 12, 2013, 01:40:43 PM
I need some new binos mostly for low light and clarity at medium distance.I have a pair of nikon prostaff and they are just ok for mid day but fall way short during low light.
Iam willing to pay around 600 or less but I want the best for the money.Thanks for any help in advance.

Hello there, based on the requirements and budget, I would highly recommend our 10x42 PRIME HD binoculars.  It has field flattener lens in the system, which offers very sharp resolution for both center field and extreme edge of the view. It also has dielectric coating on the prism for enhanced brightness.  Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. 

For all Hunt-WA members, please drop me a note after you place the order. I will add a free lens cleaning len and free shipping (by refunding your shipping charge) for your orders.

Thanks and Happy New Year
To Zrs... Are your bino's going to be at the sportsmans show in puyallup? I'm talking the prime hd ones. Thanks, and how much are they going for on sale???
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 12, 2013, 01:52:07 PM
I need some new binos mostly for low light and clarity at medium distance.I have a pair of nikon prostaff and they are just ok for mid day but fall way short during low light.
Iam willing to pay around 600 or less but I want the best for the money.Thanks for any help in advance.

Hello there, based on the requirements and budget, I would highly recommend our 10x42 PRIME HD binoculars.  It has field flattener lens in the system, which offers very sharp resolution for both center field and extreme edge of the view. It also has dielectric coating on the prism for enhanced brightness.  Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. 

For all Hunt-WA members, please drop me a note after you place the order. I will add a free lens cleaning len and free shipping (by refunding your shipping charge) for your orders.

Thanks and Happy New Year
To Zrs... Are your bino's going to be at the sportsmans show in puyallup? I'm talking the prime hd ones. Thanks, and how much are they going for on sale???

He'll have a booth there, I'm almost positive. PM him.
Title: Re: new binos need some help
Post by: trophyhunt on January 12, 2013, 02:11:15 PM
I need some new binos mostly for low light and clarity at medium distance.I have a pair of nikon prostaff and they are just ok for mid day but fall way short during low light.
Iam willing to pay around 600 or less but I want the best for the money.Thanks for any help in advance.

Hello there, based on the requirements and budget, I would highly recommend our 10x42 PRIME HD binoculars.  It has field flattener lens in the system, which offers very sharp resolution for both center field and extreme edge of the view. It also has dielectric coating on the prism for enhanced brightness.  Let me know if there is anything I can help you with. 

For all Hunt-WA members, please drop me a note after you place the order. I will add a free lens cleaning len and free shipping (by refunding your shipping charge) for your orders.

Thanks and Happy New Year
To Zrs... Are your bino's going to be at the sportsmans show in puyallup? I'm talking the prime hd ones. Thanks, and how much are they going for on sale???

He'll have a booth there, I'm almost positive. PM him.
Thanks, pm on the way.
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