Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM

Title: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM: Looking to buy a pair of binos for scouting the highcountry (east of crest) this summer.

I think I've settled on a 10x40 or 10x42

All the advice I see is don't skimp on optics.

My primary questions are how important is it that they are water/fog proof? Obviously this is the PNW but I only plan to hunt the dryer side of the state at this point. Can I cut the corner here and spend a little less?

I've already decided I'm not interested in paying the extra $ for a cool camo pattern, black will work fine for me.

Any other specific details that I should look for, or avoid?

What brands/models do you use/prefer?

Trying to keep the list below $250

Thanks!
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 10, 2013, 07:43:36 PM: Have you went to Hooked on toys and tried some out and talked to a couple of their experts?
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: jrebel on April 10, 2013, 08:09:18 PM: For your price range you need to look at Vortex, Bushnell (legend HD), Nikon Monarchs. I personally would vote for them in this order (only cause I love my Bushnell and have not like my Nikons).

1. Bushnell
2. Vortex
3. Nikon

Good Luck
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Sliverslinger on April 10, 2013, 08:10:08 PM: Waterproof/Fog proof/ shock proof is imperative. The last thing you want is to be be on a hunt and have your glasses fog up and be worthless for a day or two - and it will happen if you go with cheap stuff. In your range I would look on Ebay for some used Leupolds. That way if there is a problem you can send them in to be fixed for free. Plus you should be able to get some decent glass if your patient. at $250 you're not gonna find a whole lot of great stuff brand new.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: hambone on April 10, 2013, 08:14:47 PM: Leopold's 10x 42 Arcadia's bought a pair this past winter good glass lifetime warranty cant beat that
Title: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: stickbuck on April 10, 2013, 08:17:10 PM: Quote from: hambone on April 10, 2013, 08:14:47 PM
Leopold's 10x 42 Arcadia's bought a pair this past winter good glass lifetime warranty cant beat that

I bought the same binos and they're great for the price. I love the clarity.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: jrebel on April 10, 2013, 08:21:04 PM: All bushnell, nikon, leupold and vortex have lifetime warranties......Vortex being one of the best (from what I hear). You should really look through all bino's before purchasing. If you are ever in the Wenatchee area let me know. I have Bushnell Legen (non hd) and Swarovski...you can compare. Then you can look at High Mountain and compare vortex. See which ones you like.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: bowhunterty on April 10, 2013, 08:31:10 PM: Check out Virtex Diamondback 10x42s. For the price u will be surprised.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 10, 2013, 08:33:34 PM: I like my monarchs, but have yet to get a look thru vortex.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Bob33 on April 10, 2013, 08:41:07 PM: "You should really look through all bino's before purchasing."
That is the best advice anyone can give you. There are several models under $300 that should work well but only your eyes can tell you what you will like best. Don't rule out 8x models either. :twocents:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 10, 2013, 08:41:51 PM: I second the vortex diamondbacks! Best glass in that price range hands down!
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Smossy on April 10, 2013, 08:47:25 PM: Vortex Diamondbacks 10x42 ! Cant beat a lifetime unconditional warrenty. And the product is just simply, amazing.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: whacker1 on April 10, 2013, 09:01:20 PM: http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html)
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Swannytheswan on April 10, 2013, 09:03:54 PM: :yeah:

I love my zen ray vista's and if you have the extra cash to go for the HD I am sure it is worth it. They have some nice glass!
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: hunting4sanity on April 10, 2013, 09:23:04 PM: I've got Bushnell, Nikon and Vortex, I'd recommend looking very seriously at the Vortex Diamondbacks. I've got Vortex Viper binos, but that won't fit your price range, my son has the Diamondbacks and they are impressive.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: huntnphool on April 10, 2013, 09:23:24 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM

All the advice I see is don't skimp on optics.

Trying to keep the list below $250 MSRP
:chuckle:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: 3nails on April 10, 2013, 09:42:32 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on April 10, 2013, 09:23:24 PM
Quote from: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM

All the advice I see is don't skimp on optics.

Trying to keep the list below $250 MSRP
:chuckle:
Skimping on optics would be spending less than a grand. :twocents:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: X-Force on April 10, 2013, 09:49:42 PM: Quote from: 3nails on April 10, 2013, 09:42:32 PM
Quote from: huntnphool on April 10, 2013, 09:23:24 PM
Quote from: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM

All the advice I see is don't skimp on optics.

Trying to keep the list below $250 MSRP
:chuckle:
Skimping on optics would be spending less than a grand. :twocents:
:yeah: :sry:

Or at least close to
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on April 10, 2013, 09:51:44 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 10, 2013, 08:41:07 PM
"You should really look through all bino's before purchasing."
That is the best advice anyone can give you. There are several models under $300 that should work well but only your eyes can tell you what you will like best. Don't rule out 8x models either. :twocents:

Ditto, when I got my monarchs the salesman advised me to do this because everybody eyes are different thus different brands work better for some than others. I was really looking to buy Leopold till I tested several brands, vortex was not one the scene than. :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Bob33 on April 10, 2013, 09:53:51 PM: The OP set a limit of $250. Don't put him down for that . There are good binocs under $300.

I have Swaro and Nikon alpha glass but sometimes take a $100 pair of Leupold Yosemites with me.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: 3nails on April 10, 2013, 09:58:41 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 10, 2013, 09:53:51 PM
The OP set a limit of $250. Don't put him down for that . There are good binocs under $300.

I have Swaro and Nikon alpha glass but sometimes take a $100 pair of Leupold Yosemites with me.
Absolutely do the best you can. If possible, wait a year and save more. Have a garage sale, sell something, good glass IMO starts at a grand. Not to be rude, just my experience.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: coachcw on April 10, 2013, 10:07:04 PM: there's a pair of lieca 10x42 range finding for 750 ish smokin deal at 1200
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: jrebel on April 10, 2013, 10:10:16 PM: I have Swaro's and often leave them in home to carry my Bushnel Legend (non hd). In different circumstances I like the bushnel better. Both are top quality glass and to the average person, it would be hard to justify the cost of the Swaro's after looking at the Bushnells. Why pay an additional 1K when the others work really really well.

I have to dissagree with glass being the most important thing you can buy to go hunting.....If you break the bank with glass and have to hunt with rocks and sleep under a tarp then you did something wrong. There are quite a few options in your price range that will last a lifetime and serve you really well.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: X-Force on April 10, 2013, 10:11:05 PM: Definitely trying to not be rude.
If you plan on siting behind glass for a couple hours a day the less expensive glass will make your head pound.
If your just wanting to check for antlers you can get away with less.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: huntnphool on April 10, 2013, 10:11:43 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on April 10, 2013, 09:53:51 PM
The OP set a limit of $250. Don't put him down for that . There are good binocs under $300.

Nobody is putting him down.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: coachcw on April 10, 2013, 10:33:10 PM: the new bush 10x42's are a good buy for the money if thats the final budget
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Naches Sportsman on April 10, 2013, 10:50:22 PM: Another vote for vortex diamondbacks. They are really good glass.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Bean Counter on April 10, 2013, 11:42:40 PM: Quote from: acnewman55 on April 10, 2013, 07:41:00 PM

I've already decided I'm not interested in paying the extra $ for a cool camo pattern, black will work fine for me.

You don't need to pay more for camo. Especially if you're rifle hunting.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 11, 2013, 12:01:45 AM: Looks like I'm getting a lot of hits on a small group of 4-5 brands so I selected some recommended models from those brands within my price range of $250-$300 and setup a poll.

Please vote and let me know what you think.

Thanks everyone. :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Bean Counter on April 11, 2013, 12:03:38 AM: I am a Nikon fan 8)
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: huntnphool on April 11, 2013, 12:04:45 AM: Quote from: Bean Counter on April 11, 2013, 12:03:38 AM
I am a Nikon fan 8)
+1
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Salmo on April 13, 2013, 02:33:59 PM: For my eyes and one durable bino I'll most likely never own anything but a Nikon Monarch ever again. Nothing beats it in the price range.

Nikon Monacrch :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2013, 03:25:38 PM: You should check out Zen Ray ZRS HD. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html)
Same class of bino or better on sale.
Title: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Austrian Hunter on April 13, 2013, 03:31:08 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2013, 03:25:38 PM
You should check out Zen Ray ZRS HD. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html)
Same class of bino or better on sale.

For $200 ??
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on April 13, 2013, 03:50:04 PM: pianoman9701, thanks for the recommendation of our ZRS HD binoculars. Comparing to the 4 binoculars mentioned in the original poll, ZRS HD will do very well for both performance and cost. Please feel free to PM me if there is anything I can help.

Thanks
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: bowhunterty on April 13, 2013, 03:53:50 PM: Would go with Diamondback 10x42s over 10x50s
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 14, 2013, 07:09:07 AM: Quote from: Austrian Hunter on April 13, 2013, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2013, 03:25:38 PM
You should check out Zen Ray ZRS HD. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html)
Same class of bino or better on sale.

For $200 ??
Yes 235 on sale
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: dawn2dusk on April 14, 2013, 07:15:41 AM: Quote from: Salmo on April 13, 2013, 02:33:59 PM
For my eyes and one durable bino I'll most likely never own anything but a Nikon Monarch ever again. Nothing beats it in the price range.

Nikon Monacrch :tup:

:yeah:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 14, 2013, 09:00:44 PM: Thanks everyone for the continued feedback. I was able to look through a pair of Monarch 3s and Monarch 5s at Outdoor Emporium in Seattle last week. I really liked them, but there was no other model from another brand in my price range that I was considering, so I had nothing to compare them to.

I would assume Cabelas would be the best place to go to compare premium hunting optics and look through them at considerable distance at mounted game trophies - but are there any other places in Seattle that someone can recommend?

I can make the trip to Cabelas but it's a good 1.5 hours from where I live at the end of a work day.

Also, it seems like the choices in 10x42 are vast but if I can afford a 10x50 wouldn't that be preferable for spotting deer in low light? What are the tradeoffs there, besides a little more weight?
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: shootnrun on April 14, 2013, 09:39:52 PM: Which cabelas? Are you an hour and a half from each?? There is one next to the Tulalip now.

Also, I have the Monarchs and really like them. I've compared them to my brothers vortex and am a bigger fan of the nikons, but to each their own.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 14, 2013, 10:11:23 PM: Quote from: shootnrun on April 14, 2013, 09:39:52 PM
Which cabelas? Are you an hour and a half from each?? There is one next to the Tulalip now.

Right, I've been to the Tulalip location but after leaving work at 5:00 on a weekday it's a 90 minute trip thanks to traffic.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: PolarBear on April 14, 2013, 10:15:57 PM: Quote from: huntnphool on April 11, 2013, 12:04:45 AM
Quote from: Bean Counter on April 11, 2013, 12:03:38 AM
I am a Nikon fan 8)
+1
+2
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: BuckHunter23 on April 14, 2013, 10:46:09 PM: I just picked up a pair of the Vortex Viper 10x42 HD. If you can stretch your budget a bit, I couldn't find anything that compared in the price range. If you can't, then the Diamondbacks are the way to go. :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 15, 2013, 03:23:53 PM: comparing bins in the store is less than ideal, gotta get outside, high contrast, low light etc...
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 15, 2013, 09:28:40 PM: Quote from: Swannytheswan on April 10, 2013, 09:03:54 PM
:yeah:

I love my zen ray vista's and if you have the extra cash to go for the HD I am sure it is worth it. They have some nice glass!

:yeah: If you watch their website you can pick up a refurbished pair for about the price you are trying to stay at. That's what I did. Like new, have had them 4 years. No regrets. :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 15, 2013, 09:35:34 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 14, 2013, 07:09:07 AM
Quote from: Austrian Hunter on April 13, 2013, 03:31:08 PM
Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 13, 2013, 03:25:38 PM
You should check out Zen Ray ZRS HD. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html)
Same class of bino or better on sale.

For $200 ??
Yes 235 on sale

That's a smokin' deal. I would jump on that. Hell, if I didn't need to buy a GPS I'd upgrade right now...
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: uplandhunter870 on April 17, 2013, 08:55:35 PM: of the four on your list, I own a pair of nikon monarch atb 10x42 and absolutely love them. i tend to baby my glass but these like all my other gear have taken spills and the nikons hold up well and work excellent for me as an eyeglass wearer. a buddy has the luepy green ring cascades in 10x42 ive looked through them and they are solid, cant speak to the durability though but with a luepy warranty i dont have too really

ive heard good things about the vortex line but have no experience with them

at the end of the day ill take the nikons over the rest of the list, although as a nikon fan im a bit partial
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: whacker1 on April 17, 2013, 08:59:00 PM: Nikon Monarch 8.5 x 42 were on camofire earlier today for $349 if I remember correctly. I would keep an eye on camofire as they have a tendency to have a lot of repetition from week to week, and you could probably pick these up or something similar
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 17, 2013, 11:18:54 PM: Well if I end up going with Nikon, here are the two models I'd be deciding between.

7295 Monarch ATB 10x42 for $280

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7295-Monarch-10x42-Binocular/dp/B0033PRQBA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1366265650&sr=8-6&keywords=monarch+5+10x42 (http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7295-Monarch-10x42-Binocular/dp/B0033PRQBA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1366265650&sr=8-6&keywords=monarch+5+10x42)

MONARCH 5 12x42 7544 for $330

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-MONARCH-12x42-7544-Binocular/dp/B006XGG3HE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1366265650&sr=8-11&keywords=monarch+5+10x42 (http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-MONARCH-12x42-7544-Binocular/dp/B006XGG3HE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1366265650&sr=8-11&keywords=monarch+5+10x42)

I didn't want to spend more than $250 to start, but I've been convinced to raise the bar just a bit.

No matter where I look, Amazon has the best pricing on the Nikons that I've found.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: hillbillyhunting on April 17, 2013, 11:39:57 PM: The only bushnel binos i have tried were cheapos so cant speak to that. The vortex (not sure what model, tried them a couple years ago) i tried out in cabelas just didnt feel comfortable. I like the monarchs when I used them for and entire summer ( I mean every week, I was spending 3-7 days a week in the backcountry), but I like my leupolds better. The extendable eyecuff did break on me one time when I verry lightly tossed them into a rock (was setting them into a heather patch with the strap). Leupold sent me a new pair. Same eyecuff broke on my buddies pair and they sent him a new and upgraded pair.

If you cant afford swarovski, my personal preference is leupold in the 200-300 range. Go out and try them as much as you can before deciding. You have a while before scouting even gets good.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: whacker1 on April 18, 2013, 08:16:30 AM: I know that you are gravitating toward the Nikon per your last comment, but the Minox 8 x 42 BL will be on Camofire later this afternoon at 43% off. I know I posted about it recently in one of the other binocular threads.

Not exactly what you are looking for, but I would put this in the same playing field that you are looking now and probably a little above, but it is only an 8 x magnification vs. the 10 you were looking for. I would be willing to bet that the 8 x german magnification is greater than the leupold 8 as it always seems to be that way with the zeiss, and other european brands I have used.

Not change to change your mind, but wanted you to be aware of what other options are out there.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2013, 08:23:58 AM: Add Zen Ray to the poll
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: whacker1 on April 18, 2013, 02:28:02 PM: Quote from: whacker1 on April 18, 2013, 08:16:30 AM
I know that you are gravitating toward the Nikon per your last comment, but the Minox 8 x 42 BL will be on Camofire later this afternoon at 43% off. I know I posted about it recently in one of the other binocular threads.

Not exactly what you are looking for, but I would put this in the same playing field that you are looking now and probably a little above, but it is only an 8 x magnification vs. the 10 you were looking for. I would be willing to bet that the 8 x german magnification is greater than the leupold 8 as it always seems to be that way with the zeiss, and other european brands I have used.

Not change to change your mind, but wanted you to be aware of what other options are out there.

Minox up for the next 4 hours $278.....www.camofire.com (http://www.camofire.com)
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 19, 2013, 03:45:14 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2013, 08:23:58 AM
Add Zen Ray to the poll

If you do, I'll vote... :tup:
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: acnewman55 on April 24, 2013, 01:33:55 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on April 19, 2013, 03:45:14 PM
Quote from: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2013, 08:23:58 AM
Add Zen Ray to the poll

If you do, I'll vote... :tup:

I'm not considering Zen Ray because I can't find a good sampling of reviews on them. Cabelas doesn't seem to carry them online, Amazon.com hardly carries them. I also haven't found them anywhere in Seattle so I can look through them. All I have to go on is a few recommendations on hunt-wa.com and that's just not enough to go on.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 24, 2013, 01:36:22 PM: Too bad. They're guarantee is complete. If you're not satisfied, send them back, no questions asked. They're nice and that sale price is about half what you'll pay for a comparable bino. Good luck with whatever you get.
Title: Re: Which Bino to Buy?
Post by: doubletall on April 24, 2013, 02:04:28 PM: I don't how my Nikon ATB's compare to the others on the list but I'm impressed with them and their warranty is what sold me before I bought them. On the way home from an evening deer hunt my hunting partner realized his bino's very missing. We drove back to where we were parked to find a Dodge 1 ton parked on top of them. The guy was out scouting but his wife was in the truck and moved it for us. The crushed bino's were send to Nikon and replaced for a $5 shipping fee.