Post by: Kc_Kracker on July 24, 2013, 01:55:23 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 24, 2013, 01:59:56 PM
Post by: Holg3107 on July 24, 2013, 02:06:06 PM
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd10x42.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd10x42.html)
Post by: Curly on July 24, 2013, 02:08:06 PM
As Holg3107 pointed out it depends on the definition of cheap. I think there are pretty good binos for under $300 that will work ok. :twocents:
I have a pair of Vortex that sure did not break the bank. I can't remember the model for sure (maybe Diamondback?) and I think they were around $200 or less. They are not bad.
Post by: jackelope on July 24, 2013, 02:13:39 PM
Charles from Zen-Ray goes by ZRS8-42 and Paul Medel is a Vortex dealer and goes by Elknut1.
Post by: stihlpro on July 24, 2013, 02:18:07 PM
Post by: Woodchuck on July 24, 2013, 02:27:47 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 24, 2013, 02:35:35 PM
What is your definition of cheap? there is a big difference between $100 and $300 binoculars. Pianoman has good advice, ZenRay has solid binos at a very reasonable price. ZRS HD Summit 10x42 for under $250. I think they do a HW discount as well.
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd10x42.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd10x42.html)
PM Charles with Zenray. His handle is ZRS-8x42
Post by: Smossy on July 24, 2013, 02:44:17 PM
I have the 10x42's though.
Post by: Bean Counter on July 24, 2013, 02:45:40 PM
Post by: Skillet on July 24, 2013, 03:00:40 PM
For the money, I really like my Nikon Monarch ATB's.
Post by: Rooster1981 on July 24, 2013, 04:04:36 PM
I must be the minority :dunno: I have a pair of $70.00 cammo Bushnell's I bought at Walmart and I think they are great. I've never owned expensive glass either scope or bino's and I get by just fine :tup:
Post by: BenC567 on July 24, 2013, 04:09:08 PM
Post by: winshooter88 on July 24, 2013, 04:46:27 PM
Post by: bowhunterty on July 24, 2013, 04:57:35 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 24, 2013, 05:03:50 PM
I must be the minority :dunno: I have a pair of $70.00 cammo Bushnell's I bought at Walmart and I think they are great. I've never owned expensive glass either scope or bino's and I get by just fine :tup:
I guarantee that once you do, you'll never look back. Good glass is much easier on your eyes and allows you to be able to glass longer comfortably. You can't get that with inexpensive glass.
Post by: Eli346 on July 24, 2013, 05:48:49 PM
Post by: Mudman on July 24, 2013, 09:03:52 PM
Post by: dscubame on July 24, 2013, 09:09:42 PM
:yeah:
For the money, I really like my Nikon Monarch ATB's.
For sure. :tup: :tup: Best bang for the buck!
Post by: Olympics777 on July 25, 2013, 09:38:20 AM
Post by: thinkingman on July 25, 2013, 10:35:17 AM
Good advice.
I must be the minority :dunno: I have a pair of $70.00 cammo Bushnell's I bought at Walmart and I think they are great. I've never owned expensive glass either scope or bino's and I get by just fine :tup:
I guarantee that once you do, you'll never look back. Good glass is much easier on your eyes and allows you to be able to glass longer comfortably. You can't get that with inexpensive glass.
An eye-strain headache is a good way to ruin a day of hunting.
Stick with low power...Under 8X will serve you in WW.
If you don't need waterproof, a $150 pair of porros is at least as good as a $300 pair of roofs.
Look for deals...I hunt with a $900 pair of Nikon Premier LX...That I got for $350.
They are simply amazing.
Post by: Kc_Kracker on July 25, 2013, 11:14:51 AM
Post by: Easy-E on July 25, 2013, 11:44:49 AM
I have the 8x42. I don't like using 10 power to hunt with. It puts more strain on my eyes and with 10x it can be hard to find an animal you've seen with the naked eye in cover unless you pull up the glass exactly on them. After going through a new pair of cheap binocs each year for about 3 years in a row, problems with fogging and having water droplets condensing inside the glass, inability to focus both eyepeices correctely, etc., I scratched together as much money as I could at the time: ~$250. I did quite a bit of research online and ended up comparing what i considered to be the top 3 roof prisms: the Vortex Diamondbacks, the Nikon Monarchs, and whatever the equivelant Leopold glass was at the time (BTW, there is a price differnece between roof prisms and porro's, and a weight difference). I could not see any difference between the Diamondbacks and the Monarchs, and the Diamondbacks were about $50 cheaper.
I found the best price I could find online, and the local Sportsman's Warehouse matched it.
I've used the Diamondbacks the last 4 years in very rugged conditions and all varieties of weather. I love 'em. Good glass at a good price, and a phenomenal warranty (that I haven't needed).
Post by: 2labs on July 25, 2013, 12:15:22 PM
Post by: Special T on July 25, 2013, 12:24:55 PM
Post by: quadrafire on July 25, 2013, 12:30:02 PM
I bought a pair of these for my son. I love them. Priced right and very decent quality in a light wt, relatively small package
Post by: slm9s on July 25, 2013, 12:35:03 PM
I grabbed a pair of Minox HG on clearance and they're much better, but were more expensive.
Post by: huntnnw on July 25, 2013, 01:17:34 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on July 25, 2013, 01:22:03 PM
Post by: huntnphool on July 25, 2013, 01:26:59 PM
People who have hunted or scouted with high end binos will never ever use cheap again. The difference is a ton!! The ability to see in low light in long ranges is sometimes a make or break hunt.+1
i have a spotting scope but i dont like it, its makes me strain i prefer binocs
Case in point, I can look through my Swaro spotter all day, same with my EL 10x42's, and not have any eye fatigue or strain at all.
Those that think high end quality optics are not worth the money have never used them and/or are simply justifying their opinion on the fact they can't afford them.
Not referring to your financial situation specifically KC, just a comment in general. ;)
Post by: jackelope on July 25, 2013, 01:35:47 PM
:twocents:
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 25, 2013, 01:58:01 PM
People who have hunted or scouted with high end binos will never ever use cheap again. The difference is a ton!! The ability to see in low light in long ranges is sometimes a make or break hunt.+1i have a spotting scope but i dont like it, its makes me strain i prefer binocs
Case in point, I can look through my Swaro spotter all day, same with my EL 10x42's, and not have any eye fatigue or strain at all.
Those that think high end quality optics are not worth the money have never used them and/or are simply justifying their opinion on the fact they can't afford them.
Not referring to your financial situation specifically KC, just a comment in general. ;)
One other point: Cheaper binos don't last, so you end up buying more of them and spending as much over just a few years. They don't have the lifetime guarantee of better glass or the service from the better glass company. I bought many pairs of cheap class and when they developed leaks and fogged, I threw them away and bought more. Had I gotten good glass from the beginning, I'd have saved a pantload of money and eye strain over the years.
Post by: huntnphool on July 25, 2013, 01:59:53 PM
The bottom line on this for me is to buy the best you can afford. If you can afford a $200 pair of bino's, then go with that. You may not get the Swaro quality, but you did the best you could. If you can wait another month or 2 and put away another $200 towards glass, then you're at the next quality level, and so on. Don't buy cheap ones and say you're going to buy good ones later, you're better off and money ahead just waiting and buy the good ones later.:yeah:
:twocents:
:yeah:People who have hunted or scouted with high end binos will never ever use cheap again. The difference is a ton!! The ability to see in low light in long ranges is sometimes a make or break hunt.+1i have a spotting scope but i dont like it, its makes me strain i prefer binocs
Case in point, I can look through my Swaro spotter all day, same with my EL 10x42's, and not have any eye fatigue or strain at all.
Those that think high end quality optics are not worth the money have never used them and/or are simply justifying their opinion on the fact they can't afford them.
Not referring to your financial situation specifically KC, just a comment in general. ;)
One other point: Cheaper binos don't last, so you end up buying more of them and spending as much over just a few years. They don't have the lifetime guarantee of better glass or the service from the better glass company. I bought many pairs of cheap class and when they developed leaks and fogged, I threw them away and bought more. Had I gotten good glass from the beginning, I'd have saved a pantload of money and eye strain over the years.
Post by: CoryTDF on July 25, 2013, 02:08:29 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Summit-2408404-Backyard-Safari-Binoculars/dp/B003AQBBV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374786402&sr=8-2&keywords=children+binoculars (http://www.amazon.com/Summit-2408404-Backyard-Safari-Binoculars/dp/B003AQBBV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374786402&sr=8-2&keywords=children+binoculars)
Post by: Mudman on July 25, 2013, 03:42:43 PM
Post by: jackelope on July 25, 2013, 05:16:57 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on July 25, 2013, 05:21:41 PM
People who haven't hunted or scouted with high end binos will never ever use cheap again. The difference is a ton!! The ability to see in low light in long ranges is sometimes a make or break hunt.
I went for 8x42 gold rings to 10x50 slc's and I didn't think there was that much difference. Then after looking the swarovski's for a couple months I looked through the gold rings and my first thought was that the gold rings were junk. The same thing happened when I went from the 10x50slc's to my 10x42 el's. Once you spend a lot of time looking through good glass bad glass seems even worse than it did before.
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on July 28, 2013, 05:52:04 PM
To appreciate the support of Hunting-WA member, I will offer 10% discount to all Hunt-WA members between now through August 10th. This can be combined with existing discount available on our website: http://www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com). To claim the discount, you need to PM me your order number. I will send you discount in the form of refund within 24 hrs of receiving your PM. Please note, this offer is only applicable to orders placed on www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Charles
Post by: huntnnw on July 30, 2013, 10:16:53 PM
Post by: winshooter88 on July 30, 2013, 10:49:19 PM
Post by: X-Force on July 30, 2013, 11:26:09 PM
High quality optics are definitely worth the money, I don't think anybody is really arguing that they aren't. The thing is, some people either don't have or can't justify spending $1000 to $4000 on binos or spotting scopes. This doesn't mean that they are stupid or lack intelligence, it simply means that they have other responsibilities or priorities, that are more important to them. In a perfect world we would all have the best of everything.
I'm with you there.
But I think if someone is serious about glassing and using binos for more than just counting points that person should feel pain with the purchase. Meaning if you have to scrape together everything you have to get a pair of mid range vortex or zen rays or you sell some crap to get a paid of razor HD or minox hg br's. It should be a significant enough purchase that you notice it. Every price up is a step in the experience and you'll be happier for the added expense once you are in the field.
Some people have the swaros or kowas and don't even use them while others have a pair of green ring leupolds and use them until there head feels like its going to explode.
I can say that personally I saved and sold stuff to spend $600 on a used pair of $1000 binos last year and I spent close to 100 hrs behind them without any eye strain and no headache. I was glad to stop bird hunting (stuff i sold) just for that experience.
Post by: winshooter88 on July 30, 2013, 11:42:23 PM
Post by: X-Force on July 31, 2013, 12:01:48 AM
Post by: huntnphool on July 31, 2013, 12:07:19 AM
Post by: X-Force on July 31, 2013, 12:09:45 AM
I'd much prefer a guy looking at me with his cheap binos rather than looking at me through his $1000 scope! :twocents:
That's something we can all agree on.
Side note do you ever sleep. :chuckle:
Post by: winshooter88 on July 31, 2013, 12:23:14 AM
I'd much prefer a guy looking at me with his cheap binos rather than looking at me through his $1000 scope! :twocents:
:yeah:
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 31, 2013, 06:26:49 AM
I really appreciate the recommendation of our ZRS HD binoculars. I would recommend this model as well. What really sets this apart from other sub $300 binoculars is that ZRS HD has Magnesium alloy chassis, which is 10x stronger than plastic body, yet light weight. It also has dielectric prism coating, which allows only 1% light loss through prism, vs silver or aluminum prism coating on other binoculars that caused 10-15% light loss.
To appreciate the support of Hunting-WA member, I will offer 10% discount to all Hunt-WA members between now through August 10th. This can be combined with existing discount available on our website: http://www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com). To claim the discount, you need to PM me your order number. I will send you discount in the form of refund within 24 hrs of receiving your PM. Please note, this offer is only applicable to orders placed on www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Charles
Very cool offer, Charles. Thanks. :tup:
Post by: h2ofowlr on July 31, 2013, 06:48:03 AM
How far do you plan on looking? IMO NOTHING beats quality glass... That said i currently have a cheep set of 10x50
Quality crystal may beat quality glass. :chuckle:
If you buy quality glass / crystal you won't get the headaches some of the cheap binos can cause if you use them for a long period of time. :tup:
Post by: X-Force on July 31, 2013, 06:51:32 AM
How far do you plan on looking? IMO NOTHING beats quality glass... That said i currently have a cheep set of 10x50
Quality crystalmaydoes beat quality glass. :chuckle:
:chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: scottcrb on July 31, 2013, 07:42:10 AM
I really appreciate the recommendation of our ZRS HD binoculars. I would recommend this model as well. What really sets this apart from other sub $300 binoculars is that ZRS HD has Magnesium alloy chassis, which is 10x stronger than plastic body, yet light weight. It also has dielectric prism coating, which allows only 1% light loss through prism, vs silver or aluminum prism coating on other binoculars that caused 10-15% light loss.
To appreciate the support of Hunting-WA member, I will offer 10% discount to all Hunt-WA members between now through August 10th. This can be combined with existing discount available on our website: http://www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com). To claim the discount, you need to PM me your order number. I will send you discount in the form of refund within 24 hrs of receiving your PM. Please note, this offer is only applicable to orders placed on www.zen-ray.com (http://www.zen-ray.com).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Charles
I bought a pairof Zen ray 10x43 ed2 from Charles a few years ago and have been very impressed with quality durability and service. Great guy and great binos .
Post by: LEN on July 31, 2013, 07:50:09 AM
LEN
Post by: splitshot on August 24, 2013, 04:35:55 PM
Post by: motg9_6 on August 24, 2013, 08:26:23 PM
Post by: Wacenturion on August 25, 2013, 08:35:04 AM
Post by: Don Fischer on August 25, 2013, 10:27:44 AM
I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi. If I did I suspect eye strain might become a problem. I don't personally know anybody that does do that. I do understand a lot of people talk about it though. I suspect that doing that might be similar to driving and never looking anywhere except to the front of your vehicle. Do it long enough and you will develop tunnel vision until you start glancing around, you inhibit your peripheral vision. it's about like any other gear, there are people that simply can't afford them and other's that don't care what anything cost and never have used the product they think is junk. Go look at them yourself and decide what you really need. Who helped you pick your wife? You might ask that guy what's best for you!
Post by: huntnphool on August 25, 2013, 10:25:17 PM
I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi. I don't personally know anybody that does do that.:hello: I do, works well too! :twocents:
Post by: Bob33 on August 25, 2013, 10:49:47 PM
I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi.I bring a pad to sit on, but yes - I may sit there for hours glassing. Ten miles is a stretch.
Post by: huntnphool on August 25, 2013, 11:05:09 PM
Is that 10 miles? I thought it was 10 minutes. :chuckle:I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi.I bring a pad to sit on, but yes - I may sit there for hours glassing. Ten miles is a stretch.
I will sit for hours as well, but yes 10 miles is a bit much!
Post by: Bob33 on August 25, 2013, 11:17:12 PM
Now that you mention it, ...:dunno:Is that 10 miles? I thought it was 10 minutes. :chuckle:I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi.I bring a pad to sit on, but yes - I may sit there for hours glassing. Ten miles is a stretch.
I will sit for hours as well, but yes 10 miles is a bit much!
I thought he meant miles. Ten minutes is nothing for glassing.
Post by: huntnphool on August 25, 2013, 11:20:03 PM
I think you're right, I just read it too fast.Now that you mention it, ...:dunno:Is that 10 miles? I thought it was 10 minutes. :chuckle:I have found that I never sit on a rock with binoculars glued to my eye's looking for any game within 10 mi.I bring a pad to sit on, but yes - I may sit there for hours glassing. Ten miles is a stretch.
I will sit for hours as well, but yes 10 miles is a bit much!
I thought he meant miles. Ten minutes is nothing for glassing.
Post by: Bmcox86 on August 27, 2013, 05:40:41 AM
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Optics/Binoculars (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Optics/Binoculars)|/pc/105591780/c/105675480/sc/105676380/Redfield-Rebel-10x42-Binoculars/720962.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbinoculars%2F_%2FN-1102694%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105676380%3FWTz_l%3DUnknown%253Bcat105591780%253Bcat105675480
I'd like the diamondbacks but just don't have the money right now.
Post by: thinkingman on August 27, 2013, 09:34:00 AM
I tried these out the other day, anybody have redfields?PM or call me to discuss
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Optics/Binoculars (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Optics/Binoculars)|/pc/105591780/c/105675480/sc/105676380/Redfield-Rebel-10x42-Binoculars/720962.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbinoculars%2F_%2FN-1102694%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105676380%3FWTz_l%3DUnknown%253Bcat105591780%253Bcat105675480
I'd like the diamondbacks but just don't have the money right now.
Post by: columbiaman on August 30, 2013, 02:51:12 PM
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/vista.html (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/vista.html)
For less than $150, it is hard to beat
Post by: wideleft on August 31, 2013, 09:02:33 AM
Post by: motg9_6 on August 31, 2013, 09:18:14 AM
Post by: Bob33 on August 31, 2013, 09:25:29 AM
Like counting antler points or picking out an animal from a matching background?
:dunno:
Post by: huntnphool on August 31, 2013, 09:43:07 AM
i have the redfield rebels 10x42. consider it one of the best $150 purchases ive ever made. compared them to swarvoski hd 10x42s looking at about 2 miles across the columbia river. there was a huge difference in clarity but there wasnt anything that i would see with the swarv hds that i couldnt see with the rebels. great buy for the money.:o Give that a try first light or late evening and you will see dollar signs when looking through them. :chuckle:
Post by: motg9_6 on August 31, 2013, 11:16:24 AM
Post by: huntnphool on August 31, 2013, 11:42:09 AM
what im saying is that when i looked throught the each of them mid day (not low light) i did not see a $2500 dollar price difference. if i had the money i would defintely purchase the swar hds but given the circumstances for most of us they will have to wait. i believe the topics was good binos for cheap? not blow us up about not wanting to spend $2000 +. all i use binos for is to locate and animal determine if its buck or doe etc and then pull out the spotting scope so i dont need to spend an a$$ load of money on binos and im sure alot of people are in the same boat.Well you can compare a $10K Smart Car and $55K 4x4 over Snoqualmie Pass in the middle of August too, but a snow storm in the middle of December will give you a better understanding of their actual capabilities. :twocents:
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 31, 2013, 12:21:49 PM
You'll probably find that in the long run your still better off with the smart car. :chuckle:what im saying is that when i looked throught the each of them mid day (not low light) i did not see a $2500 dollar price difference. if i had the money i would defintely purchase the swar hds but given the circumstances for most of us they will have to wait. i believe the topics was good binos for cheap? not blow us up about not wanting to spend $2000 +. all i use binos for is to locate and animal determine if its buck or doe etc and then pull out the spotting scope so i dont need to spend an a$$ load of money on binos and im sure alot of people are in the same boat.Well you can compare a $10K Smart Car and $55K 4x4 over Snoqualmie Pass in the middle of August too, but a snow storm in the middle of December will give you a better understanding of their actual capabilities. :twocents:
Post by: MrsTurkeyFeather on August 31, 2013, 12:37:15 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 31, 2013, 01:02:37 PM
Post by: huntnphool on August 31, 2013, 01:10:56 PM
Given your odds of being involved in a accident increase over time, I doubt that!!! ;)You'll probably find that in the long run your still better off with the smart car.what im saying is that when i looked throught the each of them mid day (not low light) i did not see a $2500 dollar price difference. if i had the money i would defintely purchase the swar hds but given the circumstances for most of us they will have to wait. i believe the topics was good binos for cheap? not blow us up about not wanting to spend $2000 +. all i use binos for is to locate and animal determine if its buck or doe etc and then pull out the spotting scope so i dont need to spend an a$$ load of money on binos and im sure alot of people are in the same boat.Well you can compare a $10K Smart Car and $55K 4x4 over Snoqualmie Pass in the middle of August too, but a snow storm in the middle of December will give you a better understanding of their actual capabilities. :twocents:
Post by: buglebrush on August 31, 2013, 01:14:02 PM
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 31, 2013, 01:33:05 PM
Nikon Monarch 8X42Same ones I use. I think they are better than most twice their price.
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 31, 2013, 01:37:21 PM
Post by: huntnphool on August 31, 2013, 01:45:40 PM
the safest car in the mini car category.:chuckle: Yeah okay, just make sure its another mini car that you collide with, Newtonian kinetic energy isn't only applied in hunting bullets. :chuckle:
Back on topic though, the Nikons are nice bino's for the price. :twocents:
Post by: Hunter mike on August 31, 2013, 01:54:08 PM
I would also say the Redfield Binos are the best if you can only spend half that money. They are less clear/heavier but serviceable. If you could spare the extra coin for the Diamondbacks you won't be disappointed.
Post by: Easy-E on August 31, 2013, 02:17:01 PM
Post by: MrsTurkeyFeather on August 31, 2013, 02:48:52 PM
Too bad REI doesn't rent optics like they do climbing gear!Thats why we like Cabelas....weve bought stuff at the beginning of a season, decided by seasons end we didnt care for it and returned....no hassle, no questions (although we did make sure to keep tags/packaging and receipts) :tup:
Post by: KenPCPilot on August 31, 2013, 03:40:22 PM
Post by: liljozie495 on August 31, 2013, 04:48:01 PM
Post by: columbiaman on September 10, 2013, 03:30:29 PM
Post by: The100Road on September 10, 2013, 03:42:33 PM
I went to cabelas and compared a ton of binos one day into well light areas ad darker areas in there, the swaros, Leica, leupolds, Ziess, and vortex.... 400$ later and a few gift cards I walked out with vortex talon hd binos... They compared well with all the 1000$+ binos... My :twocents:
I had to go with the Diamondback due to funds..... but yup, if i had the extra money the Talon HD's seemed like a great deal. I switched over from Leupold.
Post by: dscubame on September 24, 2013, 11:40:28 AM
Post by: huntnphool on September 24, 2013, 11:46:27 AM
I just left Harbor Frieght and they had a pair of 10 X 50's for $19.99. :chuckle:Did they have any long distance scopes? :chuckle:
Post by: Bill W on September 24, 2013, 11:46:45 AM
There are no good, cheap binos. You can get good, or you can get cheap. I would suggest going to the Zenray site and see what they have on special. Check craigslist and ebay. Go to a local pawn shop. Get good glass if you possibly can.
Above is good advice.
My choice was a pair of Leupolds back in the early 80's after going thru two cheap pair that didn't work for sour owl *^*$#@. I'm still using the Leupolds to this day and don't expect to buy another pair unless I lose these.
Post by: kerrdog on October 14, 2013, 08:48:38 PM