Post by: chiwawadan on March 06, 2018, 09:45:35 AM
The scenario is this:
You want to have the best all-around setup you can to ensure successful hunting of Washington game and any other various uses for glass. You've got $500 to spend on binoculars and/or spotting scopes. They would be the only glass you have access to (so you aren't changing out for each hunt type). Not guns, not ammo, not clothing, just glass. What do you get and why?
Just good binos? A certain brand of spotter in a certain config and some binos? Scouring used ads to save your money? Crying because of the $500 restriction?
Curious to see the different takes!
Post by: Scheindogg on March 06, 2018, 10:09:47 AM
I am thinking you could find a last year model that was in the 700-850$ price range for around 450$ before tax if you look on the right sites
Post by: northwesthunter84 on March 06, 2018, 10:14:39 AM
Post by: JeffRaines on March 06, 2018, 10:16:05 AM
Post by: opdinkslayer on March 06, 2018, 10:47:33 AM
Post by: X-Force on March 06, 2018, 11:29:10 AM
A couple years ago there was a pair of Minox HG 10x43 BR on here for $600. Half price for some outstanding glass.
When looking a new $500 glass its hard to see where it wont be/need to be replaced in 5 to 10 years so why not buy used.
Post by: Rainier10 on March 06, 2018, 12:24:45 PM
Post by: N7XW on March 06, 2018, 12:25:14 PM
Post by: follow maggie on March 06, 2018, 02:16:21 PM
Post by: Special T on March 06, 2018, 02:19:27 PM
Classifieds.I bought a almost new pair of Steiner 8x30 for less than half that budget from a member on here...means I get to keep looking for a good used spotting scope. 2c
A couple years ago there was a pair of Minox HG 10x43 BR on here for $600. Half price for some outstanding glass.
When looking a new $500 glass its hard to see where it wont be/need to be replaced in 5 to 10 years so why not buy used.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: boneaddict on March 06, 2018, 02:21:59 PM
Post by: D-Rock425 on March 06, 2018, 02:31:25 PM
Post by: Stein on March 06, 2018, 02:55:55 PM
Post by: chester on March 06, 2018, 03:52:14 PM
500 Zeiss terra binos in 10x42:yeah:
Post by: colersu22 on March 06, 2018, 04:26:07 PM
Post by: JWEBB on March 06, 2018, 10:28:43 PM
Post by: buglebrush on March 06, 2018, 11:38:42 PM
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 08, 2018, 07:09:31 PM
in the old days Id spend 50 on a pair of bushnells and use the rest for beer. Nowadays id save 500 from this year and add it to the 1500 from the tax return next year and go Swaro :chuckle::yeah: $1500 Will do it by watching the classifieds. Picked up a pair of Swaro SLC 15x56 HD
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 13, 2018, 09:12:49 PM
Post by: PastorJoel on March 13, 2018, 10:39:36 PM
http://www.pella.com/windows/
Post by: Bob33 on March 15, 2018, 08:39:18 AM
http://www.optics4birding.com/nikon-premier-lxl-binoculars-review.aspx
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/nikon_premierlx.html
http://www.nikonbinoculars.com/nikon-premier-lx-l-8x42-10x42-binoculars-review/
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 18, 2018, 09:25:09 PM
Post by: yorketransport on March 19, 2018, 07:58:35 PM
Bino's only, 10x42, used or closeout. Cabelas often times has some good stuff in the bargain cave.
:yeah:
You can get some pretty good deals out of the bargain cave if you check in often. I picked up a pair of 10x42 Cabelas Euros a couple years back for just under $500 and they've been a great value. They're essentially a rebranded Meopta Meostar B1.
Post by: chiwawadan on March 26, 2018, 05:19:11 PM
Know anyone with an experticity account? Vortex is around 40% off on there if you can wait.
Finally had a chance to try out a bunch of 10x42s side-by-side. Was a great experience - highly recommend it for anyone who, like me, hasn't had the chance to look through many different options with their own eyes. Researching all day online just doesn't quite give that personal-preference factor.
In that 300-500 price range, I really liked both the Nikon Monarch 7s and the Vortex Viper HD's, but give a slight win due to the clarity at low light from the Vipers... For my eyes, that was the only distinct difference between those. Well, except a slight preference to the grip/feeling holding the Vipers.
I started with the Diamondbacks as I'd rather spend that kind of money... but I made the mistake of looking through the Viper side by side and I just couldn't get used to how dim/dark everything seemed through the Diamondbacks compared to the Monarch 7s and Vipers. Damn it!
For someone who had never looked down Swaro's... after 30min of looking through various 10x42s I finally tried the Swaros and still said "holy s***"... :chuckle: Fortunately, I'm cheap enough it's not even on my radar.
With the value inherent in the Vortex warranty and my slight preference in side-by-side I think I'm probably going to be scouring for used Vortex HDs... So, let me know if you've got a pair collecting dust! The Monarch 7s really were close, though... Really bright/clear and maybe even more FOV? I called the Nikon customer service and the guy basically said the warranty is "non-transferable, but we don't require proof of purchase", but on the warranty card I saw it said proof of purchase required? Sounds like a mess I'd rather not deal with.
Just thought I'd share.
Post by: Wacenturion on March 27, 2018, 07:49:42 AM
I would look into Zenray Prime HD Binos. IIRC they are in that cost neighborhood. I've got some ZR2s and they are fantastic for the money. Much better than the Nikon Monarchs I had that were much more expensive.
Totally agree. ZenRays are awesome at their price point. I have had a set since 2009 and love them. I'm sure the newest edition ones are even better, but I feel no urge to upgrade.
Post by: M_ray on March 27, 2018, 08:56:26 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 27, 2018, 09:02:31 AM
Post by: kentrek on March 27, 2018, 09:40:26 AM