Post by: SeaRun1 on December 22, 2022, 04:32:08 PM
Merry Christmas to all and I hope life is treating you well.
I am moving on from my Vortex Viper 10x42 binoculars. They have been sent in twice already and in need of a third trip.
I am needing advice on binoculars around $500 to $700. Not as great a hunter as most on this board and need better bang for the buck. Might stretch the budget a bit.
Have been looking at Leupold BX-4 Pro Guides. Would like these to last awhile. Your thoughts? Appreciate it.
SR1
Post by: KFhunter on December 22, 2022, 04:38:37 PM
I'm using the vortex Razor HD and I like those a lot too, I get them on discount though
Post by: elkaholic123 on December 22, 2022, 04:46:02 PM
Post by: Gettin Birdie on December 22, 2022, 04:47:36 PM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on December 22, 2022, 04:49:10 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 22, 2022, 04:58:14 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 22, 2022, 04:58:22 PM
Post by: ASHQUACK on December 22, 2022, 05:09:31 PM
Post by: highside74 on December 22, 2022, 05:27:23 PM
Post by: jrebel on December 22, 2022, 05:46:08 PM
Find what fits and works for you. Lots of good glass oh there. If you want top tier glass, save up and spend the money….you won’t regret it.
Post by: full choke on December 22, 2022, 05:53:58 PM
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 22, 2022, 06:04:01 PM
Post by: huntnphool on December 22, 2022, 06:06:09 PM
Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
Post by: teanawayslayer on December 22, 2022, 06:07:46 PM
buy once cry once. You won’t be disappointed!Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
Post by: HntnFsh on December 22, 2022, 06:15:08 PM
I have Meostars and highly recommend them. You can find many reviews that compare the to top tier glass. You could probably also get new Meopros in your price range.
I bought my wife a pair of Leupold bx4 and they are nice but not quite up to par with the Meostars.
You may also be able to find some used Zeiss or Nikon Monarch hg glass close to what you want to pay and be very happy with them.
All the Swaros people are talking about are great but apparently those same people don't realize they are 3 to 4 times above your price range.
Post by: highside74 on December 22, 2022, 06:20:00 PM
Now if you are planning on buying other gear this year also then I would skip the other gear unless it's absolutely necessary and put any of that money towards the better glass.
Post by: jrebel on December 22, 2022, 06:20:42 PM
Look on Rokslide. Find some good used Meopta Meostars or other thousand dollar glass for the price you want to spend.
I have Meostars and highly recommend them. You can find many reviews that compare the to top tier glass. You could probably also get new Meopros in your price range.
I bought my wife a pair of Leupold bx4 and they are nice but not quite up to par with the Meostars.
You may also be able to find some used Zeiss or Nikon Monarch hg glass close to what you want to pay and be very happy with them.
All the Swaros people are talking about are great but apparently those same people don't realize they are 3 to 4 times above your price range.
I paid 800 dollars and got swaro 10-42 and a swaro range finder. Deals do exist if you are patient. I traded the rangefinder for a browning gold 3 1/2 semi auto shotgun...... 8) :o :o
My swaro bino's are older and not HD but they were worth every penny.
Deals like this don't happen every day...but they do happen so just keep your eyes open and keep looking.
Post by: boneaddict on December 22, 2022, 06:21:08 PM
Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
I scoffed him, I argued with him, then I “took a boat ride” with him. He had me take a look through them. When I got home, I bought a new pair of binos. Lol
Post by: highside74 on December 22, 2022, 06:21:45 PM
Look on Rokslide. Find some good used Meopta Meostars or other thousand dollar glass for the price you want to spend.
I have Meostars and highly recommend them. You can find many reviews that compare the to top tier glass. You could probably also get new Meopros in your price range.
I bought my wife a pair of Leupold bx4 and they are nice but not quite up to par with the Meostars.
You may also be able to find some used Zeiss or Nikon Monarch hg glass close to what you want to pay and be very happy with them.
All the Swaros people are talking about are great but apparently those same people don't realize they are 3 to 4 times above your price range.
We must have been typing at the same time and felt the same way. :chuckle: :tup:
Post by: huntnphool on December 22, 2022, 06:22:49 PM
All the Swaros people are talking about are great but apparently those same people don't realize they are 3 to 4 times above your price range.
Really?
Get some Swaros and be done.Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
:rolleyes:
Post by: jrebel on December 22, 2022, 06:23:08 PM
Post by: hiway_99 on December 22, 2022, 06:24:29 PM
Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
Post by: huntnphool on December 22, 2022, 06:26:50 PM
Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
I scoffed him, I argued with him, then I “took a boat ride” with him. He had me take a look through them. When I got home, I bought a new pair of binos. Lol
That was a expensive boat ride. :chuckle:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 22, 2022, 06:27:16 PM
You can find used swaro's for 1K pretty easy. That is not nearly 3x's his budget.
Where at?
Post by: HntnFsh on December 22, 2022, 06:28:00 PM
https://cameralandny.com/shop/meopta-meopro-hd-plus-10x42-binoculars/3babcef0-7a36-013a-1941-00163e90e196?variation=3155836&query=meopta
Call Doug there and talk to him. They have a lot of sales and closeouts. Plus hes very knowledgeable and a great guy. Easy to do business with.
Here's some nice glass on rokslide. A tad more than yo want to spend. But close.
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/leupold-bx5-santiam-10x42.291605/
Post by: thinkingman on December 22, 2022, 06:29:07 PM
Leupold didn’t make the first cut.
Surprise winner, Sig Zulu7.
Excellent glass, wide FOV, good ergonomics and focus wheel.
Post by: boneaddict on December 22, 2022, 06:31:20 PM
Quote
That was a expensive boat ride. :chuckle::chuckle:
Yeah, but really the best financial and hunting advice I’d gotten in a long time. So still passing it along.
Really amazing that they are worth more now used than when I bought them .LOL
Post by: jrebel on December 22, 2022, 06:31:55 PM
You can find used swaro's for 1K pretty easy. That is not nearly 3x's his budget.
Where at?
Keep watching rokslide classifieds. There is a set on there now that are 1400. There are a couple 8x for 6-700. I have seen quite a few come through this site for 1-1.2k I bet I see 6-12 per year from 800-1200 dollars. These are usually not the new HD glass but they are still very nice glass and better than most people will ever use. Like I said...I paid 800 for a set of bino's and range finder as a package.
Don't forget that cash is king and most people are willing to wheel and deal when the legit offers hit the table. People selling Swaro's are buying new swaro's....so money is likely not an issue. They want to sell the old ones to justify the new purchase as soon as possible.
Post by: highside74 on December 22, 2022, 06:53:07 PM
Here's some nice glass on rokslide. A tad more than yo want to spend. But close.
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/leupold-bx5-santiam-10x42.291605/
Those bx5 for $655 are a good deal and will probably never be worth much less than that amount if you want to sell them later and move up.
Post by: KFhunter on December 22, 2022, 06:57:32 PM
Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
I scoffed him, I argued with him, then I “took a boat ride” with him. He had me take a look through them. When I got home, I bought a new pair of binos. Lol
This is why I don't look through swaro's, if I never put my eyes through a pair of swaro's then do I really need them?
Post by: highside74 on December 22, 2022, 06:59:07 PM
This is a screaming deal and worth stretching the budget for $900
Post by: huntnphool on December 22, 2022, 07:05:14 PM
Get some Swaros and be done.
+1
Use your Vortex while you save, then get the last set you will ever need! :twocents:
I scoffed him, I argued with him, then I “took a boat ride” with him. He had me take a look through them. When I got home, I bought a new pair of binos. Lol
This is why I don't look through swaro's, if I never put my eyes through a pair of swaro's then do I really need them?
😂
I’ve had my EL’s for 20 years now and have never even thought about replacing them. I’m now looking at purchasing a new set with the range finder. No way am I’m selling the originals, my daughter will be getting them...and she’s pretty happy about that! :chuckle:
Post by: Stalker on December 22, 2022, 07:44:36 PM
https://www.expertvoice.com/
Post by: trophyhunt on December 22, 2022, 07:52:01 PM
Post by: M_ray on December 22, 2022, 07:55:28 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 22, 2022, 08:16:00 PM
Gamechanger.
However for those bucks why not get rangefinding binos? Zeiss, Leica, or Even Sig .
Mavens are good. Mavens + Revic for the win…..?
Post by: kingking on December 22, 2022, 08:55:49 PM
Post by: SeaRun1 on December 23, 2022, 09:38:49 AM
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
Post by: Rainier10 on December 23, 2022, 09:42:30 AM
There are two things you want to spend your money on. Boots and Binos. If you are serious at all, invest in glass. I look over 1000s of deer and elk a year. Swaros really can’t be beat. No trouble with progressive lens, no trouble switching back and forth between my wife and I. Great service. Due to age and use, the eye ups deteriorated…..replaced for free no questions asked. Had them within three days. If you are serious, invest:yeah: x1,000
Post by: hughjorgan on December 23, 2022, 10:03:35 AM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
FYI if you want a good deal on some vortex razor hd 10x42 bhphotovideo.com has them on sale for 799 right now.
Post by: highside74 on December 23, 2022, 10:24:44 AM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
FYI if you want a good deal on some vortex razor hd 10x42 bhphotovideo.com has them on sale for 799 right now.
Do you have a link to that actual price? I just looked and it says $999
Post by: kentrek on December 23, 2022, 11:35:57 AM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
One thing to consider is how much you hunt, the costs of those hunts and the cost of having longer hunts then shorter hunts...edge to edge clarity, increased field of view along with more prime time glassing will greatly increase the amount of animal's spotted and will have a huge impact on a hunt
In other words...cheap binos cost way more in the long run
Ask me how I know :hello:
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 23, 2022, 11:41:22 AM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
One thing to consider is how much you hunt, the costs of those hunts and the cost of having longer hunts then shorter hunts...edge to edge clarity, increased field of view along with more prime time glassing will greatly increase the amount of animal's spotted and will have a huge impact on a hunt
In other words...cheap binos cost way more in the long run
Ask me how I know :hello:
So expensive bino's actually save you money because you can find your buck that much quicker and burn less fuel, get back to work sooner etc. Genius :chuckle: I'm remembering that one for the wife
Post by: pickardjw on December 23, 2022, 11:52:00 AM
https://backwoodspursuit.com/26-best-binoculars-for-hunting/
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 23, 2022, 12:30:58 PM
Used my son’s 12x in Utah, got back and sold my 10x Swaro SLC’s. No comparison.
For 3 times the cost I got 12x Swaro Pures that are marginally better.
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 23, 2022, 01:07:22 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 23, 2022, 01:15:38 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on December 23, 2022, 01:35:16 PM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
FYI if you want a good deal on some vortex razor hd 10x42 bhphotovideo.com has them on sale for 799 right now.
Do you have a link to that actual price? I just looked and it says $999
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/852113-REG/Vortex_RZB_2102_Razor_HD_10x42_Binocular.html
You’ll notice it says next to the 999 price it says “email me for a better price”
Enter your email and they will send you the 799 price.
Post by: highside74 on December 23, 2022, 01:50:41 PM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
FYI if you want a good deal on some vortex razor hd 10x42 bhphotovideo.com has them on sale for 799 right now.
Do you have a link to that actual price? I just looked and it says $999
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/852113-REG/Vortex_RZB_2102_Razor_HD_10x42_Binocular.html
You’ll notice it says next to the 999 price it says “email me for a better price”
Enter your email and they will send you the 799 price.
Not sure he will find better glass for $799
Post by: kentrek on December 23, 2022, 02:18:34 PM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
One thing to consider is how much you hunt, the costs of those hunts and the cost of having longer hunts then shorter hunts...edge to edge clarity, increased field of view along with more prime time glassing will greatly increase the amount of animal's spotted and will have a huge impact on a hunt
In other words...cheap binos cost way more in the long run
Ask me how I know :hello:
So expensive bino's actually save you money because you can find your buck that much quicker and burn less fuel, get back to work sooner etc. Genius :chuckle: I'm remembering that one for the wife
Absolutely, it's sucks but the opportunity cost of these hunts is real...pluss the upfront costs
Esp when justifying hunting gear :chuckle:
Post by: hughjorgan on December 23, 2022, 02:18:51 PM
Thanks guys,
I have time today so I’m going down the rabbit hole on research. I can justify The cost if they are worth it. I use my Vortex all the time in the woods and they have been fine and they are not HD glass. I really haven’t looked through a lot of glass so I guess ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for the suggestions. I am off to research. Merry Christmas.
SR1
FYI if you want a good deal on some vortex razor hd 10x42 bhphotovideo.com has them on sale for 799 right now.
Do you have a link to that actual price? I just looked and it says $999
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/852113-REG/Vortex_RZB_2102_Razor_HD_10x42_Binocular.html
You’ll notice it says next to the 999 price it says “email me for a better price”
Enter your email and they will send you the 799 price.
Not sure he will find better glass for $799
Exactly and they aren’t far out of what he listed that he wanted to pay
Post by: SeaRun1 on December 23, 2022, 04:16:31 PM
SR1
Post by: hughjorgan on December 23, 2022, 05:51:39 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 23, 2022, 06:26:58 PM
I will not be buying my new binocs from Vortex. I do not dislike the company but three returns is too much.
SR1
Welcome to my hell. Good choice
Post by: jrebel on December 23, 2022, 06:32:02 PM
I will not be buying my new binocs from Vortex. I do not dislike the company but three returns is too much.
SR1
Welcome to my hell. Good choice
Count me in with this crowd. Bottom of the barrel optics in my opinion.
Post by: Rigby416 on December 24, 2022, 10:50:11 PM
Post by: C-Money on December 25, 2022, 06:36:17 AM
Post by: Smokepole on December 25, 2022, 06:46:38 AM
Post by: JWBINX on December 25, 2022, 07:00:17 AM
and you would have a hard time finding anything finer.
However after working with Leupold for 37 years, my BX-4 Pro guide 10x42
are tough to beat for the money. Buy once -cry once.
Post by: jasnt on December 25, 2022, 07:02:40 AM
Factory direct means better glass for less $$
Been very happy with mine.
Post by: opdinkslayer on December 25, 2022, 07:06:10 AM
Post by: Buzz2401 on December 25, 2022, 01:01:00 PM
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 25, 2022, 02:01:41 PM
Post by: M_ray on December 25, 2022, 02:44:26 PM
My other recommendation would be to go down to a sportsmans warehouse if you have one near by and take a few pairs outside around dusk. Don’t look at them in the store they all look amazing. Go stand in the parking lot as it’s getting dark and go back and forth between your top 3, that will likely make your decision easier
This :yeah:
Lots of good advise in this thread, too many people buy their glass without seeing it through low light conditions. What’s the saying? Ask me how I know? :chuckle:
Post by: ridgefire on December 25, 2022, 04:13:55 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 25, 2022, 06:39:28 PM
My other recommendation would be to go down to a sportsmans warehouse if you have one near by and take a few pairs outside around dusk. Don’t look at them in the store they all look amazing. Go stand in the parking lot as it’s getting dark and go back and forth between your top 3, that will likely make your decision easier
This :yeah:
Lots of good advise in this thread, too many people buy their glass without seeing it through low light conditions. What’s the saying? Ask me how I know? :chuckle:
Funny, when I bought my last pair at Sportsmans, I asked the guy if I could go outside with a few of them. He let me take 2 of them no problem, didn't even come out with me.
Post by: bman940 on December 26, 2022, 07:31:23 AM
Post by: highside74 on January 01, 2023, 09:42:39 AM
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/leupold-bx4-burris-signature-hd.292691/