Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: oldschool on November 13, 2009, 02:27:13 PM

Title: Binoc Comparison
Post by: oldschool on November 13, 2009, 02:27:13 PM: I know it has been done before but there may be some new input. Best glass available for under 350.10 power.I'm on a budget and it sucks. :)
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 13, 2009, 02:36:59 PM: nikon and bushnell make some good ones for about 300-350 i would go to a store like wholesale sports and check out a bunch and see what you like best :twocents:
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: jackelope on November 13, 2009, 02:39:28 PM: you ought to talk to zrs-842 Charles on here and he can get you into a set of Zen Rays for under $200.00
they are great for the money and will hang right there with my nikon monarchs all day long, maybe better in the HD version.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: jackelope on November 13, 2009, 02:42:14 PM: send charles a pm

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=1810
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: Wacenturion on November 13, 2009, 02:58:22 PM: Quote from: oldschool on November 13, 2009, 02:27:13 PM
I know it has been done before but there may be some new input. Best glass available for under 350.10 power.I'm on a budget and it sucks. :)

Add $70 to that $350 and get a pair of Zen Ray ED2's, 10x43's........approx. $420 to your door. Nothing else in that price range even comes close....in fact nothing much in the $600-$800 range comes close in my opinion. Great optics, fast shipping, great price. You won't be disappointed.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: BLUEBULLS on November 13, 2009, 03:22:15 PM: It seems to me that the glass on Binocs in this price range is all pretty comparable, I use the Leupold/Wind river cascades and they work real well for me. they're built a little more stout than most and I'm hard on them so that's a key for me. I know the nikon monarchs have eyecup issues but a lot of people like them for the $$$
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: PolarBear on November 13, 2009, 03:25:37 PM: I love my Nikon Action EX 10x50 6.5 Waterproofs. In fact, I loaned them to a buddy recently and he ran out and got a pair. $180.00 at Cabela's
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: Wa hunter on November 13, 2009, 03:54:52 PM: Check out Burris I have a pair of the landmark 2's they are light, clear I had them very wet and was happy with them 8X40 close to 200 mark. They also have good customer service.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: uplandhunter870 on November 13, 2009, 06:25:19 PM: i got into a pair of Nikon Monarch ATBs 10x42's this summer for about $275, couldnt be happier. very clear sharp image even at very low light. a buddy of mine picked up a pair of leupold cascades (green ring) they have a clear crisp image as well and i think he got them at sportsmans or cabelas for around $325. im pretty impressed with both of these glasses and would recommend both especially for the money.

steve
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: ZRS-8x42 on November 15, 2009, 07:19:05 AM: Quote from: oldschool on November 13, 2009, 02:27:13 PM
I know it has been done before but there may be some new input. Best glass available for under 350.10 power.I'm on a budget and it sucks. :)

hi, oldschool, I think our 10x43 ED might be a good fit. It is currently on sale for $345. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything that I can help with. Thanks.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: addicted on November 16, 2009, 11:10:51 AM: steiners.

sell your soul for a pair of sworovski's...... its worth it lol.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: whacker1 on November 16, 2009, 11:52:46 AM: I asbsolutely love my ZenRay 10 x 43 ED's. I replaced my 9 x 40 Steiner Big Horn with the ZenRay.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: PacificNWhunter on November 17, 2009, 09:35:28 AM: I did quite a bit of looking around about 2 years ago in the same price range. I ended up going with the Nikon Monarchs in the 10x42 and love them. They are a great glass and to pretty darn good in low light situations. My only gripe with them is the eye cups, after hours of glassing they get pretty uncomfortable and they seem to get debris stuck under them if they are twisted all the way out. I would really look at the Zen Rays though like the others have mentioned. I did not know they were around when I was looking, considering getting them for my next pair. Good luck.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: wastickslinger on November 17, 2009, 09:52:14 AM: I know you said you have a budget(dont we all, it sucks. :chuckle:) but one thing I have learned that if you try to save money it will just cost you in the long run. Save up and buy good glass and you wont be replacing it as often. :twocents:

That being said, in you price range the Zen Ray, Leupold, Nikon, are all going to be comparable, it would come down to warranty. My experience with Leupold warranty has been outstanding!!! I think they have the best gurantee money can buy, they stand behind their product. Example- I had a pair of 8 year old Wind River binos, I dropped them and vision went double. Sent them in just to see what they would do. 5 days later I had the new model at my door. No questions asked, just here you go! Many friends of mine can tell the same story with their Leupolds.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: oldschool on November 19, 2009, 04:24:26 PM: HI I was wondering what warranty Zen Ray has on the 10x43 ED
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: oldschool on November 19, 2009, 04:26:49 PM: Thanks for all the input I'm like a kid in a candy store. :P
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: Wacenturion on November 19, 2009, 10:54:30 PM: Quote from: oldschool on November 19, 2009, 04:24:26 PM
HI I was wondering what warranty Zen Ray has on the 10x43 ED

From Zen Ray's sight.....................

The following products carry transferable limited lifetime warranty:

* 2009 Model VISTA, MARINER, ZRS, and ZEN ED Binoculars
* SEDONA Spotting Scope

Zen-Ray guarantees your product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product. These warranties do not cover consumer caused damages such as misuse, abuse or repairs attempted by someone other than our authorized technicians.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: Thefisherman83 on November 20, 2009, 12:30:22 AM: I got the 12x42 camo Monarch's in sept. for just under $300. I believe they are still coming with a $50 mail in rebate(I lost mine :bash:)
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: rasbo on November 20, 2009, 04:39:29 AM: for the wet side 8x42 leupold works great.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: Crunchy on November 20, 2009, 09:26:47 PM: I would get anything less than 10 power, and at least a 40+mm objective.
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: royalbull on November 21, 2009, 09:25:08 AM: I would put the $350 in the safe and keep saving
Title: Re: Binoc Comparison
Post by: HUNT on November 21, 2009, 09:52:31 AM: :yeah:

You'll never regret it!