Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: wt on January 07, 2011, 07:45:03 AM

Title: Looking for Binos
Post by: wt on January 07, 2011, 07:45:03 AM: I'm starting my quest for binos. I have a low end set of fairly compact,Leoupolds (I'm not looking at them so I can't list the specs)that fogged up a lot (on the outside). They had collapsible eye reliefs that seamed to cage the fog in a little bit, but I don't know if that was actually happening or if it was a false association. I've read a few of the other postings and have learned a lot, however here are my general needs in new binos. I'm a wet side hunter, I'm ready to make a lasting purchase, budget: under or near $1k, dusk/dawn vision is not my singular requirement but who doesn't like clear vision then when light is fleeting?, I bike into my areas and walk a lot so size and wait are important. In short I'm looking for the best general purpose binos for hunting the west side, I'm tired of tired eyes and I was more than upset about endless fogging last year. Any help is appreciated.
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: GoldTip on January 07, 2011, 07:57:44 AM: Look for a used pair of Swaro slc's in 10x42. Should be able to find them used for around a grand. Unless you step up in budget quite a bit to get the EL's, you'll have a very hard time finding anything with as much low light transmission that is any lighter.
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:19:49 AM: http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/swarovski.pl?page=demo-swarovski8x30slc (http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/swarovski.pl?page=demo-swarovski8x30slc)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:21:08 AM: here is a good deal on some HG minox
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62155 (http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62155)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:22:01 AM: zeiss
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=524510 (http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/zeiss.pl?page=524510)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 07, 2011, 11:23:30 AM: Go to Cabelas, Sportsman warehouse, etc and try looking thru a bunch and see what you might like then go shopping
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:25:32 AM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on January 07, 2011, 11:23:30 AM
Go to Cabelas, Sportsman warehouse, etc and try looking thru a bunch and see what you might like then go shopping
:iamwithstupid: oh wait i mean... :yeah:

meoptas
http://swfa.com/Meopta-8x42-Meostar-Binocular-P7971.aspx (http://swfa.com/Meopta-8x42-Meostar-Binocular-P7971.aspx)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:26:39 AM: docter
http://swfa.com/Docter-10x42-Binocular-P8925.aspx (http://swfa.com/Docter-10x42-Binocular-P8925.aspx)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:27:59 AM: steiner
http://swfa.com/Steiner-Merlin-Binoculars-C383.aspx (http://swfa.com/Steiner-Merlin-Binoculars-C383.aspx)
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 07, 2011, 11:30:16 AM: take a note pad and a pen with you to the optics counter and take little notes on what you liked, didnt like, and the prices so you can shop online(best prices) moste efficiently. I'd like to see what you end up with. I think there are many people looking for the same thing.
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: 300wsm on January 07, 2011, 02:32:19 PM: PM sent
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: thinkingman on January 07, 2011, 10:14:32 PM: I have posted before and based on your weside hunting and biking, size matters.
8x30 is the perfect compromise.
No need for 10x, maybe a liability.
Swaro is where I'd start.
Glass in the $500 and over is all good, and so is construction.
Outside fogging is going to happen from breath, humidity.
It's not going to change by spending more $.
See what fits you and your eyes best.
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 24, 2011, 01:55:37 PM: Any news WT?
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: Firing Pin on January 24, 2011, 03:06:17 PM: Most binos look good or ok in the store. Go to the store at dusk and pick out the ones that you like, then ask the person behind the counter to bring them one at a time outside and see what they look like when the light gets low. For example, I have a pair of Nikon Premiers and my buddies have the Nikon ATB's. During the day there is not much difference, BUT I can glass at least a half hour before they can at sun-up, and can glass longer than them at sun down. During low light is where you see the difference between the $500.00 and $1500.00.
Title: Re: Looking for Binos
Post by: addicted on January 24, 2011, 09:24:50 PM: Quote from: Firing Pin on January 24, 2011, 03:06:17 PM
Most binos look good or ok in the store. Go to the store at dusk and pick out the ones that you like, then ask the person behind the counter to bring them one at a time outside and see what they look like when the light gets low. For example, I have a pair of Nikon Premiers and my buddies have the Nikon ATB's. During the day there is not much difference, BUT I can glass at least a half hour before they can at sun-up, and can glass longer than them at sun down. During low light is where you see the difference between the $500.00 and $1500.00.

:yeah: