Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: blacktailcrzy on July 17, 2011, 08:32:04 PM
-
i will be using them on hunts in eastern wa and south east idaho so i want them geared for wide open country but at the same time i dont want a big bulky set of binos. i looked throw the search and i wanted to start a new topic so that they will be in my price range because 600 is pushing it for me but if you can help me out i would greatly appreciate it thanks
-
Look up Zen-Ray out of Oregon and speak with Charles, You won't be disappointed, I have the ED2 8x43 and everyone I show them too are really impressed and want his number !! I think they are about $350-$400
-
www.binoculars.com (http://www.binoculars.com) They always under sell everybody. Name brands. You don't need $ 300-$600 binos for eastern washington. I have Nikons that cost me $70 from them to my door and are perfect for all hunting. I think they are 8x40's perfect size. They were half the cost of retail and brand new. Very, very clear.
-
You really owe it to yourself to check out the Zenrays.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,79003.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,79003.0.html)
I'm not just saying that since they are a sponsor of Hunt-Wa. I'm saying that because of the reports from members here that have them. I bought a set of just the Vista's for my son a while back. He loves them. That is a lesser pricepoint than what you're talking so look to the ED2's or ED3's for higher end glass. I think they compare better than other brands in the same price point. -only draw back might be that they're a tad heavier than the competition in the same price/size.
-Steve
-
Check out a pair of Vortex Diambacks. I think they are about $200 or less and I was pretty impressed by my buddies. They are definitely as good as Leupold's or better in my opinion. I would take them over Nikon's, Burris' or similar anyday of the week, but they aren't Zeiss or Swarovski!
I forgot my binos in camp last year and he had them in his truck, so I used them for the day. They were pretty clear and crisp. I was actually impressed with how clear they were when stalking in low light conditions in the tall timber. :twocents:
-
A good one to also check out would be the Bushnell Legend ultra hd binoculars! I paid $255 and they blow everything out of the water in that price range, I have vistas and nikon also..they dont come anywhere near the bushnells in terms of clarity or brightness.. Bushnell offers a buyback program where they will buy them back if you dont like them! Theyre worth it
-
I have the zen ray ed2 10x43's I bought them last year from a guy on archerytalk.com.
They are $350-$450. I think they are incredible for the money. I have also heard great things about Vortex, which is also in your price range. If you are ever in Seattle, I can meet you if you want to check out my zen rays.
-
I'm super fortunat and recently picked up a pair of Nikon EDG in 10x32 off Craigslist for $600. :rockin:
In adition to having outstanding glass the field of view on these is actually better than many binos on the market with 42mm objective lenses. :yike: :IBCOOL:
-
another vote for Zen Ray
-
leupold.. I have a pair of 10x42 Alpens I like them..great customer service too
-
I picked up the Vortex Vipers last year and they are great! Good clarity for the cost! As far as warranty stuff, i lost an eye cap and they were right on sending me a new one the next day. I was impressed.
-
I would personally not buy anything less than 10X42's if you are planning on hunting in open country!! I like Nikon and Leupold glass, and I think they will be in your price range. Good luck this Fall!!
-
I know its a little over 600 but for 700(less in the bargain cave) you can get 10x42 Cabelas Euros. I've had both Swarovski and them and not much difference! Defintley nice glasses!
-
I would look at the vortex viper HD's. Best product I have looked through for the price hands down. And check out vortex's warranty. I would check out this website. My buddy just got some 8.5x50's non-hd from here and is in love with them.
http://www.cameralandny.com/ (http://www.cameralandny.com/)
-
+1 for Cabelas Euro 10x42, I just bought a pair about a month ago and I love them.
-
I looked through some Euro's the other day for the first time and was really disappointed I had heard a lot of good things about them. But I did not like them at all. They are so blurry on the edges that it was giving me a headache after just a few mins of looking through them. I would compare them to the low end leupold green ring stuff.
-
Wow, I can honestly say that I could not tell a difference between the Euros and the Swarovski's! Had them side by side when I had to return my Swarovski's and opted to get the Euros at half the price! No blurriness on mine!
-
I'm a big fan of Vortex optics now. My dad bought me a set of Viper's this past Christmas and I was so impressed with them that I bought a Vortex ED 20-60x80 spotting scope as well. Very happy with both!
-
Wow, I can honestly say that I could not tell a difference between the Euros and the Swarovski's! Had them side by side when I had to return my Swarovski's and opted to get the Euros at half the price! No blurriness on mine!
Maybe it was just the ones that I looked through. But I would not even compare them to my swarovski's. I'm glad you like yours though.
-
I'm a big fan of Vortex optics now. My dad bought me a set of Viper's this past Christmas and I was so impressed with them that I bought a Vortex ED 20-60x80 spotting scope as well. Very happy with both!
I'm a big fan too. I think Vortex and zen-ray to some extend have filled the gap that I thought the leupold gold rings would fill.
-
I have been using my Pentax 10x50's for 14 years now and I sure like them. I use a bino system harness and they are not in my way at all. They are not a compact set, but they are no issue for me with the bino system.
-
-In the sportsmans guide they have Steiner Predator C5's on sale that are on the high end of your price range but normally 700$! I love mine!! The Steiner 8x30 military marine are another great Bino and are under 300$ and as durable as bino's get! :twocents:
-
I have a pair of Celestron Regal LX 10 x 42. For the money I spent about $350, Im very happy. Great in low light, not to heavy, & durable after 4 years no issues.I also like the No fault lifetime warranty, you drop , crush, scratch, whatever & and they are covered. Here is a link. Shop around the price varies....
http://www.optics4birding.com/celestron-regal-binocular-review.aspx (http://www.optics4birding.com/celestron-regal-binocular-review.aspx)
-
Do not overlook Minolta. They are a seriously good binocs for the $300-400 range. Better light gathering than Leupolds or Nikons
-
Just bought a pair of Leupold Bx-2 cascades for 320 and i am very happy with them. they are small in size compared to a lot of other 10x42s Ive seen and are very clear in day as well as twilight. I had this dilemma a month ago and settled on Leupold based on there return policy and i liked what i saw
-
If you can afford Binoculars in the $400-$600 range, then I would definitely stay in that range. The main thing is do not go lower. You should go with the best binoculars you can afford because You get what you pay for. While cheaper binos have been putting out some clear glass, you have to wonder how long they will stay that way.
I just did a full review on the Vortex Talon HD 10X42 Binoculars. They are incredible for the price: $450. You will not find binos with these specs and at this price. They are incredibly clear, have a very wide field of view, and are very comfortable for long hours of glassing. Plus a lifetime warranty.
Check out my full review with pictures here: http://www.bestforhunting.com/2011/07/vortex-talon-hd-binocular-review/ (http://www.bestforhunting.com/2011/07/vortex-talon-hd-binocular-review/)
I have tested a lot of binoculars and have compiled a list of the best binoculars in different price ranges from $100 up to $3000. Check it out to find some binoculars that fit you budget: http://www.bestforhunting.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/ (http://www.bestforhunting.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/)
-
Steiner 10x42 Predator C5 at 26 ounces is pretty lightwieght for packing alot.....Most comfortable to hold to your face of any bino I have tried...excellent light blocking eyecups. rugged look to them. I spend hours glassing and my eyes never tire looking through those binoculars. they have sweet low light performance. I have compared to swarvoskis and swarvs are a shade brighter but not by much. I to live in eastern wa and hey theres a online site you can find these for 600 bucks free shipping no tax and 30 year warrenty and a 30 day return policy I have had a pair for 11 years not the new C5 but the old predators. 2 years ago I purchased the new C5s for my father in law and he is real happy with the quality of glass. stiener was doing a $65 dollar rebate so his were only 535 ...a smoking deal I kick myself for not buying another set for myself
-
Predators are the best in your price range, but don't hold a candle to the EL's. :twocents:
-
the best thing to do is head down to the sporting good store and look through everything in your price range, i have the nikon monark 10x42 and love them in every situation($379), the stiener c5 is also great and better than the nikons in low light but are closer to the $600 range
-
I have the Nikon Monarch in 8x42. I hunt mainly the wetside so I opted for the wider field of view when glassing in the brushy stuff. I have been very happy with Nikon. You have to look through them all really to find out what you like.
-
i got some redfields and i absolutly love them, they have been bomb proof so far. i bought them for truck glasses and they ride on the dash all the time with no issues. i exspecially like them in low light super clear and crisp image. they cost much less then your range but just my :twocents:. good luck.
-
If you ever make it to a cabelas store, the bargain cave always has some binos. I bought a returned pair of cabelas alaskan guide 10X42's that were origionally 600 for 225. Got lucky I guess and they look brand new!
-
I have the Nikon Monarch in 8x42. I hunt mainly the wetside so I opted for the wider field of view when glassing in the brushy stuff. I have been very happy with Nikon. You have to look through them all really to find out what you like.
+1. I hunted with these for five years and found them to be an excellent value.
-
If you can afford Binoculars in the $400-$600 range, then I would definitely stay in that range. The main thing is do not go lower. You should go with the best binoculars you can afford because You get what you pay for. While cheaper binos have been putting out some clear glass, you have to wonder how long they will stay that way.
I just did a full review on the Vortex Talon HD 10X42 Binoculars. They are incredible for the price: $450. You will not find binos with these specs and at this price. They are incredibly clear, have a very wide field of view, and are very comfortable for long hours of glassing. Plus a lifetime warranty.
Check out my full review with pictures here: http://www.bestforhunting.com/2011/07/vortex-talon-hd-binocular-review/ (http://www.bestforhunting.com/2011/07/vortex-talon-hd-binocular-review/)
I have tested a lot of binoculars and have compiled a list of the best binoculars in different price ranges from $100 up to $3000. Check it out to find some binoculars that fit you budget: http://www.bestforhunting.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/ (http://www.bestforhunting.com/best-binoculars-for-hunting/)
That was an excellant write up. Thankyou for that. I've actually been looking pretty heavily at buying those for my next pair of binos but havn't been able to find a good review of them. Thank you.
-
cant go wrong with the vortex for the money and price and they are very comparable with the much more expensive swarovski for lots cheaper
i own both wouldnt spend the extra 2000 again for the little if any difference
-
Vortex hands down!!
-
Love my Nikon Monarchs.....
-
hahaha, this is great well i got an idea, jump in the truck head to cabelas try out all the ones in and around your price range, take some time to read the reviews on the ones you like and order them from the cheepst place on the web. good luck man there are so many great options.
-
Love my Nikon Monarchs.....
The only thing I can say negative about the Monarchs is the eye relief cups are prone to sticking, and if you send them in for repair you will most likely be paying out of pocket. Nikon does not have the best customer service... my boyfriend and mother both have a pair, and they BOTH had the eye relief stick... sent them in to be repaired and were told that "it must have been damaged in shipment" and were charged $50 for repair. Fail.
In contrast, the Leupold Mojaves in the same 10x42 are in the high to mid $300 range and gather more light, are more clear with excellent customer service. My boyfriend and mother both have them on their wishlist for their next pair. They are also pretty light. Since I have gotten my pair (I use them for deer, bear, coyote, elk, and shed hunting) three of my friends have converted after comparing theirs to mine... including my father who had a pair of Leupold gold rings and liked the Mojaves better. (clarity is similar and the mojaves are much lighter)
-
Love my Nikon Monarchs.....
The only thing I can say negative about the Monarchs is the eye relief cups are prone to sticking, and if you send them in for repair you will most likely be paying out of pocket. Nikon does not have the best customer service... my boyfriend and mother both have a pair, and they BOTH had the eye relief stick... sent them in to be repaired and were told that "it must have been damaged in shipment" and were charged $50 for repair. Fail.
In contrast, the Leupold Mojaves in the same 10x42 are in the high to mid $300 range and gather more light, are more clear with excellent customer service. My boyfriend and mother both have them on their wishlist for their next pair. They are also pretty light. Since I have gotten my pair (I use them for deer, bear, coyote, elk, and shed hunting) three of my friends have converted after comparing theirs to mine... including my father who had a pair of Leupold gold rings and liked the Mojaves better. (clarity is similar and the mojaves are much lighter)
Conversely, if you want a pair of 10x42 Leupold HD Gold Rings that have been out of their case roughly 10 times let me know. :chuckle:
-
this is what i use i really like them because they are light enough so i carry them alot more often then i would carry my larger set. they are Zeiss conquest 10x25 i paid $450.00 about about six years ago :tup:
-
we are ready to ship the ZEN ED3 next week. The current 20% promotion is still valid until August 1st. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can help with. Remember, we have 30-day satisfaction guarrantee and lifetime warranty on the products.
Thanks
-
another vote for Zen-Ray. My buddy and I each got a pair of their ZEN ED2. When comparing to more expensive european binoculars, we couldn't tell much difference to jusitfy the extra $$$.
http://www.zen-ray.com/ (http://www.zen-ray.com/)
-
I have a pair of Mojaves for sale if you are interested. For the price they are as good as I've seen. I am getting a pair of Swarvoski's so I won't need them any more.
-
Love my Nikon Monarchs.....
The only thing I can say negative about the Monarchs is the eye relief cups are prone to sticking, and if you send them in for repair you will most likely be paying out of pocket. Nikon does not have the best customer service... my boyfriend and mother both have a pair, and they BOTH had the eye relief stick... sent them in to be repaired and were told that "it must have been damaged in shipment" and were charged $50 for repair. Fail.
In contrast, the Leupold Mojaves in the same 10x42 are in the high to mid $300 range and gather more light, are more clear with excellent customer service. My boyfriend and mother both have them on their wishlist for their next pair. They are also pretty light. Since I have gotten my pair (I use them for deer, bear, coyote, elk, and shed hunting) three of my friends have converted after comparing theirs to mine... including my father who had a pair of Leupold gold rings and liked the Mojaves better. (clarity is similar and the mojaves are much lighter)
Ms. Hirshey, not to discount your experience, but I must state that mine was the opposite. I had a pair of Monarch's for five years that saw a heavy amount of use and even some abuse. An eyecup became loose, eventually cracked, then fell off.
I mailed the set to Nikon, without any paperwork, and received a new pair of the updated model in the mail.
No argument though that Leupold has a better customer service reputation than Nikon. My next glass purchase will probably be a Leupold rifle scope. I've liked the looks of those Mojave's for a long time--glad they're working out for you :tup:
-
vortex diamandbacks for sure best bino ever crystal clear for 250
-
Check out vortex that make really great optic that's affordable. I just got the vortex viper 10*50 for little under 700. These things are amazing. Personally for the price they can't be beat. Their performance is touch under more expensive brands but I could justify spending 1400 for pair just for little more quality.
Plus vortex warranty can't be beat.
-
just bought a pair of Vortex Viper 8.5x50 Binoculars thanks for all the help this topic really took off and thanks for every ones input
-
Enjoy those binos! Get out in the rain and low light and then come back and let us know how you like 'em.
-
I just bought some Vortex Talons 10 x 42 for $450 and I can't believe the image quality. Even the eye cups adjust so you can look through them with or without eye glasses. Another great feature is their lifetime unconditional guarantee. If you run over them with a truck or your toddler hits the lenses with a hammer, they'll replace them no questions asked.