Binoculars?

PABowhntr · 08-24-2005, 06:56 PM

I just wanted to get a quick handle on what brand and magnification/objective size combinations you guys are using. I am kicking around the idea of picking up another pair to use for my arsenal. I have a pair of 7x35s, 8x33s and 8x42s and have been tinkering around with either replacin' the 8x33s with better ones or getting either a 10x42 or 10x50 for long range glassing.

Thanks ahead of time.

North Texan · 08-24-2005, 08:47 PM

Swaro 10x42's. One GOOD pair of binoculars is all you need.

PLB · 08-25-2005, 08:22 AM

If money wasn't an issue, I would have 3 different optics
10x42 for casual use
15x56 for all day glassing
spotting scope for verification / field judging.

But I live in AZ where glassing is a must (for anything other than bulls rutting in the high country)

Otherwise, if money is an issue, I agree with Texan. Buy one topquality bino, and no the nikon monarchs are not top quality!

A bolt fan · 08-25-2005, 10:49 AM

PLB,

Could you elaborate a little on why you think the Nlkon Monarchs are not a high quality binocular. I have a pair and have no complaints with them, but I am by no means an expert when it comes to binoculars. Just curious.

Thanks

PABowhntr · 08-25-2005, 12:26 PM

Thanks for the comments folks. I appreciate them. Please keep them coming...and I definitely want to hear about the opinion on the Monarchs.

KYFRED · 08-25-2005, 12:48 PM

I have a pair of teh Nikon Monarchs. If you have a limited budget of $200 - $300, I beleive they are of good quality. They provide a clear picture, decent light transmital, are easy to handle, carry well and have held up pretty well. Personally, I do not like the lense covers on Nikon's.

I also have a pair of Swarovski 8x32. The Nikon's are no Swarovskis. The clarity in low light is unmatched. I can see better with the binos that my eyes in low light conditions.

I think what is being said is not that Nikon makes a bad product,. but they should not be confused with the more expensive high-end optics.

btw, My nikons stay in the car or are used by hunting companions that need to borrow a pair.

cyberbuck · 08-25-2005, 06:24 PM

I dont know what price range you are interested in, but I just got me a new toy to play with this year. It is a Meade CaptureView. It is a pair of 8x42 bino's with a
2 MP digital camera on it also. Havent got a chance to use it yet, but you can get some good close-up pictures with a camera like that. You can also shoot video with it.

Tuffbroadhead · 08-26-2005, 06:05 AM

I have a pair of the Nikon monarchs and love them, (wife dont like them), she llike the Luopold wind river series..... I would say treat it like a new bow, , go to the store and look at the models that you are interested in and pick the pair you like most...

PABowhntr · 08-26-2005, 08:32 AM

Quote:

I would say treat it like a new bow, , go to the store and look at the models that you are interested in and pick the pair you like most...

Sage advice. I do plan on doing just that. In truth, other than Cabelas though, there really aren't many places locally to buy binos...at least with a decent enough selection really compare a variety of binos. I am sort of leaning towards getting a pair of 8x32 Nikon HGs but may very well be convinced to go with a Wind River 10x50, Nikon Monarch 10x42 or possibly something else entirely.

I just wanted to get an idea of what everyone else was using. Thanks.

Sniper151 · 08-26-2005, 08:55 AM

PA a quality 8 x 42 for Pa. is an excellent choice. With magnification greater than 8X it becomes difficult to pick up targets in heavy foliage. The Leupold Gold ring binoculars are fantastic at a reasonable price.