Treestand binnoculars?

Mergrath337 · 02-02-2007, 03:29 PM

What would be your guys' choice for a small compact set of binnos to use while on stand? I've been looking at the Steiner 10x26 Predator binnos but I can't find any reviews.

Snood Slapper · 02-03-2007, 07:58 AM

I used some Vortex Sidewinders this year and they have been just great. I don't see them on the Vortex sight anymore, so they may have discontinued the model, but you can still get them off sights like ebinoculars and such. Can't beat the Vortex warranty IMO.

bwhunter · 02-04-2007, 05:00 PM

Vortex has just changed the name from Sidewinders to Diamondbacks, same bino's different name.

Snood Slapper · 02-04-2007, 06:48 PM

Hey, thanks, I didn't know that!

maytom · 02-05-2007, 06:44 AM

Bushnell 8X32 Legends.

r33h · 02-05-2007, 08:39 AM

I really like the Nikon line of binos. I have a pair and are crystal clear. I can see things out over an open field with these binos while there is no daylight in the sky. Very clear binos!

switchbackXT_shooter · 02-06-2007, 08:11 AM

Ill say r33, I mounted a nikon buckmasters in real tree camo to my rifle. I can see stuff through the scope before the mark 1 eyeball will. that pretty clear when you can see BEFORE it gets light out!!![:-] thats why im hooked on nikons stuff.

PABowhntr · 02-06-2007, 08:12 AM

I would stay away from any 10x25 configurations and I am not really fond of the 8x20-25s either really for a full time hunting binocular. The restrictions placed upon you in terms of a smaller exit pupil and smaller objective lens really limit their usefulness in low light and/or at greater distances.

An 8x30-32 is as low as I would go in objective size and then preferrably only with the 8x magnification. If you want 10x then I tend to prefer full sized 40 mm or larger objectives. You could probably get away with a 10x36 but I think it would suffer somewhat in low light conditions.

What price range are we talking about here?

Mergrath337 · 02-06-2007, 10:05 PM

Just looking for a good compact bino while on stand. Not saying I couldn't use a 8x32 or 10x40 but sometimes the bulkier binos get in the way. That being said I don't even take them with me anymore. So compact or nothing at all.

PABowhntr · 02-07-2007, 07:16 AM

If you have to go compact the I would recommend one of the higher quality ones out there such as the Zeiss Victory or Nikon LX. Both retail in the $400 range but their image quality is entirely comparable to their bigger counterparts during regular daylight hours.

On the other hand, take a look at the Leupold Katmai binoculars. They are basically compact in overall length and only a bit wider. Very good optical quality since they were phase coated.