RE: Looking for binoculars....any advice???
Need to know the following:
1. How much are you willing to spend?
2. Hunting conditions - open or woods?
3. Will be binos be used for other purposes when you return from this elk hunt?
I like Burris optics, specifically the Fullfield II scope I have on my .270. However, they are giving those Landmark binos away with the purchase of a Fullfield II 4.5X14 scope, so I have my doubts that they are very good (I could be wrong about this). They represent the lowest end of binos that Burris makes.
Before I plopped down the money for my Pentax DCF-SPs I made a pretty thorough evaluation of binoculars. My search led me to several conclusons that I will share with you:
The $350 - 600 price-point is the sweet spot in roof prism binoculars. The group of binos offered in this price range (Nikon Monarch, Pentax DCF WPII and SP, Leupold Katmai and Pennicle, and offerings from Minox, Vortex and others) are markedly superior to the binos below $200.00. These are roof-prism binos with phase coated and fully-multicoated lens elements, BAK-4 prisms, fully waterproof and fogproof, and generally guarenteed for life. These binos are just below the big three (Swaro, Zeiss, and Leica) in optical performance but cost about $1,000.00 less.
My Pentax DCF-SPs are in 8X43 and I love using them. They are really bright and provide a flat field of view focused well out from center. They are built rugged, have a locking dioptor adjustment, water and scratch resistant coating on the outer lenses, magnesium alloy frame, and are amazingly compact for a full size bino. I plan on using them forever. They can be found on the internet for around $450.00.
Another bino I am interested in for my 11 year-old son is the Vortex Diamondback 8X42. This is a $200.00 roof prism bino that I may get him for Christmas. I've read that this is a great value and with the Vortex VIP warrenty I'm confident they will fix anything thatgoes wrong withthem. He is prone to loosing things so am holding my sending to $200.00 or less, but I don't want to buy him junk. No retailer around here carries Vortex so I am going on what I have read on other discussion forums and reviews.
NOTE - If your budget won't allow you to spend at least $350.00 or so I might suggest looking at poro-prism binos. The optical quality of poros is better than roofs at the low end. The trade offis theirtendency to be less weather resistant and bulkier to handle compared to roofsdue to the design.
Good luck.
Mouthcaller