SevenMag

I looked at the monarchs... they are SUPER nice nocs, no question, especially when compared to some that were 4-500 bucks or more, a great value for highend glass... i just didn't think they were worth 3 times the price or the action series... if you've only got 100 to spend, get the actions, you end up with high quality nikon optics... and on paper at least the specs on the actions are nearly as good as the monarchs... I'd wager some good money that for bow hunting even the actions are a little overkill for most terrain, unless you're out west glassing across canyons and such...

btw - Bass Pro has the 8x40 actions on sale for 69 bucks for black (my 8x40's are realtree)... the action zoom 10-22x50 is $119... this is a great price on some really good glass...

Pat Curtis

I always wondered why nobody makes a decent variable zoom at a good price. They're either cheap POS's, or VERY expensive.

I need to be able to see long distances, so I carry a decent 8x17-25 to zoom long ranges, but also use an 8-40 to see clearer closer. I should just man up and buy a 12-40, or even a 16-40.

jamaltwy

try vortex's they are very good!! not too expensive....

MeanV2

Leupold makes some nice compact and Midsize Binos for a very reasonable price. You will be glad if you save your money until you get $250 to $300 and then make your purchase. You do get what you pay for

Dan

jmak

If you are looking for a compact bino I just purchased a Nikon Prostaff 9 x 25 for $120 at Dick's and really like them for bow hunting. They are very clear, waterproof, and light weight. I also have a pair of Pentax 8 x 42 that I purchased several years ago that I rarely take into the woods. They are big and heavy plus they were expensive and I worry about droping them from my tree stand.

TerryM

I have Vortex Vipers. Excellent glass and unreal warranty. Do yourself a favour and check out Vortex.

PABowhntr

Based on personal experience I agree with both the Nikon Action ATB (the regular Actions series aren't waterproof and I prefer modern eyecups) or the Leupold Yosemite series. I have owned the 7x35 Action ATBs and was quite excited by their image quality for the price but, as mentioned, they are a bit heavy. The Yosemites are just the opposite in terms of weight. They are very light and the image quality is excelllent for the price. Both models are of the porro prism design which typically provides better image quality at this price point.

Check out.....

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html

...for some helpful reviews of bins in different price ranges.