Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Okay, I have been thinking of picking up a decent pair of binos for this season. I have been looking at all brands mainly steiner? Anyways, their predator line is supposed to help you see animals easier.

I hunt in thick brush and wonder how often I would use them. It would be nice to spot a buck, before he spots me. So, how many guys on here use binos while bowhunting and what brand do you use? Thanks

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I do...Always, even when squirrel hunting with a .22...

For probably 20 years I used a pair of compact Bushnells...Finally got smart and bought a pair of Nikon ATB 8x42s...
With the bino straps they now make, you don't even know you have them on....I figure as you get older, your eyes need all the help you can get and it seems I'm also a little more laid back with my deer hunting and enjoy just watching nature more...

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I never bowhunt without binoculars with me. Sometimes when I have been in the thick stuff I had spotted deer within 30 yards tht I didn't notice when I glassed it without.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I use my binos all the time... Bushnell 10x42... they are a little heavy, but well worth it.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I use mine A LOT! and I love my Diamondbacks 10x42 Vortex...best quality for the price IMHO

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Compact Bushnells 7.5-15X32 (I think that is the reticle size anyway). I like them for when spot and stalk hunting and they are more than adequate for on the stand as well. Obviously I sacrafice a little low light performance for size and weight. If you will not be hiking many miles with the binos on, then a larger reticle is probably better.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I never hunt without mine. I use the Bushnell Trophy 10x42 and love them. Great bino's for the price.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Bino's and hunting is like American express--I don't leave home without 'em!;)

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I have some small Predators (10x26) that I don't like much. The second the sun goes down
they are worthless, but that probably has to do with the fact that they are lightweight 10x26.

I'm not sure I buy into the fact that they help you spot game. I'm sure they put some filter
or coating on the lens to help create contrast with brown, but I wouldn't make a decision
based on that almost unnoticeable feature.

I really like my 8x42s. I like 8x for the following reasons:

(1) bowhunting and general hunting in wooded/agricultural areas you don't need to see out
a thousand yards,

(2) bigger field of view (easier to scan),

(3) easier to hold still,

(4) better light gathering.

I like 42mm or larger objective b/c they are superior at light gathering. At dusk is when my eyes
start to fail and I start "seeing things," which is when binos do their best work for me.

I will get some eyerolling for this one, but I got the BPS Epic's on sale (I think they are on sale
again this year for the hunting classic). They are probably made by Bushnell, and are roof prism,
Bak-4, phase coated, twist eye cups, armored, diopter adjustment. Are they as good as Swaros?
Hell no. Did they cost me 1/12th the price? Yes. They get the job done very competently.
Since they are cheap, they are heavy (none of this magnesium). But for the price (especially
on sale), an excellent buy on a budget. With the bino harness I hardly notice them.

If a little higher budget, I would go with the Burris Signature Selects in 8 or 10 x 42. Great binoculars.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Color me surprised ,I thought it was a far out idea. Interesting, is Bushnell just as good as Steiner? I have heard good things about Steiner in the past, but if Bushnell is similar for a lot cheaper I may go that direction.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I use mine all the time. Just make sure you get a quality pair with good, multicoated optics. Spending a lot of time looking through glass will give you a headache if they aren't good ones.

I have Nikon 8x25's, but a friend of mine has a set of Monarch 10 x 36 and I will be getting a set of those. Nikon's have incredibly clear vision....

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I have a pair of Burris that were around 300 bucks. They are 8x40 and gather light very well in lowlight conditions. I keep them around my neck with the Bino Buddy system that enables you to have them accesible but let go when Mr Big shows up. No bouncing around like the typical straps do. Theydon't get in the way of releasing your bow either.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I love leupold's wind river line. I have a 8 X 42 that is perfect for bow hunting. I can't remember the model I got, cascade? but it was under $200 and I must say, it lives up to leupold's reputation.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I have read the book too! (Wild at Heart) And I've been to a BOB weekend--good stuff! You wouldn't happen to be John Eldridge would you?;)

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I'm sure John Elridge wouldn't frown on hunting, but I don't see him as a hunter, more of a hiker.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

No, I'm just a big fan of his books. I'm going to read the one he and his wife wrote "Captivating" as soon as I finish the book I'm currently reading. How was the retreat? It sounds great.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

The retreats were awesome. It was really a special time. I haven't read that one,but I heard about it. I have several cd's that I listen to regularly. Good stuff!

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I do believe that I remember hearing or reading that he does hunt--elk I believe. I know he wouldn't object regardless.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Dang...Us nc guys are smart!;)

Greg/MO talked me into buying the same pair, last year. Best non-bow-related purchase I've made for hunting.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I use a Siemens bino camera. It has great vision and also has a camera built into it. So if you don't get a shot on the monster you can at least prove ya saw it.. A good cheap website to check out is www.opticsplanet.com They have binos for cheap

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Thanks for the link I am going to check them out.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

I use my Burris FullField II camo 10x42 all the time....I look thry them m ore than my naked eyeballs.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Gotta use those binos while hunting. I believe it definitely has allowed me to pick up on more deer. This works in two ways, for me, if the deer is coming down the "anticipated" trail I know it is time to get ready, or if I continue to see deer in a different area it allows me to locate and pinpoint a spot I might want to try and setup on.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

i have not heard any good things about stieners. you should seriously consider these. they are a very good glass and reasonably priced. i had a pair of rangers by the same company and they are well worth it.i'm looking at getting a vortex spotting scope. the companywill stand behind their product. i think you would be very happy with them.

www.eagleoptics.com

whatever you get i would strongly recomend an 8x42. they are great for low light. you won't need a 10 power and they are difficult to hold steady.
good luck

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

If your hunting in fairly thick brush then you really don't need to be glassing that far. I have a pair of Zeis 10x20 Victory'sthat are great. I bought my wife a pair of Zeiss 8x30 Diafun'sand fell in love with them. I went out and bought me a pair of Zeiss 10x30 Diafun's. (Still available at Fry's Electronics for under 3 bills) It is amazing how bright they make everything look during magic hour. I tend to use my 10x30's for scouting and gun hunting. My 10x20's when bow hunting. They are smaller and lighter and since I also have my Nikon Range Finder around my neck It helps me not be to loaded down.

RE: Binoculars & Bowhunting?
 

Nikon Monarch 8x42... I see deer that I never knew were there without!