I know this isnt a "firearm" but... I am shopping for a new pair of binoculars, and was looking for some feed back on brand, style, whatever... of course they will be used for hunting. Figure with all the experince out there it would be helpfull to make a choice. Cant live long enough to make all the mistakes myself.

I like my Nikon Monarch 8x40s they are very clear and let in a lot of light. My dads Stiners are nice too.

I looked at all kinds a few years ago. For my budget I got a set of wind rivers. They have served me well on all kinds of hunts. I just couldn't afford a set of Leicas or others. Especially since I have a habit of falling down and busting things. Hey, if I have to replace them 4 times, I still am ahead of a set of high dollar binocs.

If you got the money, you can't beat Stieners. They are the next step up. Next is Swarskis and Liecas. All wonderful pieces of glass.

How much do you want to spend? Where are you going to do the majority of your hunting?

I have stiener predators and love them(sportsmans guide $270). They have one feature that really is outstanding, they have a constant focus, you can glass a hill 400yds out then turn and glass a hill 1600yds out with out haveing to refocus. There are lots of good ones out there though steiner, leupold, nikon, pentax, Brunton ect.... of course leica, swarovski ect are better but are they $1000 better? Idont think they are that much better but if you can afford them...see which are comfortable for you and in your price range. Also borrow a few pairs and see which power is best for you , probably 8x or 10x. I use 10x, but any higher and I have to use a tripod to stay steady enough to see anything, lots of people cant use 10x and need to use 8x see what your preference is

I go for Zeiss, try not to be impressed by the less than 200 variable power binocs out there, they are just crap.

Look on cabelas for the past generation Zeiss binocs, they run cheap for the quality they can offer and deliver.

As you probably already heard, it all depends on your budget.

GREAT point WA7MM. DO NOT!!! buy variable power binos.

thanks for all the input...i will probably do most of my hunting in the east, mostly mtns with some fields, and my budget...i had 300 there abouts in mind ( or pocket). If thats doable, i dont want to get junk, but i also dont have the budget for Leica's or that price range, whats the difference between roof prism, and porro prism? either one better?

For your budget Leupold, Nikon,Pentax, Brunton, Steiner. Check em all out, see what you like, they are all pretty good. Go check em out on cloudy day since low light is where you'll see the difference.

Hi furbman,

In that price range I give the Nikon and Pentax both a very good look!

Looking at your personal information I also noticed you are from the Catskill Mtn's of NY. I'm currently living in the Appalachian region which is very similar in terrain. I know you didn't ask much about size but I personally use 8X30's which have proven themselves to do anything I need from a hunting bino. Particularly in the eastern parts of the country.

When I was in Alaska I added a spotting glass to my pack for anything the 8X30 couldn't handle. Big bino's not only are heavier, but bulkier, and more prone to becoming a nuisance and less likely to be around your neck when you need them. For general purpose hunting binoculars I'd tend to stick to something between 7 to 10 power and between 30 to 42mm objective lenses. You will seldom find a bigger binocular as handy.

Hope this helps.

Dave