coelkhntr

Looking for the best binocular in the $550 range, used primarily for hunting through the mountains. Any suggestions???????

NorthJeff

I' m sure price will be an indication, but I' ve looked through a pair of Pentax in that range($500 to $600), that were very nice. Sorry, can' t remember the exact model though, but I think they were the DCF Waterproof 10X50' s. The 8x42' s are around $450, while the 10x50' s are around $600.00.

I think the Zeiss ClassicC Bino' s are still on sale at Cabelas with the 10x40' s going for $699.99, down from $969.00. If you could swing it financially, I would think they' d be a very safe bet.

Whatever you do, don' t do like I did: Set a price limit of $125, and then buy 1. Set a price limit of $300 for a compact, and then buy 1. Set a price limit of $300 for a full size, and then buy 1. Set a price limit of $400 for a better quality, and then buy 1. Realize none of them even come close to the best, say a $1200 pair of Lieca, Ziess, or Swarovski, and buy one of those as well.

The way I look at it, if I would have just bought the good glass to begin with, I could have saved myself $1125 in the long run. Oh well, at least I have some for the kids to use.

Jeff...U.P. of Michigan.

losthwy

try this site http://betterviewdesired.com/

LPD17

Bought a pair of Pentax DCF WP 10x42s on e-bay last year for $279.00 new in box not reconditioned. Check it out. SWAF is also good

cgturner7

It' s hard to beat the Swift Audobon 8.5x44mm porro prisms. They are now waterproof, have a VERY wide field of view which makes them easier to see things with, and they are under your price. I feel they compete well with Zeiss, Swarovski and Leica for a fraction of the price. They are well known in birding circles. They are a bit large but feel very good in hand. There is also a roof prism design but you lose field of view.

bowtech bob

the best i' ve found would be the Apex from Alpen Great eye relief and light gathering and not to heavy