which Binoculars
 

Hello........I was wondering if I could get some recommendations on a decent set of binoculars preferrably under $300. Going to be doing some spot and stalk hunting in open areas of Newfoundland this fall and figured I better upgrade. Where I hunt in Massachusetts it's thick, I'm sure the inexpensive bino's I use hunting here will be out of the question up there. Down here if I can see 100 yards in the woods its a miracle. Up there, the guides are talking spotting miles of country. I appreciate any help. Thanks. John

RE: which Binoculars
 

For $300 and under I would suggest either the Nikon Monarch ATB's, Bushnell Legends, Wind River Cascades or some of the Cabelas brand models. All are priced at or slightly below $300 for the 10x42 models. The 8x magnification models are usually a few dollars cheaper.

All of the above are roof prism binocs that, I believe, are phase coated to increase light transmission and overall clarity.

Hope this helps.

RE: which Binoculars
 

Just tonight, I bought a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 binocs. ($260 w/ store coupon.) I compared them against comparably priced Baush & Lomb, Bushnell, and Pentax brands. The Monarch's were noticeably more clear than any of the above. In order, I'd rank the Pentax at the bottom, and the two B's on par with each other. The Monarch's were also the smallest and lightest of the bunch.

RE: which Binoculars
 

I did not mention it in my original post but those are the ones that I ended up with as well...for much the same reasons as what you listed.

RE: which Binoculars
 

Check out the Eagle Optics website.
They have some very high quality binos in your price range.

RE: which Binoculars
 

i also say nikon, bright & clear and not expensive

RE: which Binoculars
 

I'd suggest going to ebay and getting a decent pair of used ones. I bought a pair if $450 Zhumells for $200. They were only used 6 hours by the owner.

RE: which Binoculars
 

Bobco,

You got me on that one. I have never heard of Zhumells. Can you relate more about them?

RE: which Binoculars
 

http://www.zhumell.com/pdf/waterproofPressRelease.pdf



http://www.binoculars.com/detail.asp?PID=25975

RE: which Binoculars
 

I got the Wind River Cascades at the end of last season. Can't remember the price, but I know they were under 300. Got them for Xmas actually. I like them a lot. I believe they are made by Leupold. I got he 8X42 model because I do very little classing over large fields. I just don't need the 10X magnification. Overall, I really like them. I had a cheap POS pair that THANK the LORD got dropped in a lake. They would fog up everytime I looked through them. I nver had a problem with the wind rivers. Again, I go them at the end of last hunting season. I hunted the very end of December and beginning of January in temp ranging from 2 to 45 degrees. Wonderful midwest weather. Anyway, don't skimp on binos...worth the money.

Good Luck in your decision.

Jay

RE: which Binoculars
 

Like a lot of other posts, I would recommend the Nikon Monarch ATB's. Great pair of binoculars for the money.

Jon Jackoviak
The Optic Zone

RE: which Binoculars
 

I bought the Wind River Cascades and am very pleased with them

RE: which Binoculars
 

Another to look at is Pentax, I have 3 pairs and am very pleased with their performance for the price. They do have a wide range, as other manufacturers but I am sure you can find a number in your price range. I have a pair of compact Bushnell Legends that I got last year for a gift and they are quite nice as well ( I believe they cost my wife around 120 CDN)

RE: which Binoculars
 

Here is a new company Alpen Outdoors They have had a couple BEST BUYS from Outdoorlife Mag. They are a High end Optic at an affordable price. With a great Lifetime warrenty. If you have any questions about them feel free to contact me here NwOutdoorShop

RE: which Binoculars
 

Under $300, nothing better than the Nikon.

RE: which Binoculars
 

STAY AWAY FROM BURRIS!!!!!!!! mass produced junk and bad service -THATS JUST MY HUMBLE OBSERVATION![:@]

RE: which Binoculars
 

I'll also suggest the ebay thing or shop around for a while on the net.I picked up a pair of Steiner Predator 8x30s on ebay for well under$300 and couldn't be happier!!

RE: which Binoculars
 

Pace Maker,

I use pentax, got them from cameraland.com. Their prices a lot lower than catalogs like cabelas' and probass.

dog1

RE: which Binoculars
 

yeah i got a pair of brunton binocs 10x42 reg. $320 bought them for 75 i think out of sportsman guide

RE: which Binoculars
 

Weaver Grand Slams (8.5 x 45) would be an excellent choice IMO... but would cost you $50 over your budgeted $300.

See the other binos thread for some of my other comments.