Which binoculars for my husband?
 

My husband has asked for binoculars for Christmas. I'm inclined to get the best although he has said the Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 or Leupold Wind River Mesa 10x50 are fine. He will be hunting primarily in the Texas Hill Country, but some south Texas. Would love any suggestions. Thanks.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

I have a set of the Leupold Wind River's and they suit me fine. I would suggest however that you check out eBay for your prices. I have found optics there which have saved me $100's and there brand new. I usually price them in the store or at Cabela's and can find them cheaper on eBay

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

What price range?

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

Cabela's has discontinued Zeiss ClassiC 10x40's on special for $700. I've looked through comparable Swarovki's that were priced at twice as much. The Zeiss's were fully the equal at half the price. If your willing to spend the money I don't think you could do any better that the Zeiss ClassiC's.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

The two sets you mentioned are porro prism binoculars. They generally are substantially less expensive than their roof prism counterparts while still providing an excellent image. The downside is that they are a bit bigger/bulkier and generally are not waterproof. Either of the two you mentioned would be a good choice if we are referring to that type of binocular. If you were to consider a roof prism binocular then consider these suggestions in the various price ranges......

$100-$200
Bushnell Buckhorn, H20, Trophy
Nikon Sporter
Carson XM or WK series
Brunton Lite-Tech

$250-$350 price range:

Nikon Monarch ATB
Bushnell Legend
WindRiver Olympics
Burris Signature
Zeiss Diafun
Brunton Eterna

$400-$600
WindRiver Pinnacles
Zeiss Conquest
Pentax DCF-SPs

$700-$900
Steiner (various series)
Kahles (a division of Swarovski)
Pentax DCF-SPs

Over $900
Swarovski
Leica
Zeiss
Upper End Nikon
Brunton Epochs

Hope this helps.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

Brunton Eternas get my vote.I have 7x42,ideal for hunting bird watching sports,light ,clear,won't break the bank and in the case they float!!!

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

well, my husband says I don't need to spend too much, but since he just bought me a very nice beretta shotgun for our anniversary....I'd like to make sure he has something nice! $700 may be a bit steep, but say $500 or so. The Leupolds say they are waterproof...should I believe that...or is it more of a "water resistance" thing?? Our ranch is near Brady if topography matter too much. Thanks.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

This might help.

http://www.opticsgiant.com

Try this.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

I suggest Leupold's Wind River Katmai, ~$390. The 8x32mm packs some awesome punch!

Kimberly
-------------------
Field Staff Writer, WomenHunters

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

Before buying anything look at the Pentax DCF WP bino's. Unbelievable performance for the price. Awesome.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

Well Ive always used Brunton binos, but this year I bought a pair of the Nikon Action Extreme 10x50 s like the ones you mentioned, and was very dissappointed, I realized after I got them home that they arent water proof, fogprof, or even water resistant, it seemed every time I wanted to look at something, they were fogged up, and they were pretty heavy. I returned them and am going back to my Bruntons. Id check out some of the Brunton line, or the Burris Landmark, Im going to check out the Burris binos further before I make a decision.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

At that price point the Zeiss Conquest line, the Wind River Pinnacles or the 8x43 Pentax DCF-SPs would all fit the bill. Hilly Texas country would probably lend itself more to a 10x binocular though considering some of the distances that are glassed at. 8x would still be a strong contender though. I would not go with anything smaller than a 30 mm objective diameter and a 40 mm or higher would probably be recommned for most low light conditions.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

For the money the Pentax DCF-SP's are pretty darn good set of nocs, I have the 10x43's and have been extremely pleased. I also own the PCF-WP Porro Prism in 10 & 12 x50's they also have been good but liked mentioned are bit heavier than Roof Prism bino's and now generally see limited field duty.

Also been pleased with my Bushnell Legend Compacts but I don't think these are what he is looking for and I honestly haved looked at the larger mag models they offer.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

My best hunting buddy had a Nikon riflescope fail on a recent outing. Some water got inside the rings, and subsequently froze, which resulted in decompression (and permanent fog).

He scrapped it for a Leupold the next day. Nikon offered a replacement of the same unit, but he told them to keep it. I guess it would be hard to re-mount the same scope that failed you once already. His request for a cash refund was refused.

I've heard that Leupold customer service is exceptional, but I have (knock on wood) never had the pleasure.

I'm slowly turning over all my optics to Leupold.

RE: Which binoculars for my husband?
 

i have leupold binocs and scopes and if in a rare case you have any problems as you can with any binos , leupold has a customer service that is second to none!!!! your products that you return for any problems will be on a ups truck longer than they are at leupold . but i doubt you have any problems with leos.