Good morning on this snowy day. I am a beginner hunter or rather I will be once I pick my rifle, but thats for a different forum. I am interested in a mid-priced set of binoculars to be used mainly for hunting, price limit would be $300. I want the bins in 8 x 42, shock proof, fogproof, shockproof. Now I have 3 selections in mind but I need some further inducement to make the final selection (always think too much and will have to do this again with a range finder and a scope). But the 3 bins I am thinking about are the Nikon Monarch ATB; the Eagle Optics Ranger SRT; and the Busnell H2O. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks for your assistance for this newbie.

the nikons are good quality but the coatings on them always seem darker than others in the same range. Leupolds seem clear but dim to me anyway, for the money, the steiners are looking good.

removed by RD

Here you go..........start by using your preferances/price range


http://www.opticsplanet.net/binoculars.html

Great site. Lots of info.

Take a look at Minox......I know a lot of people have been impressed with these.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62167


I picked up a set of the "blemishes" and have been very satisfied.

ive got a set of leupys acadias and nikons action ex binos. the leupy seems brighter, i know there are lighter but i always seem to grab the nikons whenever i head out. they just seem to fit my hands better when i have to glass for a long period. i also have a pair of bausch and lomb's which are crap.

Dis are dem;



http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-monarchatb10x42.html



I own them also...............they're great !

Pentax makes a great value bino, the DCFWP II. In an 8x42, these are just a tad out of your $300 limit at about $330. I have bought these for my son-in-law and wife last Christmas. Both binos have held up well in typical hunting conditions. They compare extremely well with another brand I bought for myself, for about 4X the price ! If you can swing the additional $$$, I am certain you will be pleased. Look at "Bear Basin Outfitters" for pricing. I am certain others sell these as well for about what BB does.

My brother accidentally dropped his 8x42 Nikon Monarch out of his treestand about 30ft. up and he is still using them. Granted they must of hit right but still.:-)
Regards,Steve