Binoculars for a Newbie?
 

Okay, so there are literally hundreds to choose from! Anyone have a favorite pair? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/b...px?c=135&s=161
Thanks!

It's always comes down to how much are you prepared to spend !

Check out this site;

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


I use Nikon Monarchs;

http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-12...inoculars.html


Need harness as well................here is the best one !

http://www.badlandspacks.com/index.php?go=Packs_Acc03



Don't get bit by the bug; it can get expensive !!!

I spent most of my money on hunting and fishing, and just wasted the rest (LOL).

What about Kruger? And of course I like these but I think I would get kicked out of the truck... :)
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/b...px?c=135&s=161

Leave Columbia to make sportsware.

Buy binos from a optic company.


Look under binoculars By Price (right side)

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

Kruger is an optical company. They have factories in Sisters, OR (the corporate headquarters), have their own glass manufacturing facility, Pacific Rim Optical ,in China and they own their own manufacturing and assembly facility, also in China. Their engineers and founders are mostly Leupold and Bushnell former employees. They built the Columbia line for Columbia, and among others build binoculars for others, notably Cabela's Alpha Extreme, and one of the Pine Ridge models.

I have both a Kruger Caldera and a Nikon Monarch and the Monarch is totally outclassed. If you are thinking of Kruger. the Caldera is a top choice.

Wow! Thanks! You men are quite the resource. So, now that i'm picking your brains, let's talk gear. Without looking like I'm trying too hard, what do I need to own as far as personal gear to not make anyone feel like they have to babysit me? I'm good on the basics, but I want to pull a few rabbits out of my hat. (bad joke)

You're kidding right ???!!!

About which part? :)

Annie,

I can only say to buy something that has a lifetime warranty.

Buy it once !!!

Vortex is the best warranty in the business right now.........."no questions asked" - got to love that.

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


As far as other gear; start here _ and than fill it with everything you might "need", if you have to spend the night.

http://www.badlandspacks.com/index.p...Packs_AllPacks

Same kind of warranty.


As I told you, this can get expensive........................

Thanks, Sheridan. I'm trying to find the balance between completely jumping in, and letting him take charge. I want to make sure I have gear I am comfortable with, but I don't want to break the bank!

the vortex talon is a great binocular, good for various uses, good glass, and its got that warranty =) Can't go wrong with this one. Good luck

As you mentioned, there are many, many choices. The early on considerations that need to be dealt with are typically (1) Use and (2) Price. It has been my experience that with any optical devices from binoculars to spotting scopes to camera lenses, etc., there are no secrets out there in the industry. Makers of these devices usually attempt to carve themselves out a niche based upon these two issues. Some attempt to cover all the bases. You will find the lower end, from about $150 down, is saturated with "brands". Many of these "brands" are made on contract by the same manufacturers. I am not a fan of lower priced optics becasue of past experience. On the other end are what are considered "top of the line" binoculars, which are indeed superb. But they carry a hefty price tag, whether it be Ziess, Swarovski, Lieca, etc. I will admit that I am a user of the top end stuff, and highly recommend both Swarovski and Nikon's best. But in my opinion, the "values" are found in the $350 - $500 range. I am certainly not able to compare across a large number of different brands/models. But I can say that the Pentax models in the $450-$500 range are great. I have used them and have bought them as gifts. My wife uses the top end Bushnell 8x40 and it is very nice for the $$$. I have Nikon's top end, Venturer, and I have the top end Swarovski. The Nikon was priced at about 75% of the Swarovski and I cannot tell one iota of difference. But stiil you are in the $1000 range. couple of buddies of mine have the top end Ziess. Very, very nice. I have had a Nikon in the $250 range. Not worth the $$$. I was given the best Simmons compacts that cost about $75 a few years back .... junk. I have a Minolta compact that came in an Atlanta Olympics "gift pack". These bino's cost about $125 back then ... very, very good.

So ... long story short. For general hunting, look at bino's in the $400 range for value. Something in 8x40 should be sufficient. If it is a compact, say for bow hunting ... probably a Pentax or Minolta in the $125 range would be OK. If you have the big bucks, forget all of this and go straight to Ziess or Swarovski.

go with the nikon or leopold.they are better than the low end and not overpriced like the top end.$400 should get you a pair you will like. anything less you wont be satisfed with.

I'm not sure of your price range, but I extremely recommend bushnell powerview 10x32 roof prism. $35. I mean they are no $200+ binocular but they are terrific, compact, powerful, and the roof prism makes for a brighter view in low light situations.

Look @ the Vortex or Zen Ray stuff, there is something in you price range from each of them!!

Don;t know what the warranty is but from the same site:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=873902