okay..so how about this...
 

my post on the Steiner Binoculars got no response whatsoever. Possibly I phrased it wrong. So let me try it like this..lets say, for sake of arguments, I have $300 more or less, to spend on Binocs. I've always heard good things about Steiners so does anyone know any reason these 8x30's are not a good buy?

Sorry, I can't believe I missed your old post. Which model? Any specific reason you're looking at the 30mm?

So many good Binos in that price range its hard to choose.

I own a ton of Binos. Way more than I will probably ever get around to using. Its like women and shoes. I see a pair and I have to buy them. Its crazy.

Here is my short list of Under $300.


http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7294-Mon.../dp/B0033PRQB0

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62034
Those Minox for $99 bucks are a steal. Everyone should have a pair of those just to throw around in the truck or have for a extra pair in case your good pair go down.




For a Few Dollars more I might consider making the Jump to http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...binocular.html

Or

http://opticscamp.com/celestron-gran...ars-71370.html

What model are you replacing? What kind of hunting are you doing? What are you expecting from your binoculars?

Actually, yes, I can think of a reason these may not be good for you. The "auto focusing" actually means fixed focus. You focus those binoculars at the eyepieces, at which point you're done. There's no diopter, there's no focus knob, no need to adjust because the depth of field allows you to "focus" your eyes.

But, that can be limiting. You have a close focus distance of about 60 feet or so. Your eyes might have trouble focusing if you have less than ideal eyesight. In cases where you do need to see something inside that minimum focus distance (brow tines in brush inside 20 yards?), you'll spend more time messing with the eyepieces to independently focus.

Good news is that there's less moving parts so you're less likely to break something.

Fixed focus binos have their place, usually on boats, or wide open areas where there's rarely a need for close focus. I'm sure they work and are worth the money, but I think there's a reason for the fact that there's very few fixed focus binoculars geared towards hunting.

the ones I am replacing are some "standard" (I forget exactly) Nikon 7x35s....I still have my Nikon 7x50s...but I want a regular old binoc to use for hunting...but I want at least 8 power...or even 9...the 7x50sare good but awfully bulky...(they are my favorite glasses for watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders though..)

My written info is very very dated...O'Connor, Tom Brakefield...so with that $300 price tag in mind..what do you suggest?

Oh yeah...this is probably important..I don't want "mini' binocs and I do were glasses...at this stage of my life..very strong ones...(bifocals)

A knockaround pair of 7x50s are always good to have. I have a set in my office and they're usually one of the first ones I grab when I need a look at something. But you're right, they can be bulky

Some info in this thread, the topic is different but my advice would be the same: http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/opti...inoculars.html

Glasses give you a choice, you can either flip them up on your forehead and let the binoculars do the work (focused accordingly) or keep the eye cups in the lowest position and use them with glasses. Either way works, but I also wear glasses occasionally and find it more comfortable to let the binoculars do the work.

What's more important, field of view, low light performance, power, fit and finish? There's tons of options in the $200-$300 price range. At $300, there's no reason you can't get something ED or HD with the expected waterproofing/fogproofing/armor durability of the Steiners that is more appropriate for the type of hunting you do, whatever that is.

I second the Nikon Monarchs, however mine are 12X42

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-mo...binocalar.html

Here are the 8X;

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-mo...inoculars.html

3rd vote for the Monarchs. I own the 10x42s. Light, clear, bright. Great buy at this price point IMO.

So apparently my post, I did indeed phrase it wrong..since the info I am getting in this post has been extremely helpful. Thanks loads guys. Opticcamp, despite your help and your reccomendation I think I am going to go with a pair of Nikon Monarchs. The pair I am replacing are (inexpensive) Nikons, so I am familiar with the brand...

But good job, gentlemen!

Do yourself a big favor and choose the Monarch 5 over the Monarch 3. I think it is worth the difference in price and it is still in your budget.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-mo...binocular.html