which binos?

gamoboy · 02-14-2010, 02:18 PM

i just went to the local academy sports store and looked at a few binos. all were nikons though. they are on clearence. i picked up a pair of trailblazer 10x50 and couldnt really get them to focus right. then picked up a pair of nikon 10-20x50 nikon action zooms. these things were awesome. love the zoom feature. then i picked up just a pair of 10x50 actions. the were pretty good focus fast and were reasonably priced. which ones would you choose?

the wife also picked me up a rangefinder this morning while i was still sleeping. it is the bushnell 850. pretty nice, compact and leight weight. i think they are only 8oz.

mrpibb · 02-14-2010, 02:22 PM

The Nikon Monarch or Monarch x in 10x42 or 8.5x45 are hard to beat for the money. Im using monarch x 8.5x45 this year and have had really good results from them.

gamoboy · 02-14-2010, 02:26 PM

may look at them tomarrow depending on the price. these range from 69.88 to 159.88

SandSquid · 02-14-2010, 02:32 PM

There is really only one option.. VORTEX

gamoboy · 02-14-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandSquid

There is really only one option.. VORTEX

yeah if i had the money thats what i would be buying no doubt about it. maybe one day. vortex does have some really nice glass though.

Supermag · 02-14-2010, 05:26 PM

Although this goes for most things, it goes for optics especially; buy the best you can possibly afford.

For binos, I would recommend an objective of at least 40mm (8x40, 10x42, etc).

Chris · 02-14-2010, 06:34 PM

Vortex... they have something in every price range. You can't beat them.

gamoboy · 02-14-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Vortex... they have something in every price range. You can't beat them.

the cheapest pair of 10x50s are 309msrp. im not wanting to spend that much

Chris · 02-14-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamoboy

the cheapest pair of 10x50s are 309msrp. im not wanting to spend that much

when it comes to optics, you learn real quick, you get what you pay for.

gamoboy · 02-14-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

when it comes to optics, you learn real quick, you get what you pay for.

i understand chris. if i had the money i would buy a pair of vortex glass. as of right now i am on a budget with getting everything i need for 3d right now.

Supermag · 02-14-2010, 09:43 PM

cameraland has the Vortex Diamondback 10x50s for $250, don't know if that's in your range. Another that is much more affordable is the Crossfire 10x42 for $150

conquest · 02-15-2010, 07:00 PM

Check out the Alpen shasta ridge. Nice bino's for the price

hstubblefield · 02-15-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by conquest

Check out the Alpen shasta ridge. Nice bino's for the price

+1 I have a pair of 8.5x50s great optic hey gamo I am going to send you a pm

Josh_Putman · 02-16-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

when it comes to optics, you learn real quick, you get what you pay for.

I can definitely attest to that. I bought a pair of Bushnell Trophy's in 8x42 for $150, and I would have to say that was $149 too much. They were good in the store, but once I got out on a 3d course it was a different story. They have worked somewhat OK for the last five years I have had them, but I am seriously thinking about offing them and upgrading.

My local range deals Vortex, and they have a pair of 10x42 for $259 if I remember correctly. I'm not sure which model they are, but I am thinking I am going to start saving for them.

troubleshooter · 02-16-2010, 09:08 PM

Love my pair of Vortex 10x50 vipers

clearest set of glass I have ever had the pleasure of using

They are just amazing optics. highly recomend them

Jhorne · 02-17-2010, 08:01 AM

http://www.zen-ray.com/

Huntelk · 02-17-2010, 08:09 AM

From my years of experience using and selling the full range of optics I would recommend just going without binoculars until you have saved enough to get in to at least the $300 range. There are lots of good choices out there with Nilon and Vortex being the best in that price range.

Do yourself a favor and hold onto that $150 as in my experience even the $225-$250 binos are not even worth walking out of the store with.

After learning of the difference I traded in a gun (painful choice at the time)to get my first set of good bino's. That was one of the best purchases i've ever made.