What binoculars to get?
I posted this question once a long time ago but I lost the info. I want a pair of binoculars around $200 for hunting and should be waterproof. I know the ones that most suggested was a Pentax but what model and where to buy online? All suggestions appreciated.
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Pentax are decent but would not be my first choice. If you possibly can save a little longer and buy a little better quality. It really makes all the difference if you are glassing all day. One of my favorites for under $400 is the Eagle Optics Platinum Rangers. Better than some $600 binos. For hunting deer, elk and so on, look at binos of 7-10 power (I prefer 8x42mm). Here are a couple of sites to do some comparison shopping: http://www.eagleoptics.com/
http://www.bearbasin.com http://www.natchezss.com/
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
Optics for hunting are one place where trying to skimp is probably not the best idea. Check out Cabelas Bargain Cave. Personally, the best purchase I ever made was when I broke down and saved and bought a pair of Zeiss 8x40. The difference from the cheaper pairs I had used was amazing. Consider it a lifetime investment. 0 -
The pentax model is a DCF WP and they had a huge sale on them last year with $100 rebates. You maybe able to find them on ebay used for the price you want. I have not used one but they were rated extremely high by different test reviews. A friend of mine purchashed a pair after "consulting with the enemy" (bird watchers) and he says they are awesome. I would have bought a pair but I already had leicas. I would recommend 7x42 or 8x50 for all around use and poor light conditions. I am not saying all pentax are great but this model is as good as you can get for the price. Enjoy.
Mad Dog0 -
Thanks for the good info! Now what about the difference in 8x42 and 10x42? Do you need a tri pod with the 10x42 and is it better than the 8x42? 0 -
You will not need a tripod to hold 10x42, but they are significantly heavier than the 8x's. Most hunters use 7x or 8x and birders frequently use 10x these days. If they will be around your neck all day go with a harness or a padded/neoprene neck stap to relieve the strain. You are looking at about 27 to 34 ounces.
With optics, more than most things, you get what you pay for. Save and buy the best quality you can possibly afford and they will likely last a lifetime. Buy cheap, and you will either replace them soon, or conclude binos are worthless and not make use of their advantages in hunting. Best of Luck!
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
For Cost & Quality - Try NIKON. Will rival the Steiners but at a much better price.
Caught a Sale on Leupold "WindRivers", ordered a dozen, they were a fairly good Binocular for the Price I sold them.
Don't try a "TOO CHEAP" set of Binoculars, for it is usually a "One Time Purchase". (if you get a good set to begin with).
As we speak: Jerry's - Outdoor Sports, have Roof Prizim Binoculars on closeout; Steiners for $199.00
Ronnie G. Perkins0 -
The difference betweeen the 8x42 and 10x42 is magnification and light gathering. The 10x42 will magnify things better but will also be harder to hold steady because of the strong magnification. It will also gather less light. A 7x42 and 8x50 would be about equal on light gathering with the 8x50 being a little stonger magnification and a little more weight than the 7x42.
Weight does seem to increase with the quality of the binoculars. My Leica 7x42 binos are very heavy compared to lesser quality binocs. They are also very durable and you get used to the weight. I agree with the guys on getting the best you can afford but from what I have heard and read about the Pentax DCF WP you can not go wrong with them.
Mad Dog0 -
I gave up carrying binoculars while hunting, especially in rugged country. The extra "bulk" was more trouble than it was worth. I rely on a quality rifle scope to count points on deer and elk and there is no fumbling between pieces of gear if it's the animal I want.
My normal eyesight has been good enough to see game that's in shooting, and even stalking distance without the need for binoculars.
For me, I put my money in a high quality rifle scope.
My most humble 2-cents worth,
Rafter-S
"What is truth? No wonder jesting Pilate turned away. The truth, it has a thousand faces -- show only one of them, and the whole truth flies away! But how to show the whole? That is the question."
--Thomas Wolfe, "You Can't Go Home Again" (1934)0 -
Except that a rifle scope should never be used in place of other optics, because then you are pointing a rifle at something you may regret shooting if something goes dreadfully wrong. It is just not a safe paractice!
My heros have always killed cowboys.0 -
I have to agree with He Dog. A local guy was hunting in Wyoming and was checking out Antelope horns with his scope. He was calling out "dinks" for the so so ones and his gun accidently went off and he shot a small one right in the forehead. Accidents can happen and he was fortunate his accident was only a small antelope.
The other thing is the field of view you get from binocs. I have seen deer in binocs that I have struggled to find in scopes.
Mad Dog0
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