"Best" binoculars for spotting

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snaketail2
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"Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by snaketail2 »

I'm thinking about a new pair of binoculars for spotting. I've been using cheap 7-power with decent optics, but want to move up. Suggestions?

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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by jnyork »

I use Nikon 8 power, I have tried 10 power but didn't like them, the focus was too critical and they magnified my wiggle too much. With the Nikons I can see every hit or miss clearly with no doubt. IMHO, quality of the image is much more important than the magnification factor.
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by Tlee »

snaketail2 wrote:I'm thinking about a new pair of binoculars for spotting. I've been using cheap 7-power with decent optics, but want to move up. Suggestions?

Michael
"Best"
Image
I hear they start around $1500 for a 14x... $1200 or so for a 12X cheapo =p~

"What I use"
Image
I use the 10 to 18 power version.... I think (don't recall the top end cause I keep them at 10X unless I find a support to lean on).
The 10X fixed retails for $179... I bought my used zoom capable pair from another shooter for $100, iirc.

"What I use if my wife or son borrows the Nikon setup above"
Image
8X fixed... Retails for $170... Received mine as a gift.... Not sure I'd pay that much for them if I'd bought them for myself. I'd say clarity of it is on par with the Nikon... I personally don't notice that much diff in 8X versus 10X.

my .02,

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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by lijeboy »

Michael:

I use the Leupold BX-2 Acadia 12X50. Glenn uses Leupold Rogue 8X25.

I had to go to the higher power for the longer distances. They' Acadia is very clear. They run about $250 at MidwayUSA.

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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by edgehit »

Oh man, the answer is a personal choice and depends on a lot of personal preferences. I've looked through a lot of glass for cowboy and hunting so here's what I can offer.

8 power is the low end. 10 is better. Anything higher you ought to go the stabilized route.

Stabilized - Nikon products are pretty good. Fujinon as well but they are optimized for ocean use and can be bouncy on dry land. I got motion sickness trying to get the view locked in. The canon IS 10x30 may be the best all round value with good glass and stabilization. These can be found at good prices on eBay. They're very light and easy to tote on the range line

Porroprism. Nikon, fujinon, Steiner. Any order listed. I've seen good pawn shop deals on nikons. Their view is great

Roof prism - Pentax has the best value followed by the nikon monarchs. Sky's the limit on budget? Swarovski! I've looked thru some crappy roof prism glass. It's out there. You get what you pay for in this binocular style. I tried to use a loaner pair of bushnells and I could do a better job with naked eye. They were that bad
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by snaketail2 »

Sky's the limit on budget? -
No, there is definitely a limit on the budget. I'm seeing Nikon 8X on eBay around $75 - that is closer to my "budget."

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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

Post by Bob259 »

I picked up a set of Nikon Trailblazers ATB (10x50) which were not that much and they are crystal clear (the model I have is now discontinued :( ). PPKNY tried them and liked them so well he bought a set for himself to use, so that must be good because PPKNY is a little tight you might say :D .
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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FrugaL Bob the word is frugal.
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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ppkny wrote:FrugaL Bob the word is frugal.
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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It is not quite Easter but the word Pete is "CHEAP" :))
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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Pete, "Spendthrift" has more class.
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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paladinhgwt wrote:It is not quite Easter but the word Pete is "CHEAP" :))
I believe you and I are better qualified in classifying his mannerisms than he is as we have suffered through it for many uears :). The best part is if we asked his wife I believe she would agree with our assessment :shock: :ymdevil:
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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A "CHEAP" person that wouldn't let you take all those recyclable cans back home with you?
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Re: "Best" binoculars for spotting

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Innocent wrote:A "CHEAP" person that wouldn't let you take all those recyclable cans back home with you?
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He DIDN'T!!!!! He took them out and put all them in the trash!!!! X( ;) =)) After all that work that everyone did helping to collect them he dumps them in the trash. At $0.05 each we had a bunch of travel money there. :(
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