Binocular recommendations, please.
Jul 8, 2015 16:08:10 #
Jul 8, 2015 16:11:45 #
Several Years ago I was in need of good glass to replace a not so good 7X50, used mainly for boating and I needed a good pair for an Alaskan cruise. Your needs may differ, but after much research I got Zen Ray vistas in 8x40 and 10x40 and they have been excellent at approx $150 ea. They are good for birding, sailing, and general use. I find that the close focusing ability really separates these binos from other excellent and amazingly inexpensive glass, such as the Bushnell H20s, which can be had for less than $100 if you shop hard. The price of quality binos has dropped significantly over the last few years. I have heard that the BK4 prisms have gotten much cheaper to produce due to technical advances in manufacturing, but that may just be something unverified I read on the internet. They are made in China, as are most of the mid-range and lower glass, including the Japanese names, but everyone I shown them to has bought them!
Jul 8, 2015 16:24:59 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
YoungEsqr wrote:
Thank you, sir. I appreciate your recommendation and promise not to get on your wrong side again. :-)
If you can, go to a camera store and try some out. When you look through the Zeiss and others at that level you will see quite a difference from the lower levels. You do have to pay a lot for that difference.
Jul 8, 2015 16:54:43 #
For the money, the Bushnell HD binoculars are amazing. $300 range. Swarovski are the best but are about 6 Times the price. I have both and the Bushnell HD ' are very good. Caveat, kinda heavy
Jul 8, 2015 17:24:01 #
I have the Eagle Optics Ranger 10X42. My wife has the 8X42. They have good optics, are very light and we especially like that they focus as close as 5.2 feet.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/eagle-optics-ranger-ed-10x42-binocular
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/eagle-optics/eagle-optics-ranger-ed-10x42-binocular
Jul 8, 2015 18:25:14 #
Depends upon what you want them for, but if you want fantastic resolution and brightness I recommend Swarovski hands down.
I am an avid birder, and struggled for years with inferior binoculars, finally I bit the bullet and got the best! NEVER regretted it.
I am an avid birder, and struggled for years with inferior binoculars, finally I bit the bullet and got the best! NEVER regretted it.
Jul 8, 2015 20:36:03 #
After reading most of the posts, I think you can see that there are many very good bins on the market. As I recommended earlier, I use vortex and like them a lot. You can spend two to three times more money and get really super glass, but for my money I like vortex. My first pair of decent binoculars, which I still have, are 10x Pentax roof prism. I probably have had them 20+ years. I made the mistake of putting them in my checked luggage on the airline, and after that they would not focus correctly. I contacted Pentax, told them what happened and inquired about repair. I told them I did not know when or where I purchased them, and of course no receipt. Their only question was if I was the original purchaser, which I was. They instructed me to send the binoculars to them, and they repaired at no charge, even paid return podtage. Other friends I know have had similiar experience with other companies.
Jul 8, 2015 22:55:25 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
latebloomer wrote:
If you can, go to a camera store and try some out. When you look through the Zeiss and others at that level you will see quite a difference from the lower levels. You do have to pay a lot for that difference.
If you are backpacking or hiking, size and weight might be a consideration.
Jul 8, 2015 23:19:14 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
Birdglass44 wrote:
Eagle Optics 8 x 42 Ranger ED on sale for $329 - very good optics, close focus to 5' and 24 oz. Very well respected by all my birding friends
We have two pair and couldn't agree more!!!
Jul 9, 2015 11:28:35 #
balticvid
Loc: Queens now NJ
Deylight wrote:
Leica. The best!
I have never looked thru anything better than a Leica!
Jul 9, 2015 11:32:23 #
Jul 9, 2015 11:42:40 #
balticvid
Loc: Queens now NJ
Frisco wrote:
I have both, and think Swarovsky is brighter and most comfortable.
I haven't tried Swarovskys yet.
Jul 9, 2015 11:55:42 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
balticvid wrote:
I haven't tried Swarovskys yet.
Make sure that you are sitting down when you try them or at least when you find out how much they cost.
Jul 9, 2015 17:39:43 #
balticvid
Loc: Queens now NJ
RRS wrote:
Make sure that you are sitting down when you try them or at least when you find out how much they cost.
Yeah...I heard about the cost.
Jul 10, 2015 18:24:12 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
YoungEsqr wrote:
I need to replace my binoculars and would like recommendations on a quality product that is rugged. Thanks in advance.
e leitz (leica) or carl zeiss are the best.
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