I recently got permission to hunt a friends farm and i think a decent pair of binos might benefit me over there. My stand locations have always been in thick wooded areas where i havent really needed to see much further than 100yds or so. At his farm i'll have views out to 200-300yds. Can any of you recommend a pair of binos that'll work for me that might not break the bank?
I'll be watching this thread Smokin. I need a pair for the camp and my house. Don't know anything about them besides some I've used recently called clearview. They are self adjusting(no focus) seem really nice. Don't know what they cost though. I think they were like this. Not sure where they bought them though. http://clearviewbinoculars.co.uk/acatalog/Visionary_FF_8x40.html
Steiners are world class, the focus free are hi dollar, I found them too big for toting around still or stand hunting. I sold them off and have a pair of the "Predator" line. Much smaller. Also have a pair of Nikon that are everything a guy needs hunting woods or bottom lands. Half the cost of the German made Steiners. Both of these are affordable decent binos for a working guy. My .02 cents.
My wife bird watches and she has a set of wind river by Leupold. Her spotting scope is Redfield. She's went through 4 or 5 of the $50-100 binos in the past 5 years. She got those 2 years ago and they've held up great. They were sub $300 if I remember right.
I picked up a pair of Leupold Acadia's for way under retail on ebay a few years ago. Good clear view and not too big to pack for hunting.
I was close to buying a pair of them as well. Nikon makes some really respectable optics - I think my prostaff scope is brighter at dusk than either of my Leupolds
I too like the Leopolds. They even make a good model that are the type you can slip into a shirt pocket. Mine are larger and I love the bino buddy. You slip them over your shoulder and the weight never bothers and besides, when you want them they are right there. Just pull them up and look. When done you can just drop them.
I have a pair of wind rivers 10x42 that are at least 8 years old that have been a fantastic. Clear, durable, good light gathering, not terribly heavy. We bought my son a set of Nikon, I think monarchs 10x42, last year for Christmas and he loves them. Be sure you get a pair that have the armor rubber coating. Good glass ain't cheap though ! Schoondog
