I'm looking to buy two pairs of binoculars any recommendations

mikeboehm said:
So far i purchased a set of steiner predator 10x42.. and I currently have on loan a new pair of Meopta optika 8x42 which im leaning to buy and very pleased with the Meopta.
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Those might be the only European made new binos you can get for under $500. I've never tried them but Meopta seems widely respected. I saw somewhere an interpretation that they're a real hidden gem — they used to be more popular but then got displaced by the powerful Vortex marketing machine. Probably a really good value there.
 
Check the EE. I bought a like new pair of meopta meopros for 400 a few years ago and a pair of nikon monarch 5 for 210.

Bang for buck on new binoculars I'd buy the nikon monarch 5 in a heartbeat over comparable vortex or leupold.
 
mikeboehm said:
So far i purchased a set of steiner predator 10x42.. and I currently have on loan a new pair of Meopta optika 8x42 which im leaning to buy and very pleased with the Meopta.
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I have four pairs of Steiner binoculars. I also have the Predator 10x42 porro prism, great binoculars. I really like the green predator lens coating, really makes browns and reds stand out, everything looks green after you look through the predator first and then through a different brand. Also like the fact that when hunting in cold weather wearing mitts I can just lift the binoculars with one hand and not having to focus it.
 
Since we are talking budget and for kids…

10x42 Cabela Intensity. Bak4, ED glass ( Although listed as HD with ED mentioned), green rubber coating over a magnesium frame. $225. No real warranty.

This hit well above their price point. I compared it to a Nikon Monarch HG 8x42. Yes the Nikon was better and very slightly easier to use/focus. But it’s also a $1000+ binocular. The Intensity even though 10x did a fantastic job and have to say I was very surprised the intensity was as good as it was.

Having compared some similar speced binoculars that were HD and budget with bak4, they simply don’t compare. Darker, harder to focus. Some weren’t bad but not as good as the intensity.

I have some SVBONY SV202 Binocular Compact 8x32 IPX7 Waterproof ED Glasses BaK4 Prism on the way. They are also magnesium framed with rubber coating and ED glass. If they are as good as the intensity then I will be estatic . They were on sale for $119. But don’t consider the non SV202 models. Anyways looking forward to seeing how these work out.
 
If you didn’t buy yet as I haven’t read thread but tough to beat Nikon monarch7 8x30. One of the handiest lightest quality little binos going. Excel for bulk of hunting needs. Alpha glass for when seriously into the game and pulling apart scenes for hours from tripods and window mounts but that’s niche needs. Otherwise the little 8x30 bow hunts, tree stand hunts, truck hunts, stalking hunts like a champ and makes easy to always have around your neck. So light a flat lanyard makes good neck strap. Be hard to get more for the dollar.
 
So I went with the steiner predator 10x42 For my stepson And for my daughter I went with meopta optika 8x42. Pretty impressed with the 2. And the best part is I did not have to buy POS Vortex
 
mikeboehm said:
Vortex diamonback hd vs leupold bx2. Anyone have experience with these 2?
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I've been using the Diamondback HD 10x32 for a couple years and like them for the money. They aren't mountain sheep hunt stuff by any means but do an excellent job with most other big game hunts. I was easily able to spot the tiniest antlers on a young bull moose this season from 400-500 yards. When I say tiny they were smaller than his ears. My father couldn't see them through his old Bushnells and thought it was a cow. We let that guy go. Overall I wouldn't spend any more money upgrading bino's. No experience with the Leupolds but I'm rarely disappointed with a Leupold product.
 
mikeboehm said:
So I went with the steiner predator 10x42 For my stepson And for my daughter I went with meopta optika 8x42. Pretty impressed with the 2. And the best part is I did not have to buy POS Vortex
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If you want a 8x32 with ED glass then give the SVBony ones a try. When I bought them a few weeks ago they were on sale for $119. I received mine and yes they are good. Very good. I also ordered the 8x42 and 10x50. All are excellent. One review I read put them at 90% of the Monarch HG at 1/4 the price. Considering the HG goes for around $1200 Canadian and the SV202 8x42 goes for $248. SV202 have Magnesium frame, ED glass. Couldn't be happier.

Yes, not a Vortex fan either. They have some good stuff, but it's really not a bargain and you may as well just buy the high end brand instead of Vortex.
 
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