Advice on buying Binoculars
- Thread starter Bigbadwolf69
- Start date
I found some Minox reasonable priced 8x40mm.
Do not recall the model, but picked them up at a bird watching store in Vancouver.
Can not speak to warranty as I have not abused them other than them bouncing around on the rear floor boards when trail riding.
Leupold in the EE pop up from time to time .
Fan boy for leupold, but also pimpin the Minox.
The search is part of the fun for your gear.
Rob
Do not recall the model, but picked them up at a bird watching store in Vancouver.
Can not speak to warranty as I have not abused them other than them bouncing around on the rear floor boards when trail riding.
Leupold in the EE pop up from time to time .
Fan boy for leupold, but also pimpin the Minox.
The search is part of the fun for your gear.
Rob
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Pantax, Nikon, leupold, minox are all really good binos.
I have a set of vortex fury(range finder bino) and I had to send them in warranty even if I didn’t abuse them. My pantax are 20+ years old and have been abused and never had an issue with them! I wouldn’t buy vortex again.
Just look and the Z series from pantax are still made in Japan!
I have a set of vortex fury(range finder bino) and I had to send them in warranty even if I didn’t abuse them. My pantax are 20+ years old and have been abused and never had an issue with them! I wouldn’t buy vortex again.
Just look and the Z series from pantax are still made in Japan!
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I use Vortex Viper 10x40, and quite like them. I strongly suggest you physically try out Binoculars before buying them to be sure they're compatible with your eyes, particularly if you wear glasses. As already stated, half the fun is in the search, enjoy!
Big Bad
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Do you know anyone seriously into birding, aka bird watching? If so, talk to them about what's popular because that is generally the best informed binocular and spotting scope community there is. Failing that, or in addition, go to a store that carries a selection and try as many as you can. If you're in Southern Ontario, the best store for that is called Wings Over Pelee in Leamington, if they survived covid and the current economy. For $800 you can get a really good bino these days but Zeiss and Swarovski are considered to have the best high end optics there are.
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rajczak_kashka
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Surrey, B.C.
I have bought mostly Steiner since getting a pair years ago. They are built like a tank and the glass is fantastic . Their tactical and military lines are exceptional
Call Omer at Precision Optics and you'll be on the right path to a solid deal and the best optics for your budget....they are a forum sponsor so including link https://www.precisionoptics.net/
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
For an all around i would suggest 10x42. I would also recommend a used pair since you can get a much better deal and most brands still offer warranty. Maven has a really good reputation but not sure if they're easy to find up here. A used pair of nikon monarch 7 would be excellent and should be doable in your price range.
I find that's a sticking point. If you're a glasses wearer bino's are difficult to get set right on your face, for your eyesight. I would be testing a lot before I bought again. - dan
I had a nice set of Minox but I sold them to a friend going to Europe for a long trip... I missed them so I tried this set from Amazon and they work really well. I am happy. Amazo's refund policy is excellent if you don't like something.
I have leupold and Minox binoculars and find the glass on these very good. Both of these scopes came in your price point when I was shopping. A bird watching site might get you more precise ratings as mine are gently used but the optics are good.
Don
Don
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Picked these off a prize table 2 years ago and wow. The new ED glass is a game changer. I only wish they had some 15 X 50's . A friend has the Vortex Diamondback 15 X 50's and although the glass isn't quite as nice, that 15X is sweet.
https://scorpionoutdoors.com/shop/10x42-ed-binoculars/
Minox is good value for the dollar.
Leupold is also good, but try to stick to the Bak4 prism models for better performance.
Cannot say enough good things about Kahles, Swarovski and Leica binos, but most will be above your price range...that being said you can find some deals on used ones. I own all 3 and have for a number of years (my Swaro SLC 10x42s are 28 years old and still going strong). My wife uses the Kahles, and I use my Leicas more now as they are RF. The SLCs get used for archery competition mostly now where I cannot use a RF.
If there is one rule to buying binos, it is: buy the best you can afford! (Even if you need to spend more than anticipated) You'll never regret it!
Leupold is also good, but try to stick to the Bak4 prism models for better performance.
Cannot say enough good things about Kahles, Swarovski and Leica binos, but most will be above your price range...that being said you can find some deals on used ones. I own all 3 and have for a number of years (my Swaro SLC 10x42s are 28 years old and still going strong). My wife uses the Kahles, and I use my Leicas more now as they are RF. The SLCs get used for archery competition mostly now where I cannot use a RF.
If there is one rule to buying binos, it is: buy the best you can afford! (Even if you need to spend more than anticipated) You'll never regret it!
