Light all-round binoculars for $1000

C

canoetrpr

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
13   0   0
Location
Just North of Toronto
I realize that I can spend an unlimited amount of money but I'd like to limit it to no more than $1000.

I'm looking for a pair of 8x binos to use as my all round pair for hunting. I've only just taken up hunting and will spend a bit of time in a tree stand for bow hunting, rifle hunt in the fall up in northern Ontario for deer, moose next year, maybe elk some day out west.

I'd like them to be sharp, clear and light so I won't think twice about having them on me.

A friend suggested a pair of compact Swarovski. I think he said he has the 10x25 and loves them. I don't know if these are the CL model or the pocket binos.

Originally, I was thinking of the Vortex Viper or Zeiss Conquest HD based on reviews but I don't know if these will fit my criteria for light.

I can always benefit from saving some coin. I need a range finder, and many other things.

Thoughts?
 
You can get the swarovskis in an 8x and you will find with a compact set 8x is the more useable magnification. Easier to scan with, more stable, more light.

I own a set of Vortex Viper 8x25s that were at the $500 mark that I was happy with. But you will find sharper glass from the big german companies.

Don't buy the Zeiss Conguest 8x or 10x compacts. Last I checked they weren't properly waterproofed.

The swaros would be a good call. I'm partial to the leather covered compacts if you can find them.

Also look through a set of Leica trinovids if you can find them. Similar price point, arguably warmer but equally clear glass.

If you see a set of Vortex Razor compacts anywhere: try them too. They'll be amazing glass, but likely a little heavier than the Swarovski CLs or the Leica Trinos
 
My Minox German HG's were open-box / 50% off from Cameraland. Take a look at their demo/sample section.
 
i have the zeiss 10x25. had them for a couple of years now ,nice light compact . sure like them .no troubles at all.
 
Just bought the Sightron S3 LR binos, approx 700$.
Those are the best binos I have ever seen
awesome glass, and build quality. I didn't know looking through binos could be that clear, I am astonished. I was used to the coke bottle feeling when looking through binos. With that, it's so real.
h ttp://info.sightron.com/Binoculars/SIII-LR-Series/SIIILR1042/
they also make a 8x version
 
Also try to look at/compare the 7x,26 Bushnell Elite ... they are porroprism and can be had new (or used - cheaper) for around $300 They were originally a B&L bino and went through several iterations in body design etc BUT they are all good glasses and for many people not far enough off the Leitz, Zeiss, Swaro mini's optically to make the xtra cost of the high end binos justifiable. The slightly larger objective does not significantly increase overall "packability" and the larger objective enhances low light performance and larger exit pupil is helpful when hand holding without a support. I have one of the first set of mini roof prisms ( a set of Konica 8x,20) also have 8x20bca Trinovids ...but I really enjoy my 7x,26 porro's.

I also like 6x,30 porro's but thats another story.....
 
I've been carrying a pair of Swarovski 8x30 SLC's for over 15 years now, ( can't remember when I bought them ), and while they were expensive at the time, I've never regretted it. I believe the SLC line is discontinued, but a quick check at Cabelas shows a pair of 8x30 CL for just under $1000. Older SLC's turn up on the EE from time to time.

I've never liked the very compact binoculars that were a big fad at one time. The field of view is too narrow, and I found it almost impossible to use them with glasses. The 8x30's aren't the best low-light binocular, but in most areas legal shooting light ends before the binoculars become ineffectual.
 
Many years ago I bought a pair of IOR (Romania) 8 X 42 binoculars. Very clear, and I can look through them for hours without any eye strain. I could not be happier with them. I understand that repair service is very difficult to obtain but they are built like a tank.

B
 
Sightron has really great binoculars, very happy with my SII 8x32 blue sky's, compact and excellent clarity at a very reasonable price. Tried a few others at 2x+ the price and my eyes couldn't tell the difference.
 
Any idea where the Sightron's are made folks?

On another note, just missed a deal on a non SV version of EL 8x32s darn!. I've found a pair of Zeiss Victory 8x32s for $1200. What do you guys think of those?
 
Dang. My luck win used stuff is just not good today. Owner has decided to keep them. I'm going to take a drive to the Wild Birds in Guelph who is the distributor for Vortex and seller of other brands also. I've got to feel these an look through them. I love getting a deal on used. Hate to have to wait around for the right deal to come by.
 
Spent a goodly amount of time with Wild Birds Unlimited / Eagle Optics in Guelph today. I didn't end up purchasing at the end but it was well worth the drive. They stock Swarovski, Leica, Minox, Kona and Vortex binoculars. Also had a number of spotting scopes. If any one is looking to purchase a pair, this is a great place to go. They really take the time with you.

It got down to the point where while optically I was more than happy with the Vortex Viper at $619, ergonomics wise the Swarovski 8x32 ELs had everyone beat by a large margin - IMHO. For me, eye relief was a big deal. Turns out I need A LOT and the Swarovski has the most (20mm) among the bunch with Minox with the least (15mm). Plus the open bridge design made a huge comfort difference to me for some reason.

I guess there is a reason they are priced at $2100 + !!!!!

I was ready to drop $1k or so but it was well beyond that so I could not bite the bullet. Since ergonomics was so much of a big deal to me rather than optics, I'm going to keep looking for a pair of the non Swarovision 8x32s and hope that I find a pair for as close to $1k as possible. Seeing that I missed a pair that was almost new at $1150, I'm hoping if I am patient I will find one.

Very worst case, I think I have decided that instead of compromising and dropping a good $600-700 on the Vortex Vipers or any others, I will get the Sightron Big Sky II 8x32s which are on Amazon for $179 (will probably get them from Mystic if he carries them) and get great reviews!! Figure that will be more than enough for hunting season this year and I'm sure I can pass them on to my kids and get the dream pair in the future some time.
 
SND said:
Sightron has really great binoculars, very happy with my SII 8x32 blue sky's, compact and excellent clarity at a very reasonable price. Tried a few others at 2x+ the price and my eyes couldn't tell the difference.
Click to expand...

That's true. I own Sightron SIII "rifle scope" and the lens has excellent clarity for that price. I decided to order Sightron SII 8x32 Blue Eyes however it is backordered. Know what this means? Many bird watchers keep purchasing Sightron binoculars for the right price.
 
No Fear - where did you try to order them from? I'm still undecided. I have a couple folks that have offered me Swarovski's and I'm trying to figure out if I want to spend the dough, go for something middle of the road like Vortex Vipers or get the Sightron.
 
We had Sightron SIII 8X32 Tactical at Sniper Concentration and they were well received by the professionals there. Others prefer the magnesium versions of these Japanese binos.

Regards,

Peter
 
I ended up purchasing a pair of new Vortex Vipers 8x42 HD. Pretty good deal - $475 US, $500 even after shipping. I'll pick up when I am State-side next week. I've handled them before and find the eye relief is comfortable for me. They aren't Swaros but I figure given the things the birders say, the will do this new hunter just fine for now.

So many more purchases to do for now, it was hard to justify $1200-2500 for better glass. Some day in the future.

Plus I like getting a good deal.

Now I'm looking at what a good 4-16x scope would be for my Cooper 280AI. Seems Sightron has some nice scopes and everyone who has them speaks of them highly. I will expand my search on that front.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom