Looking to purchase first pair of binoculars

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paz

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Probably looking to purchase my first set of binoculars over the Black Friday sales. Most likely Cabelas but I'm open to shop with anyone, they're just convenient. It would just be general purpose use, 10x42 probably, something common. Any suggestions based on sales you see?
 
For a "First set" I'd go with something ca $100 or so. I have a Tasco 10x50 set I bought 15 years ago at CanTire - just for 'General porpoises' and they're fine. Not for the range over 50-yd bullet holes but OK in 'general'. I also have a Bushnell 12x50 set from Costco that were ca $100 also. Again, not for range but OK for the woods. I also have several 7 x 35 sets that I've collected over the years and some 10 x 20 sets @ ca $20. I'd suggest looking at Amazon for "Name brand" 'nocs, too.
For the range I have a 25-75 x 70 Celestron - no longer made but similar are on Amazon in the $200 price range. OK for bullet holes at the range out to 2-300 yds.
 
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Earlier this fall, I purchased a set of Leupold BX-2 Alpine binoculars. Cost was around 400$+tax. Not super cheap but not really expensive either when it comes down to it. They're great. Exactly what I had hoped for. The chest rig is useable but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes down to comfortably wearing them while out in the bush for any length of time. I bit the bullet and ordered an enclosed bino rig from Marsupial Gear. Worth every penny. Very happy with both the binos and the rig.
 
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I've had some Bushnells, Vortex, Nikon and Leupolds. They will all do the job some better than others.

I found stepping up from the base model level to the second or third level did see much better quality in terms of glass. Currently I only still have my Leupold Alpine BX-2 and a Maven C.1 Monocular. I would push you towards some Leupolds seeing as you are talking about Cabelas specifically my second choice tie between Maven or Nikon and my third choice is Burris as I just picked up one of their scopes and the glass is awesome!

That is just personal preference and what I have experience will so take it with a grain of salt! Also as Dorian Gray mentioned the Leupold included chest pack is nice and usable but not my favourite. I run a Badlands chest pack as I can fit my camera inside it as well and I got it half price a few years back.

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Dorian Gray said:
Earlier this fall, I purchased a set of Leupold BX-2 Alpine binoculars. Cost was around 400$+tax. Not super cheap but not really expensive either when it comes down to it. They're great. Exactly what I had hoped for. The chest rig is useable but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes down to comfortably wearing them while out in the bush for any length of time. I bit the bullet and ordered an enclosed bino rig from Marsupial Gear. Worth every penny. Very happy with both the binos and the rig.
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I was looking at the Marksman that are currently on sale but this be a nice step up if they get put on a Black Friday deal. Currently they're still just over $400.
 
I have a cheap set of Tasco 10x32 that I used to keep in the company truck. These were subjected to the extreme temperatures that can be found in the cab of an Alberta Pickup truck. They held up pretty well concidering the abuse they took. They are not a great glass compared to my Vortex Diamond Back 12 x 32's But what do you expect for a $25.00 pair of Binoculars
 
nathwald said:
I purchased these a few years ago, and would highly recommend them.
https://wolverinesupplies.com/shop/optics/observation/athlon-midas-g2-10x42-uhd-binocular
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I have the same model but in 8x42 and they are really good. Very, very sharp and excellent light transmission.
I wouldn't buy really cheap binocs.
Be careful to limit your comparison shopping, though, as it's easy to upsell yourself and wind up spending too much $$ when the sales guy brings out the high-end brands. They may be better, but are they THAT much better? And eventually you'll upgrade anyway.
And good advice above. Don't buy compacts as your first pair.
 
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