Sub $1k bino recommendations

[mckrob]

I’ve personally had a bad experience with Nikon years ago, my Monarch binoculars somehow lost their alignment and it was a year long battle to get them repaired under warranty. I vowed to never give them any further business.

I believe in spending a bit more upfront when it comes to optics. I’ve got Leica Ultravid 10x42, Leica Trinovid 10x25, and Swarovski EL 10x50, with the Ultravids being my all-around favourite.

If the under $1000 budget is set in stone, take a look at Minox, Meopta, Vortex, or Steiner.

 

[Longstud]

I owned a set of Steiner 10x50 predators for a few years that I used while guiding and they worked awesome. Ive given them to a young new hunter who is now enjoying them. The reason I bought the Leicas off the EE. Just seen a brand new pair of 8x42 Steiners and the price has come down three times i believe. Good buy waiting to be picked up

 

[riversrest]

The Zeiss Classic binos (with the rubber armour, Made in Germany) are excellent, imo. Rugged with very nice glass. They can sometimes be found in very good condition between $600 - 800. That would be my choice...

 

[prairieguy]

I strongly suggest buying used once you find the right deal on a pair of Leica, Zeiss or Swarovski binos.

There are some good deals to be had here in the equipment exchange if you are patient.

As an example, I recently picked up a pair of Leica 8x20 BCA in mint condition of the EE for $350 delivered. Retail on these is around $675 plus tax. Probably not quite what you are looking for but I wanted a pocket size set of binos to take on hikes and these fit the bill perfectly.

Sylvestre Sorts has a couple of used pair that you should consider if the lenses are in pristine condition.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...porting-goods-used-binoculars?highlight=zeiss

These ones are a bit over your budget but are a fantastic set of binos. https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/for...-Trinovid-Binoculars-10x42-BA?highlight=leica

 

[AP]

18055917[/URL]]I’ve personally had a bad experience with Nikon years ago, my Monarch binoculars somehow lost their alignment and it was a year long battle to get them repaired under warranty. I vowed to never give them any further business.

I believe in spending a bit more upfront when it comes to optics. I’ve got Leica Ultravid 10x42, Leica Trinovid 10x25, and Swarovski EL 10x50, with the Ultravids being my all-around favourite.

If the under $1000 budget is set in stone, take a look at Minox, Meopta, Vortex, or Steiner.

regarding Nikon … I have personally had extremely positive experiences with Nikon Canada service. I feel compelled to share this fact. In regard to binoculars … many years ago I purchased (used) an 8x,30 porroprism binocular which were the predecessor to the type ‘E’ … I subsequently knocked them off a shooting bench on to a concrete floor.

After using these glasses for several years It appeared to me that the collimation might be out by a tiny amount ….. I contacted Nikon Canada who pointed out that they were over 35 years old and no longer manufactured .. and that they didn’t believe any of their current staff could ‘repair’ them. I pointed out that I was very fond of them (which I was) … heard nothing for a week and then was told to send them in for an assessment. 10 days after that I got the binoculars back with the collimation corrected and a note saying “No Charge” .

I have also had an Nikon F2 which has never needed repair after almost 50 years of service. Admittedly I don’t shoot much film these days but when I did I used to buy it in 100ft bulk rolls which I went through pretty quickly. My experience with Nikon is that their products seldom need service … and when they do … their service department (in Canada anyway!) is outstanding!