Thoughts on hunting binocs?

S

Schikk

Member
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Hello hello!

I'm hoping for some input on my first pair of hunting binoculars.

I recognize that good glass will be critical in the field, when hours on end will potentially be spent scanning, but at the same time I always like good value in my equipment.

Three possible models I've been investigating are:
-Vortex Diamondback
-Leupold BX-2 Acadia
-Bushnell Legend Ultra HD

Does anyone have any feedback on these models or suggestion in a similar price range (sub-$300)?

Considering the style of hunting I will be doing, I will likely be looking at 8x42s.

Thanks!
 
Ill tell you right now ive broken a pair of leupolds annually from abuse ... so I have gotten to see the quality drop every year to where the plastic has gotten heinous. The gold rings may be better but I wold stay away from anything below gold ring from leupold.


As for the gold rings ... for the price I would just buy Swaro's

Will say ... although not for me I tried a pair of Vortex my friend had last year and I was pleasantly surprised
 
pilot2001 said:
Ill tell you right now ive broken a pair of leupolds annually from abuse ... so I have gotten to see the quality drop every year to where the plastic has gotten heinous. The gold rings may be better but I wold stay away from anything below gold ring from leupold.


As for the gold rings ... for the price I would just buy Swaro's

Will say ... although not for me I tried a pair of Vortex my friend had last year and I was pleasantly surprised
Click to expand...

Are the Leopold binos covered by the same type of warranty as the scopes?
 
I picked up the Vortex in 10x this past fall. I'd been set on the Acadias, but the salesgirl talked me into Vortex instead, and I'm not sorry she did. Well built and with decent glass for dollar, plus a killer warranty. They even survived a nasty fumble in the blind. Happy camper here.
 
8x42s are my favourite for "all around good" binos.

Vortex Diamondback are a solid option, but if you can wait to upgrade to a set of Vipers they're awesome.

Personally: I like having one set of small 8x32s and a larger set of 10x42s. It means you can buy in low and then upgrade later without rendering your original pair useless.

I spent $300 on my Vortex Fury 8x32s (discontinued I'm afraid) and then a few years later dropped the big $900 on the Vortex Razor 10x42s. I still use the little 8x32s all the time, but when glass and distance matter the Razors are unbeatable.

My Razors are a few years old though, so really they're closer to the current generation of Viper HDs.

57a4a9221b1611e2a3b222000a1dea20_7.jpg
 
Schikk said:
Are the Leopold binos covered by the same type of warranty as the scopes?
Click to expand...

Ya know ... they are but , It seems Leupolds warranty is getting a little bit foggier by the day. they used to be no questions asked but now they will tell you to take a walk if there is something they feel they don't want to cover.

Ive lost a lot of faith in the company. I firmly believe they are having to cut corners in tougher economic times. Sucks ... used to love the company.
 
I love Leitz binoculars, but....
the binoculars that live around my neck all September and October are Nikon Travel-lite II 9x25 - light and clear, no tired neck muscles
A different choice than above, but perfect for this old retired hunter guy.
 
pilot2001 said:
Ya know ... they are but , It seems Leupolds warranty is getting a little bit foggier by the day. they used to be no questions asked but now they will tell you to take a walk if there is something they feel they don't want to cover.

Ive lost a lot of faith in the company. I firmly believe they are having to cut corners in tougher economic times. Sucks ... used to love the company.
Click to expand...

I unfortunately have to totally agree with you on that one. I'm not looking forward to the day that I have to get warranty on either my spotting scope or binoculars; I bought both of them in the states, and apparently that might have voided the. Gold ring warranty.
Ivor
 
Sightron SII BLUE SKY 8x 32, great glass, very good price, lightweight, big FOV.
Price around 175$ in US.
Search reviews on bird watch forums, as that guys are relay picky about their glass.
 
ivor said:
I unfortunately have to totally agree with you on that one. I'm not looking forward to the day that I have to get warranty on either my spotting scope or binoculars; I bought both of them in the states, and apparently that might have voided the. Gold ring warranty.
Ivor
Click to expand...

That hasn't voided the warranty, but you probably have to send them to Leupold in the U.S. for warranty fulfillment. The Canadian distributor, Korth traditionally handled all warranty claims in Canada because their agreement with Leupold that gave them exclusivity in Canada. But a few years ago they stopped covering equipment not imported by them.
 
I use a pair of Bushnell 10x42 Excursion and they exceed my expectations in a good binocular.
Other than the goofy strap clips, I have no complaints.
Crisp, clear and do the job without any failures.............so far.
 
TheTooner said:
That hasn't voided the warranty, but you probably have to send them to Leupold in the U.S. for warranty fulfillment. The Canadian distributor, Korth traditionally handled all warranty claims in Canada because their agreement with Leupold that gave them exclusivity in Canada. But a few years ago they stopped covering equipment not imported by them.
Click to expand...

That's still not nice, but it's better than the position that I thought that I was in. I remember when I bought my 7-12X32 switchpower binocs, They where something like $1400.00 in Canada, and I got them in the US for around $800.00. Buying in Canada almost doubled the price.
Ivor
 
It is probably still worth buying Leupold riflescopes imported by Korth to have their warranty coverage, but binoculars and spotting scopes won't have the same hassles getting back from the U.S. if you have to send them there for warranty.

Anyone shopping for binoculars or spotting scopes should at least look at what CameraLandNY has to offer, because they don't have a problem exporting those. Their selection is quite varied and their prices very competitive so if nothing else you get a good basis for comparison shopping. My Minox binoculars (6.5x32IF compact, since discontinued) and spotting scope (also a compact model, MD50 16-30x50) were both CameraLandNY demo specials and have been very good value.
 
I've had Bino's for the last 30 Years and none of them held up to being stored in the box of a Four Wheeler until I bought a pair Of Steiners (Merlins) they come with a ten year warranty.I have had them now for 5 years and are still crisp and clear.Say yourself some money and get a pair.Good Luck
 
I have an excellent pair of compact Nikon binos that were a birthday gift. What's not to like? Good quality optics, fairly rugged if they're not abused and nice resolution.... what more could you ask for? Personally, for 100 m or less, I just rely on the old MK.I eyeball and use the binos if I have any question as to exactly what I'm looking at or to get finer detail on my target. For you western lads who have the luxury of looonnng shots, I would go with bigger glass and more magnification.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom