which 10x binos for spot and stalk

[savagelh]

looking for a new pair of binos for spot and stalk bowhunting in september in saskatchewan. I am currently using bushnell excursions and theres really nothing wrong with them but I feel I would benefit from better quality optics. Price has to be under $500. I would like a 10x42. Locking center diopter is a feature i would prefer. Looking at vortex, zen-ray, zeiss terra, minox, leupold, maybe nikon. What are some awesome binos in my price range?

 

[manitou210]

Minox 10 by 50mm work great for me

 

[mrgoat]

I have the Vortex Vipers in 10x42. Lov'em. Very crisp and clear glass. I also have the harness and I just wear them on the outside of my coat. Might be tad over your 500 dollar limit, but there worth the money.

 

[durnet]

I bought a pair of Nikon Monarch 7 - 10x42... They are excellent!

 

[jjohnwm]

Good binoculars last a loooong time, so I always keep service in mind. I've had outstanding service from Zeiss (binoculars), Leupold (scopes) and Minox (binoculars). My service experience with Swarovski was a bit disappointing (extremely slow, problem not completely corrected). Nikon's service is so atrocious (slow, expensive and rude...the trifecta of customer service!) that I don't even consider them anymore.

Not specific recommendations, just observations.

 

[savagelh]

just curious what did you need the service for from zeiss and minox binoculars? Anybody with experience with the ziess terras?

 

[jjohnwm]

The Minox were purchased new by me, and at about the 1-year mark the focus started to feel gritty. Replaced by Minox, no issues.

The Zeiss were also purchased new by me, and after more than 20 years (!) of steady hard use the focussing system was loosening up...still worked perfectly, but noticeable slop, like loose steering in a car. Zeiss had them for a couple of months, but they came back practically rebuilt: new focussing mechanism, new diopter adjustment mechanism, fully detail-cleaned...they even renewed the rubber armour, so the binocular lost 15 years' worth of character marks! They charged me only for the new rubber eyecups...expensive eyecups (German rubber?) but outstanding service.