Binocular Education?

[Frankly]

Thinking I want a good pair of binoculars - not the beat 20-year old $45 Bushnells - but not thousands either. Low to mid hundreds is doable.

Purpose:
- looking at bullet holes in targets 50 to 300 yards.
- looking at animals about the same.

I already have a low power spotting scope that is nice quality and compact so I rather aim for a full size pair of binoculars that are large enough to gather light for low light, early and late. I don't mind the size and weight, most of it is within sight of the car or simply hiking without hunting.

NOW WHAT?

Am I better off buying a bigger used pair of a quality brand or a new pair from a Made-in-China wonder?

Roof Prism, multicoating right? 8x42, 10x50, those are all big boys, right?

 

[freddy]

I am probably wrong, but to recognize bullet holes at 300 yards won't 8x or 10x be a bit underpowered?

 

[freddy]

But you said size and weight don't matter, right?

 

[freddy]

I am pretty impressed with the Vortex Viper HD binoculars. Maybe the 15x50 will work for you?

 

[Frankly]

I am probably wrong, but to recognize bullet holes at 300 yards won't 8x or 10x be a bit underpowered?

IDK, you're probably right, I need what, a 16x or 20x scope?

What are those guys using for Spotting Scopes at the Precision Rifle Matches where they shoot 3-5x as far? 50x?

 

[freddy]

IDK, you're probably right, I need what, a 16x or 20x scope?

What are those guys using for Spotting Scopes at the Precision Rifle Matches where they shoot 3-5x as far? 50x?

What power is your spotting scope?

 

[freddy]

I must be blind as a bat. I use a 60x spotting scope for 100 yards.

 

[Frankly]

I've been reading up since I posted, I think I have the basics down. Realizing what I really want is a 20-60x spotting scope like you see people using, doh. Sorry to be a dope again, it's late.

So more like, what are the best value, mid-level brands and models? Baraska doesn't look too expensive, is it junk?

 

[Acer-m14]

That was my job in the NAVY , stripping that ships bino down and replacing all the glass in it .. repainting it making it all new again ..

and yep , you really need a spotting scope for what you want to do ..

But you said size and weight don't matter, right?

 

[Acer-m14]

I've been reading up since I posted, I think I have the basics down. Realizing what I really want is a 20-60x spotting scope like you see people using, doh. Sorry to be a dope again, it's late.

So more like, what are the best value, mid-level brands and models? Baraska doesn't look too expensive, is it junk?

I have a baraska sniper scope , not sure on what it really sold for , i just had to pay the sales tax on it thru work .. and its working fine on my .223 bolt ..
holds zero well for bouncing around in the truck laying on the seat .. all i can say for that brand ..

 

[dsdmmat]

These are the ones I own and use. I have had them for 5 years.
Nikon Aculon A211 Outdoor Binocular - 10-22x50 8252 w/ Free Shipping and Handling
I dropped them on concrete and Nikon repaired and shipped them back to me without any cost to me.

I have been looking at upgrading my spotting scope, right now I have a 20-60x60 Simmons and it works well but, I have been looking at these. Nikon Prostaff 5 20-60x82mm Zoom Spotting Scope w/ Free S&H — 3 models

 

[Koz]

I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for in optics (to a point). A spotting scope at about 350-500+ bucks is probably going to have decent glass, coatings, water/fog proofing and durability. As a brand I'm a big fan of Nikon thru their entire line-up for the money. My range buddy has a Vortex that is quite nice. I have an old Swift spotting scope for birding that has stood the test of time, very hard times. I would tend to stay away from the lower end stuff. Check someone like Cabelas and read the reviews. Maybe try Gander Mtn, you might score a good deal before they close.

 

[freddy]

That was my job in the NAVY , stripping that ships bino down and replacing all the glass in it .. repainting it making it all new again ..

and yep , you really need a spotting scope for what you want to do ..

What was reason to replace glass? Broken? Etched? Improved design? Other?

 

[Fenucho]

If you want something good that won't break the bank...

Konus 7120B 20x-60xx80mm

If you have the extra cash, I'd go with a Vortex Diamond back.

I've looked at both, and unless you're a scope snob, you'll be happy with the Konus.

 

[Acer-m14]

What was reason to replace glass? Broken? Etched? Improved design? Other?

anything from the ships to the optical shop .. everything got tore down and all glass replaced standard op , strip off all old paint and redo and bake it on ..

we and myself did .. ships and boat compass's
telescopic aladade's

sextants ..

gun sights , anything optical .. but no eye glasses .. that was a another field .. LOL ..

if i would have went to C school that would have covered periscopes on subs ..

 

[Day444]

That was my job in the NAVY , stripping that ships bino down and replacing all the glass in it .. repainting it making it all new again ..and yep , you really need a spotting scope for what you want to do ..

Those "Big Eyes" were great! I've taken a look at Ruski ships and planes, even a snorkel threw those. Must have been a tough job taking that sucker apart. By the way, thanks for you service from a fellow squid! (ABH2)