Binoculars, your input wanted

[dubleuhb]

So my big black Friday purchase will be to get a new set of binoculars to use while hunting.

Something like the 8X32 I have now that all the lens covers have been scattered across WNY and can't be replaced. I use them constantly as I hate wearing glasses while afield but my vision isn't what it used to be.

Any recommendations, willing to spend 300ish for the right pair.

 

[Jmac00]

I personally like Bushnell Bi-Noc's. I have water PROOF set in 8x36. they are a good size (physically) and they are rugged. and not to expensive

 

[FLA45fan]

I've been using a pair of Wind River (Leupold) 10x23 that I love for most of my looking. Waterproof and super sharp, lightweight - nearly perfect. Downside is not the best in low,low light. Next up a pair of Steiners 8x30 marine from West Marine. Better in low light (because of the bigger glass) but not as clear because of the type of focussing. Not as small as the Leupold but rugged and waterproof. West Marine did price match, got them for $209 a few years ago. In the meantime I have a least six other pair accumulated over the last 30 years that fail either by inadequate low light capabilities, not waterproof, or just cheap stuff. If you're going to do it, buy once, cry once.

 

[dubleuhb]

Liking these so far;
Leupold BX-3 Mojave Pro Guide HD Binoculars 8x42mm , $479.99
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42mm ATB Binoculars, $499.95
Bushnell 8x42mm Elite E2 Binocular with ED Glass, $467.99

 

[NirvanaFan]

I have the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42. I bought them for a trip to CO last year. They are pretty decent for the money. If you are just hunting around here, I would think about sticking to an 8x though. 10 may be a little overkill.

 

[masterswimmer]

Bought my daughter these for birding, she loves them:

CASCADES 8X42MM BINO by LEUPOLD

 

[dsdmmat]

I use Nikon Binoculars. I dropped one pair on the concrete, it screwed them up knocking the prisms loose. I contacted Nikon USA and told them what happened and they told me to ship them to them. I sent them back, they repaired them and shipped them back to me at no cost.
Nikon Monarch Binoculars | Nikon Monarch Binocular Sale

ACULON A211 10-22x50 from Nikon

This is the pair I use at the range.

 

[dsdmmat]

I have the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42. I bought them for a trip to CO last year. They are pretty decent for the money. If you are just hunting around here, I would think about sticking to an 8x though. 10 may be a little overkill.

Bushnell's warranty is not the best in the business. I had a set that was shipped back from Afghanistan they had been damaged in shipment. They were still in the original packaging and somehow the prisms came loose in shipping. They were the only optics damaged in that container. I sent them back and they Bushnell did offer to repair them or replace them for 1/4 of the original cost. While it is decent of them to do that, Nikon beats the pants off Bushnell for Warranty and clarity (IMO).

 

[thegatman]

Steiner's or leupold

 

[Catskillkid]

Have two pairs. An older Bushnell and a new Nikon. Like both of them. Probably can't go wrong with either brand or some of the others folks here are mentioning.

 

[Robin]

I have two Nikon's one 8x and one 10x. I know their are better ones on the market because they cost three to eight times as much for what looks to me to be the same thing. If there is a difference with the down range image, its lost on me, mine are as bright, crisp and clear as anything.
Robin

 

[Brewster6514]

I used to think 10x would be too much but after using my nikon 10x42 prostaff 7 i have changed my mind. These binos are the best i have ever used.

 

[dubleuhb]

I ended up buying 8X32 Vortex Diamondbacks.
Really like them and the warranty. Used them yesterday to find out what I was looking at while deer hunting, confirmed it was a buck, put on about a 50 yard stalk and got close enough to put him down.

I went to Cabelas and looked through a ton of them, really can't say there is much difference in quality but the price and warranty sold me.

 

[oc shooter]

Stiener or leupold love them both was kinda disapointed that the leupold was made in china

 

[Day444]

Nikon makes a great line of glasses.