binoculars ??

boater · 11-23-2003, 05:33 PM

am using wind river 10 x 50`s and want to upgrade to a better pair, any recomendations ??, thanks.

Crayfin · 11-23-2003, 05:53 PM

Buy the best you can afford!

I should qualify that and say that if your looking WITH your binoculars but if your just looking THROUGH them you can get by with something not as "high end"

I have 2 pairs of Swarovski's and a pair of Zeiss's--they are both great glass with the nod going to the Swarovskis. I would say though that Cabelas is selling the 10x42 Zeiss's for $699 and that is less that I paid 7 years ago! They are not guaranteed water proof but mine as well as everyone I know who has had a pair have never had a problem.

Just my .02

CRayfin

Mello-Yello · 11-23-2003, 10:04 PM

Swarovskis and Zeiss are both great optics. If I'd had the money at the time, I'd have probably gone with them. Instead, I had to settle a notch down. I got some Steiner Predators. I've had em going on 6 years, and even if I had the money, I see no reason to upgrade.

Hunting desert Mule Deer (archery), I glass for hours on end and have never suffered eye fatigue. They have a special coating that is supposed to make reds and browns stand out. Since I've always had "an eye" for game, I can't really say if they've helped, but they've certainly spotted a lot of game.

My $.02

M-Y

Capin' Dan · 11-23-2003, 10:12 PM

I have the wind rivers and love them for that mid range price.
Story time:
couple of years ago while scouting elk I heard bulls bugleing while I was still in my tent in the early AM. I got up and sure enough there were about 50 cows about 500 to 1000 yds away. No Bulls or were there?
There were some biologiest using the same area we were camping in. They came over to see what I was looking at. All of a sudden I hear them talking about the nice bulls in the herd.
Swarvorski's 10X42 wow you could actually count the points on the racks were with mine you could not even tell they were bulls. I'm still waiting to afford my first pair but when I can sneak them pst the wife I will own a pair of them.

Last year my daughter went on a school camp for a week when she came home there they were a nice pair of $1000 binoc's in her bags. Yes I was nice and tracked down the parents who had my wind rivers. I did offer to trade but her wouldn't have it. I ask how his daughter was doing and he said she moght be able to walk again in a few years. :blush:

would you loan your binoc's to your children if you paid that for them. I really lectured mine about loosing them at least when they got mixed up it was to my advantage.

[ 11-23-2003, 11:14 PM: Message edited by: Capin' Dan ]

Fishbone · 11-24-2003, 07:43 AM

Before you drop thousands, check out Burris. I have been very pleased with my 10x50 "Signature" binocs. Waterproof, fogproof, warranted forever.

http://www.burrisoptics.com

troybuz · 11-25-2003, 06:06 AM

Check out the Brunton Epoch. They are in the same weight category as the Swarovski EL series.
Everything I have researched tells me there every bit as good...just a better value.
I think we will see there price drop a bit too. On Ebay, $800.00 will generally get you a set...the El's tend to get $1100.00 or so on Ebay.
Just a thought, but I definantly will only be loooking at those two models (Weight, quality) the two most important items on my list.
Good Luck,
Troy

ScottD · 11-25-2003, 05:38 PM

Try looking at Pentax. My brother has a pair (not sure what model) and they really brighten up things. My Nikons are total crap compared to the Pentax.

ultralight · 11-25-2003, 05:51 PM

I second ScottD's remarks. I tried Nikon Venturer LX and Monarch ATB, then tried Pentax DCF WP 10x42. I feel like I got a higher quality for less. A friend of mine bought a Minolta Activa WP, and he's very satisfied with it. Both models feature the phase coating.

periwinkle · 11-25-2003, 11:30 PM

Swarovski does not back up their warrenty....plus their office is on the East Coast...My son, a biologist had nothing but trouble when his expensive waterproof binocs fogged up, inside.. Cost him a bundle to get replacements... Leopolds are hard to beat,,, and they back up what they sell. Plus they are an Oregon firm. :smile:

StickFish · 11-26-2003, 06:46 AM

First off cost is comparable to quality 'generally' for binos. First thing to do is find a shop in your area that carry the gambit of high end glass. Look at close a far ojects look for extreme clarity at close objects like a dollar bill. After you decide which ones you like go to a respected optics site like SWFA, or Eagle Optics and order you binos. There is an interesting story on my web page about Binos and how my Fujinon's account for saving one life so far.

The top end is Swarovski and Leica, Ziess is in close third but there's are generally not guaranteed water proof. Khales are a step down from Swarovski.

Fujinon is a tad better than Burris and rate a high middle road.

Count on spending more than $300. One tip, roof prism glasses are much more expensive due to the alingment and phase issues with the prisms. Porro prism transmit more light and are easier to manufacture. Equal dollars and Porros will give you better clarity. For instance my 8x30 Fujinon FMTR-SX's are brighter than roof 8x42's. When they are clean the clarity is pretty cool. Animals are very easy to spot. Depth of field is 50 yards to forever so focus isn't necessary.

There used to be a good shop across the street from the Jackson Federal Building on 2nd Ave I don't remember if it was there the last time I was there but they had a good deal on Binos.

Good luck and have fun shopping

TheRogue · 11-26-2003, 09:01 AM

I have a pair of Fujinon 8x42 CD's.

Awesome glass. Got them for $200 at CameraWorld, they weren't carrying them anymore. They're $550-$600 anywhere else now, and well worth the price, IMHO. My buddy has a pair of Steiner Predators around the same size/mag...he borrowed my binocs for his Nevada hunting trip!!

TR

Bait Bucket · 11-26-2003, 09:17 AM

This is the first time I have ever heard that Swarovski doesn't back up their warranty. I bought a pair of their binos when I was in Austria in the early 1970s. A couple of years ago they got foggy inside. They fixed them no questions asked. I didn't even have a receipt that showed when or where I bought them. It was long since lost.

[ 11-26-2003, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: Bait Bucket ]

buck1pro · 11-26-2003, 10:46 AM

I have the same set of bi-nocs you have, I had a more expensive pair of zeiss but could not tell the difference. I still spot as many elk as everyone else. I think the wind rivers are a bargain with the same quality.

blacktail · 11-26-2003, 04:20 PM

Another thing to remember is that different eyes may like different binoculars. Meaning that to one person, the Swarovskis are sharper and to another person it might be Zeiss.

When you go to try different binoculars out, you might try "stacking" them. Basically, this is holding one pair directly on top of the other then alternating which ones you look through at the same object. This may make it easier for you to discern which ones are better for you.

I have heard very good things about the newest Pentax SP's. I believe they go for around $500 and some people are rating them up with the high-end binocs in the $900-$1,200 range.

Good luck,
Mike

[ 11-26-2003, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: blacktail ]

wnnahunt · 11-26-2003, 09:09 PM

Last winter my Wind River's were taken with my truck. I went to the Sportsman's Show last spring to replace them. Adventure Outfitters out of Hillsboro had a booth with a good range of bino's. I started with the Wind River 10x50 and ended up with the SLC 7x42. As a bow hunter I wanted something that worked better in low light conditions. I looked into the rafters through the bright lights and felt the Swarovski's had the best glass of the different suppliers and different magnification on display. I just called Swarovski for a repair and they are shipping a new eye piece with no questions asked. I hope this helps a little.

periwinkle · 11-26-2003, 09:27 PM

Baitbucket,, You were in Austria,, not Oregon or Washington.. Dealing with them thru their N.Y. office is a different 'ballgame'.. (at least that was my sons experience).. If I remember correctly they offered him the next level up for a 'few' hundred bucks.. I'm really surprised none of the posters mentioned Leopold.....But what do I know!!

boater · 11-27-2003, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by periwinkle:
I'm really surprised none of the posters mentioned Leopold.....But what do I know!!

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">actualy my wind rivers are leopold`s cheaper line of binoculars.

mine are actualy broke, you cant focus them, the central focus knob acts like it`s slipping when you try to focus them whether it`s locked or slid over to unlock and focus.

thanks for the replys, now i`l be hitting all the binoc shops in seattle for a little browsing

periwinkle · 11-27-2003, 07:46 PM

Boater,
Have you contacted Leopold about your 'Wind River binos?
I bought a 4 X Leo scope for my rifle in 1960. In 2000 it fogged up inside. So I sent it in with a note.. Got a call back and the rep said they could send me a brand new one or try to fix it, but since it was 40 years old parts would be hard to find.. I said do what you can (feeling guilty about accepting a new one free). Nevertheless a week later I received the old one fixed up like new --no cost to me.. :grin: (that's service)

boater · 11-28-2003, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by periwinkle:
Boater,
Have you contacted Leopold about your 'Wind River binos?
I bought a 4 X Leo scope for my rifle in 1960. In 2000 it fogged up inside. So I sent it in with a note.. Got a call back and the rep said they could send me a brand new one or try to fix it, but since it was 40 years old parts would be hard to find.. I said do what you can (feeling guilty about accepting a new one free). Nevertheless a week later I received the old one fixed up like new --no cost to me.. :grin: (that's service)

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">yup i did, am sending the junks back to be fixed

Grip It-N-Rip It · 11-29-2003, 09:57 AM

Here is the best tip I can give you on this matter. Go to several different places that have binos and look through several different kinds and powers. If you are looking at Bruntons or Pentax or Zeiss look at every power range they have on stock for each one. Then buy the one your eyes like the best and the one your wallet can afford the best. YOu might have to save for a while but at least you will have optics you like and you believe in and that make a difference.
I have a pair of Swarovski,Nikon, Brunton, Pentax and I like them all I use the Swarovski more but I just aquired them through a bit of luck. That is my view hope it helps.

monoman · 11-29-2003, 02:15 PM

Zeiss 10x40 for ten years they are great! My kid has a pair of 10x42 SLCs, I think he beats me that last ten minutes of the day, but mine seem to be a slight clearer during the day. His will be in Iraq for seven months starting soon!

KingFisher85 · 11-29-2003, 03:42 PM

Zeiss for me

stickflinger · 12-01-2003, 10:03 AM

Have been searching myself for new binocs. At the end of my hunting season I was convinced I would spend the extra dough on Leica or Swarovski. My hunting partner had some Swarovski 8X and we had a bull bugling at us inside the timber right at dusk. We were looking at the edge of the timber and could barely see down there with natural light. I looked through his Swarovski's and could see four cows plain as day. All I could see with my nikon's was black.

I didn't think I could afford Swaro's, so I looked really hard at the Minox. If you are limited on $$, but have enough for a good pair. These are the ones to buy. They seem to gather light well and are made by Leica.

I got lucky and my wife found me some Swarovski 10 X 42 EL for my stocking this year. Can't wait to play with them.

Stickflinger

StickFish · 12-02-2003, 07:03 AM

Good point on the Minox.

Lieca's are the best IMO, Swarovski a very very close second.

FYI Minox is Lieca's lower end and Khales are Swarovski's lower end

Snubber · 12-05-2003, 12:35 PM

Hope this helps you and others in your selection of binoculars or other optics in the future. Light Optical Company, in Japan, (they also now operate/oversee a facility in Taiwan/China) makes the majority of high quality optics and lenses for a number of manufacturers. Some are brand A, brand B, etc., made to that particular companies specifications, (type of glass, coatings, rubber armoring, etc.). Just so happens, Leupold acquires their lenses (binocs and riflescope) from Light Optical and the assembly is in the U.S., with other components.
There are some other products made in China, Phillipines, Taiwan & Thailand, which are of respectable quality and very affordable.
For a given brand, prices vary depending upon features added to scope or binocular. But by and large, you get what you pay for with optics.
Some of these brands, Bushnell, Simmons as examples, make everything from the Chevette to the Corvette, as an example, so don't think the entire line is of poor quality because you paid $89.00 for a 3-9x scope and had problems with it.
Also,
If you can afford the most expensive, then buy it and you should not have many problems. However, there is a line one must cross in determining if the extra bucks are really going to make the difference. It most likely will take that one extreme situation (usually low light) where one might notice a difference or in the edge to edge clarity issue on the lenses.
Is the comparable European model retailing for $800 as an example, any better than the equivalent Japan product selling for $400-$600?
I bring this to your attention and ask you to check out the Weaver Grand Slam Binoculars and Riflescopes.
Awards received:
Year 2000 Alaska Tested Tough Award :smile:
Year 2000 Outdoor Life Editor's Choice :smile:
Year 2000 Field & Stream Best of the Best. :smile:
Year 2002 Outdoor Life Editor's Choice :smile:
Year 2002 N.R.A. Golden Bullsey Award :smile:

Lots of accolades and an over the counter warranty policy is the dealer has the product in stock. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT, kinda nice when you bust it up right before the season!!!
To make a long story short, Dollar for dollar, the best buy on the market is the Weaver Grand Slam optics!!
I hope this is of some value, for whatever brand or style you are reviewing.
Just my $.02

fishwhenican · 12-05-2003, 05:31 PM

If it doesn't say "waterproof" don't expect the manufacture to fix them for n/c if they fog. They might, but don't count on it.

billc_sbio · 12-05-2003, 06:23 PM

Personally I wouldn't claim to be any kind of expert when it comes to binoculars, but asking a fellow who's one of the leading "discount" sellers of top end brands he claims that the Leicas are the BEST optically...again I don't know. The Leicas, Zeiss' and Swaroskis all look GREAT to me!

What I do know is that except for scoping for TROPHY animals I think that most of the binoculars offered are too powerful!

IMHO what I'm looking for primarily is MOVEMENT, and for that you want a wide field of view and little eye strain. Luckily I bought my "main" pair of binoculars a long time ago and am still using them. They're 6X and and will show most big game animals at quite some distance. If I need to see the animal better I take along a lightweight spotting scope and and tripod. Once I locate the animal I give it a closer look with the scope...my hands can't hold binoculars still enough to see the animal that well. I use my binos most of the time for scanning the horizon for distant approaching geese.

Well I do have a higher (8X) pair of Leupolds...wish I could afford some of those trick German or Austrian pairs, but I'd still stick with 7X or 8X max.

Huntar · 12-07-2003, 06:28 PM

O.K., here is my $.02, from someone who owns BOTH Leica and Swarovski.

My Leicas are 8x32, my Swarovskis are 15x56. Both are very good, but I do believe the glass in the Leicas to be slightly better, due to comparing the two in 8x. Also the diopters are independant on the Leica, but not the Swarovski (until the higher powers and the newer EL.

Essentially, either pair you choose you will be very happy with. I love both, my choices where prety easy since being strongly left dominant, the Leicas were the only ones I could independantly adjust the diopter. When I bought the 15x56 I bought the Swarovski, because Leica doesn't make a 15x56 power.

One last note, you MUST use a tripod or you cannot hold them still enough to get the clarity from the high power.

The extra money going from a $500 range pair, to the $1000 pair only gives you about an extra 10% (maybe a little less), but it is the most important 10%. The focus is clear enough to look through and beyond branches and brush to find ears and horns, the light gathering lets you see about 5-10 minutes earlier and later in the day, and most important lets you see into the shadows much better. Those are the times and places you are most likely to find a big buck.