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  #1  
Old 08-07-2019, 7:25 PM
that one guy that one guy is offline
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Default Can anyone recommend some binoculars?

Can anyone recommend me a set of binoculars? I basically want to see a face about a 100 yards out. My budget is around 200$.

Last edited by that one guy; 08-08-2019 at 7:11 PM..
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  #2  
Old 08-07-2019, 7:28 PM
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Stay below 10x or the image will shake too much. The bigger the objective, the better the image in low light. I like Nikon Monarch series for balance do price and quality.
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Old 08-07-2019, 7:33 PM
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I have the leupold rogue/Yosemite and they are pretty good, especially for the price.

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  #4  
Old 08-07-2019, 7:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raychenc View Post
Stay below 10x or the image will shake too much. The bigger the objective, the better the image in low light. I like Nikon Monarch series for balance do price and quality.
+1 - I have a pair of Nikon Monarchs M511 - 8x42 - for bird watching. Pretty light, good glass, reasonable cost.
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  #5  
Old 08-07-2019, 7:43 PM
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Canon 10x or 12x stabilized binoculars. Crystal clear in day time. No shaking problem.


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  #6  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:18 PM
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Budget can make a big difference with optics OP. Also, if you plan to backpack or hike a lot with them...weight starts to matter.

Are they for occasional use or something along the lines I mentioned above?
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  #7  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:31 PM
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If you don't have a budget, check out the Swarovski EL series.

https://www.scopelist.com/34210-Swar...en--34210.aspx
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Old 08-07-2019, 8:33 PM
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Steiner Predators
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  #9  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:37 PM
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  #10  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:46 PM
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I like the steiner fixed focus 8x30's. Always in focus and they're light weight.

Good enough image quality for me but I'm not a bino snob.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJR22OU...NsaWNrPXRydWU=
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  #11  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:47 PM
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This is like asking what gun will work at hitting a gallon of water at 100 yards.
Answer- they ALL will. Some better then others.

#1- what is your budget?
#2- 10 Power is the best for most everything.
#3- You get what you pay for.
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  #12  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:49 PM
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Some idea of your budget might be useful. If you are looking at those Swarovskis, I think you should look at the ZEISS 8x42 Victory, as well. I like my pair a lot.
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  #13  
Old 08-07-2019, 8:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4x4Trooper View Post
If you don't have a budget, check out the Swarovski EL series.

https://www.scopelist.com/34210-Swar...en--34210.aspx
These are for the big boys looking for a movement the size of your finger at 100 yards with world class clarity.

Vortex with a lifetime warranty on the other side of the spectrum.
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  #14  
Old 08-07-2019, 9:26 PM
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OP, first decide what your budget is and then ask for recommendations in that price range. Just spend what you can afford. If you do have the budget for it, then give consideration to higher end optics such as this example:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...tory_sf_t.html
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  #15  
Old 08-07-2019, 9:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thoughts View Post
Some idea of your budget might be useful. If you are looking at those Swarovskis, I think you should look at the ZEISS 8x42 Victory, as well. I like my pair a lot.
I love the Zeiss Victory’s. I still kick myself for selling mine. I have top of the line Vortex 10x50 Razors. 12x50 EL’s. I really would like a pair of Zeiss Victory’s RF in 10x. The price of tier 1 optics has gotten out of control. $3,000 to $4,000?
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  #16  
Old 08-07-2019, 9:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jasonz View Post
Canon 10x or 12x stabilized binoculars. Crystal clear in day time. No shaking problem.


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THIS!

I shoot long range PRS type matches and we can only spot with binoculars. After spotting all day, your eyes get dang tired. Plus, regular binos bounce too much.

One match, this dude showed up with 12x Canon image stabalized binos and they blew my mind. I could see everything so clearly without any bounce. I watched the bullets arcing down range to the target crystal clear. What a difference. I went with the 10x and I will NEVER buy another pair of binos that are not image stabalized.

Image stabilized binos are the biggest secret in the binoculars world. Get the canons and you'll never go back.

I took them to a Laker game and I could look down on people's cell phones and see their codes to open their phones (before the thumb print). So if Jennifer Aniston was sitting front row and pulled out her phone, I could watch exactly what she was doing on her phone and know her pass code. (Not that I was doing that.) I did watch Denzelle (sp) on his phone. Snoop Dogg was there as well as Anthony Keidis (sp) and that old quirky dude from Sphere and The Graduate.

Last edited by Sir Toast; 08-07-2019 at 9:55 PM..
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  #17  
Old 08-07-2019, 9:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tsmithson View Post
I love the Zeiss Victory’s. I still kick myself for selling mine. I have top of the line Vortex 10x50 Razors. 12x50 EL’s. I really would like a pair of Zeiss Victory’s RF in 10x. The price of tier 1 optics has gotten out of control. $3,000 to $4,000?
I can imagine they are $$

https://www.zeiss.com/sports-optics/...-rf-10x42.html
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  #18  
Old 08-07-2019, 9:55 PM
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Buy once, cry once. Good optics aren’t inexpensive. Lots to choose from. I have Leicas and couldn’t be happier.




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  #19  
Old 08-07-2019, 10:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nitroxdiver View Post
Buy once, cry once. Good optics aren’t inexpensive. Lots to choose from. I have Leicas and couldn’t be happier.




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Lifetime optics.

I personally would recommend 8X. 10X was fine in my 40s. In my later 50s, the extra magnification on a 10X seems so amplify any hand shake enough to make 8X a more attractive option.

For reference, I have 10x25 Leica Ultravids and 10x42 Zeiss Classics.

As noted above: Buy quality and cry once.

From what I hear, if you can't afford top tier, look at Vortex. I have no personal experience with the brand, but have good friends that love them.
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  #20  
Old 08-07-2019, 10:38 PM
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Nice article on Image Stabilized binoculars: http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/im...inoculars.html

The Amazon links don't get really frightening until you see the Zeiss 20x60
Quote:
There are no batteries. The image stabilization system is all mechanical via magnetic damping action and a gimal-mounted spring joint.
$8,999

Also, how to choose binoculars (mostly for birding) http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/bi...inoculars.html

Last edited by Librarian; 08-07-2019 at 10:40 PM..
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  #21  
Old 08-07-2019, 10:48 PM
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1 - how much do you want to spend?
2 - what is the name of the girl you are trying to look at?
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  #22  
Old 08-08-2019, 7:10 PM
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My budget is right around 200. I’m not a tier 1 operator at the moment so I don’t need nothing to fancy.
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  #23  
Old 08-08-2019, 7:49 PM
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vortex diamondback ? I had 8x42 and it was decent
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  #24  
Old 08-08-2019, 8:00 PM
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Some good read about the tech info (beyond just power and glass size) when shopping for binoculars
https://www.skyandtelescope.com/astr...in-binoculars/
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  #25  
Old 08-08-2019, 8:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by that one guy View Post
My budget is right around 200. I’m not a tier 1 operator at the moment so I don’t need nothing to fancy.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C66C950

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 @ $248 from Amazon; Optics planet has one demo model at $194

A quick look suggests most other places want $279
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  #26  
Old 08-08-2019, 9:48 PM
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The $200-$300 mark on binoculars is where coatings on glass start. Anti reflective coatings on glass help remove glare. I have a pair of low end Vortex and when I look through the glass outside in the sun, some of the view is blocked by a reflective glare that is not there in my better coated glass.

At your price range try to buy a good pair of used binoculars that were new at $500 and the person just doesn’t use them and only wants a couple bucks$200.

It may sound harsh but $200 binoculars are in the throwaway category with almost zero resale value if you decide to get better later. My $250 vortex are now my kids pair for hunting(have glare). With a lifetime warranty I don’t care if they drop them.
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Old 08-08-2019, 10:06 PM
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Or better yet
Try to get a used pair of Vortex diamondbacks for $50-$100.

Now that makes good sense on a low budget and it will still have a lifetime warranty.
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  #28  
Old 08-18-2019, 7:15 PM
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I got mine for less than $400. They appear to be going up in price:

https://tristatecamera.com/product/C...SABEgKFWPD_BwE
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  #29  
Old 08-18-2019, 7:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tsmithson View Post
This is like asking what gun will work at hitting a gallon of water at 100 yards.
Answer- they ALL will. Some better then others.

#1- what is your budget?
#2- 10 Power is the best for most everything.
#3- You get what you pay for.
Leupold. And for most people, 8x is better as things are noticeably more shake at 10x unless you have stabilization. Even their less expensive binocs are excellent and I liked them better than the Nikon Monarch.

FYI, unless you find a really good deal, 200 is barely enough.
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Old 08-18-2019, 7:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raychenc View Post
Stay below 10x or the image will shake too much. The bigger the objective, the better the image in low light. I like Nikon Monarch series for balance do price and quality.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Librarian View Post
+1 - I have a pair of Nikon Monarchs M511 - 8x42 - for bird watching. Pretty light, good glass, reasonable cost.
Right there with ya! I’ve been using the 8x42’s for a few years. Last season, I bought my daughter a pair of the 10’s. I looked at every offering up to the $300 range, and kept coming back to the Nikon’s. Super clear & crisp, and are great at low light.

$199 @ Sportsman’s
https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-g...lars/p/1285135
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  #31  
Old 08-18-2019, 7:37 PM
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I have an expensive set, super clear and rugged, but heavy. I have a cheap set that isn't nearly the quality but it's not heavy. That's the one that ends up in my pack when hiking just for the weight savings.

Get something quality and lightweight.
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  #32  
Old 08-18-2019, 8:23 PM
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I have a pair of Vortex Razor 8x42 and they pretty much blow away anything I've ever used before. Not cheap but not Swarovski or Leica priced either.
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  #33  
Old 08-18-2019, 8:44 PM
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In your price range OP, Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 is your ticket.
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  #34  
Old 08-18-2019, 9:25 PM
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A Bushnell legend 10X42 is a good start for a tad over $200
Good optics, lightweight, water resistant
Good field of view
Long eye relief
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  #35  
Old 08-18-2019, 10:26 PM
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https://www.botach.com/steiner-milit...25-binoculars/
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  #36  
Old 08-18-2019, 11:20 PM
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Wanted a cheap pair of 8x binoculars so went with Redfield. For the price they are pretty decent and came with a lifetime warranty.

Now if you want a really good pair go with Zeiss.
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  #37  
Old 08-19-2019, 7:28 AM
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Someone just posted this on another thread. Said they were $170 at Walmart, $103 at Amazon.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 198104 10X 42 L-Series Blk Roof Rg HD Uwb. Ed Glass Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9N2M0K..._f-RwDb57PH8AH
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Old 08-19-2019, 7:33 AM
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I just bought some Cabela's brand of binoculars- Intensity HD 10x42. I like them better than the low end Leupolds I bought at Big 5 a few years ago. They were on sale for around $175 or less I think. Will probably be on sale again for the Labor day holiday coming up. Good luck.
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Old 08-19-2019, 7:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scbauer View Post
Someone just posted this on another thread. Said they were $170 at Walmart, $103 at Amazon.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 198104 10X 42 L-Series Blk Roof Rg HD Uwb. Ed Glass Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9N2M0K..._f-RwDb57PH8AH
I just saw this in the deals section as well. Hell of a deal for basic binoculars with HD/ED glass. Wish I saw this a few weeks ago.
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  #40  
Old 08-19-2019, 4:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G38xOC View Post
vortex diamondback ? I had 8x42 and it was decent
Plus 1 for decent glass within the OP's budget.
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