Binoculars

wiser1

I have been looking for new binoculars and cant decide on the ones I want. Stiener night hunter 10+50.Or burris signature 10+50.Give me some inpute on each and maby some alternate I might want to consider.

wiser1

--
I am shopping for a good pair of field glasses. I have pretty much narrowed the search down to Leupold, Leica, Steiner, Zeiss and maybe Nikon.

I am thinking 8x30 or 8x40 or 10x30 or 10x40 and I am leanining more toward the 8x power glasses. Right now, I am thinking Zeiss might be the one.

My intent is to get a pair that have exceptional light-gathering capabilities (i.e. they present a very bright image) along with exceptionally clear, crisp-focused imaging. Of course, they must be able to stand up to normal field use and temperature extremes. I do not have access to a local source that has a selection of glasses that I can physically examine and compare.

Who out there owns any of these binoculars and what are your thoughts?

EDIT:
Thanks very much to all of you for your insight on these glasses. I think, then, that I will go with an 8x40 or 8x42. I'll use these for fairly rough, brushy country for deer and hogs, mostly. I like to glass for other animals, too, such as mountain lion, turkey and coyote, but I don't hunt them.

wiser1

Just wanted to give some feedback on good binoculars for the buck. I use WWII military binoculars made by Bausch & Lomb in 7x50 power. They are a little on the heavy side but the clarity is excellent and once you adjust them for your eyes you don't have to re-adjust them. A pair in really nice shape can cost around $100.00 on e-bay.
Another pair I use is a pair of German WWII 7X50 which cost a little more but are worth it. They are Carl Zeiss binoculars. On both binoculars, each eyepiece adjust seperately. I've used mine for years and think they are great.

wiser1

I'm looking to buy a really good pair of binoculars for deer scouting, deer hunting etc. What are some of the best brands, and what size should I be looking for in general. Thanks,

molitor12_08

wiser1

Does anyone have any experience with the Steiner predator series binoculars? My question is how are they as a multi purpose binocular? Is the color enhancement feature suited for hunting or can you get true color using them at a football game. I don't know if I should purchase those or the windriver cascade series. Thanks for the advice.

wiser1

I have a set of nice binoc's (Celestron 10x40) that I've had for years and love'em, however the rubber eye cups are dry-rotting and brittle. My question is has anyone here ever found any replacements cups or parts anywhere for ANY brand, anywhere? have tried the manufacturer and their customer service is "zero", even e-mails there's no response. Any suggestions, don't want to trash a excellant high dollar binoc's just because of the eye cups going bad. Any help is appreciated.

25-06

Sir, I have not actually used the Stieners in the field, so cannot say how good they are. I have used several different Burris Signature 10x50mm's and compared them to Sawarskis (check spelling) 10x42's and to my eyes there was not much difference. The only time the Sawarskis out did the Burris's was when it was so late in the evening you could not tell a buck from a doe in a rifle scope. I felt the Burris's were the best buy for the money of any of the binoculars I have used over the years. I cannot see paying two to three times the money for essentailly the same performance. However, everyones eyes are different and what works for me might not work for you. I can say that I can glass for hours with the Burris's and not get a headache. I once had a pair of higher dollar Bushnells and finally discovered that the barrels were out of alignment. They did replace them at no charge.

coueshunter

This is my first post on this board. I personally own 20x80 Steiners for Coues hunting, tripod mounted. They are way too heavy, but are pretty good to look through, no headaches. I bought 10x42 Swarovski's last year, and used them in Alaska, Wyoming and Arizona. They are worth every penny (I paid 950.00) and wished I would have done this a long time ago. I just bought a pair of 15x56 Swarovski's off ebay, and should get them next week. I am retiring the big Steiners, and will use the 15x56 for long distance spotting, and I have the doubler too use when I want to score a buck, before stalking. I am now a big fan of buying more than you can afford, it paid off last year. I am going to Mexico in December for coues, and want the right equipment. Seriously consider 10x42 Swarovski's, you can get them for around 800.00 off ebay, just type in the name under search, then pick highest priced item, so you dont have to scroll through all the pages. Coueshunter

Rembrandt

I bought a pair of the Swarovski 10x42's some years ago, the color of objects at long distances are usually lost on cheaper binocs, not so on the Swarovski's. We were out fox hunting and I could pick up the reddish fur with my binocs where my partner couldn't with his cheaper units.

The price is usually the biggest obstacale for most people, you need to look at it in this way....if you go hunting for the next 30 years and use a $1000 pair of binocs...it's only $33 a year for good quality. I have a tough time hanging onto mine, kids always try to take them first over other brands.

Edited by - Rembrandt on 06/15/2002 07:52:20

Nighthawk

There is a new kid in town when it comes to optics they are called Doctor optics. I cant endorse trhem for the long run, but I bought one at a very modest price.Its a 3-12x56mm I put it on a .300 weatherby magnum and tried to abuse it,just to see if it could stand up to the recoil as it has an unconditional lfetime gurantee. They are supposed to be touring the country advertising their new products.I am a bit of a critic towards anything new but not this time.I have tried some expensive scopes before and so far this one runs with the best of them,at1/3 the price. Good Luck.

Rugster

axlerfan

i have a pair of swarovski binocs and i love em...great glasses...however a couple of years ago, i bought a pair of pentax 12x50 ones on clearance for almost half price. figured to keep them in the truck instead of my good ones. they are great. very sharp optics, view looks bright and easily focuses. all in all, id say great pair of binoculars for a very decent price.

coueshunter

Rugster: Docter is not new on the block, they have been around awhile. They may be a division of Zeiss or someone, like Kahles is owned by Swarovski. Docter is a premium optic like Swavorski, Zeiss, Leica, Kahles........

bullelk

My choice would be either Zeiss or Swarovski. I carry a compact pair of Zeiss, 10x25's when I'm hunting in Montana or Idaho. They are light , very bright and easy to focus. They are the best compacts I've owned, much better than the others I've owned.

I don't have a pair of the larger ones yet, but I'm in the market too.
Tough decision to make on them.

"If All Else Fails, Read The Directions"

coueshunter

I just found an add for Docter optics in the 1996 Trophy hunter magazine that Rusty Hall is the Editor for. They are good. As to Swarovski's vs. Zeiss, I personally like both, but have more experience with Swarovski's. I couldnt afford these 10 years ago, but wish now I would have borrowed and paid the money. I just bought a pair of 15x56 from Camera-exchange off ebay, they come from Germany, with warranty, tripod adapter, case, etc...... and they are around $1099.00 - 1209.00 plus 85.00 fed ex shipping and insurance. Look under ebay, type in just the name swarovski and once the bid page comes up, click the selection "highest priced items" and scroll down, you will see some "Buy it Now" listings. The guy has a great rating, I dont think it is a scam, and I will follow up with my experience, I should receive my order next wednsday or so. Hope this helps someone looking to save around 500.00.........

bullelk

I know this guy in Pennsylvania that deals in Zeiss, Schmidt&Bender, Swarovski, Leica, etc. I don't think anyone can beat his prices and service. And if they can, it wouldn't be worth the difference. I might sound bias, but I've dealt with this man and he is downright honorable. I purchase all my high end stuff through him. Just tell him I told you to get in touch with him. His name is;
Alex Roy
Phone --570-220-3159 or e-mail--- panfish12@hotmail.com

GINO

"If All Else Fails, Read The Directions"

He Dog

Personally, I consider the 10x binos to be to much magnification and too heavy for hunting use, and prefer 8x. That said, My first choice in 10x is Nikon Venturers, followed by Swarovski. Those two are really the top of the line along with Leica, which is supurb, but not quite as tough. Take a look at www.bearbasin.com for fine prices and reliable service. For a little less money, take a look at the Eagle Optics Rangers . They are not the top of the line, but the quality is very, very good, and for the price they are an outstanding value. www.eagleoptics.com Good Hunting!

rick_reno

I think it depends on what kind of country you hunt in. I hunt in heavy cover with frequent clear cuts (North Idaho) and use 8X56 Swarovskis. I've been looking at some 7X42 Leica's and might switch as they are a little smaller and lighter, but since a lot of my hunting is in low light conditions I really like the light gathering ability of the big Swarovskis. I can use these things after dark and they still work. Cheap binoculars will result in eye strain to the point you won't want to use them. I can use these binnocs for hours and not suffer any eye strain. I'd stay away from gray market optics - there are a lot of them for sale in the US now. I've heard that if you need to get them serviced it can be a problem, but I have no direct experience to support this.

bullelk

He Dog,
I agree with you on everything you said, except the part about the Nikon Venturers.
Those were the ones I used to use until I bought a pair of Zeiss 10x25 compacts. I found that I didn't have to fool around with the diopter adjustment with the Zeiss like I did with the Nikons. I just left it in the center position, and it workred fine for my eyes.
Also, the focusing on the Zeiss is less critical than the Nikons.

Lastly, The prices have come down considerably since I bought mine.
You should be able to get a pair of Zeiss for around $300 or less. I could tell you more about Zeiss, but I think it should be on General Discussion.

Rick,
The Swarovskis 8x56 are a tremendous pair of binoculars, and like you say, they are a bit bulky and heavy for woods hunting. I hunt in the Selway, and I use my Zeiss 10x25's over there. I keep a pair of 12x50 Pentax in my truck for other work. I'm going to upgrade them soon. Maybe I'll see you in Idaho some time.

Gino--- bullelk@psouth.net






Edited by - bullelk on 06/17/2002 15:31:09