Leupold binoculars

NOTPARS

Many, if not most, of the gun mags I read say we shouldn't buy binoculars for less than say $600-$800. My budget usually allows me to buy my current set...by Tasco. They work okay, but for long distance hikes they get heavy and bounce around too much.

I picked up a pair of Leupold Wind River, Mesa Compacts, brand new for $98 dollars at a store. They wear easy and I cannot believe what they see. These are some of the best binoculars I have ever owned and they cost around a hundred bucks. Don't know how they will hold up (they are supposed to be water/fog proof) but thought I'd let others who can't afford the big ticket jobs know.

sandwarrior

NOTPARS,

One of the big differences in price is whether or not it is roof or porro prism. Roof's are harder to make and therefore cost more. But they are naturally more compact. Usually the difference you see is that roofs look like a straight tube for each eye and porro's look like they are offset. I personally like porro prisms just fine. Just as an example I noted that Steiner's better brand in porro costs $349.00 The same power in a roof style was $679.00 These were the Predator in 8X. Supposedly the glass is the same.

Leupold had the same price gap. The big rage today is saving 13oz. so you don't kill yourself going up the hill. I follow that with ??? 13oz. ??? make the difference on a hill? I think not. But if it matters to you that is why. If all you do is keep them handy in a vehicle or home, I sure wouldn't worry about paying the extra big buck. But I would buy a decent brand name. -good luck

NOSLEEP

I picked up a pair of Leupold Windriver 8X42 a few years back for
hunting and have never regretted it. They cost around $250 Canadian
and are by far the best value and clearest view. Rivaling much higher
priced binoc's. I would highly recommend them.

NOTPARS

For Sandwarrior: Thanks, that was quiet an education. Optics have always been something I know so little about. Much of my hiking is in the 8 to 12 mile range, off trail, up and down hills and so forth. The weight isn't much, but I've got a bum disk in my neck and back, so it can make a difference. The larger ones bounce around too much and pull my neck. So, if I read you right, even though these seem good, I still need to spend a bit more and get the $400+, more or less, binoculars? I want a pair for hiking and then glassing for hunting. In Missouri, I don't need to glass for hundreds of yards. Again, I can't thank you enough for this valuable information.

NOTPARS

For NOSLEEP: Thanks a million for the advice. With my eyes, I'm not sure a $800 dollar set wouldn't be wasted anyway. But it really helps to hear from people who actually use them. I will check them out. Again, thanks.

bobinwis

Good morning NOTPARS, Wasn't around yesterday so did not get to read the forums. Here's another choice: I have had a set of Steiner Predator's in 8x22 for about 5-6 years at least. Never a problem with the hardware. They weigh 10 ounces, come with a case and neck strap. They fold down to fit into a shirt pocket easily. The optics are great. I carry them in the woods, hunting deer or just walking around, in the boat especially in Canada, and keep them handy to look out in the yard or out on the lake here at home. Cabela's lists them at $169. That leaves you 3-500 spare change to buy other toys. Take a look at them, I think you will be surprised at what you 'see'.

Regards, Bob

Geri

Years ago I worked for an outfitter in ID. I had a springfield 30-06 and a 4x leupold scope, bushnell binocs. The outfitter had Zeiss. He sold me, if you have $1000 to spend on gear, (rifle,scope,& binocs) spend $250 on rifle, $250 on scope, and $500 on binocs. He was right. I have leupold 9x35s but my best is Ziess 10X40. My eyes ar not what they used to be and I need the best I can get. JMO

He Dog

You can get much better optics in porro prisms for the $$ as are available in roof prisms for those same $$. Optics and coatings hve improved so much in recent decades that you can now buy better optics for $100 than you could purchase for any price in 1970. The real differences between $100 binos and say $600 binos will be seen at the ends of the day and the edges of the glass. When the light starts to fade toward sunset or is almost there at dawn, the top optics will let you see minutes before less expensive optics. Also, you you check the edges of your view against lines or patterns, you are likely to see some distortion near the very edges of less expensive glass. If your eyes don't mind, and you can see well enough for what you do, you got enough glass for your money. If you wish to identify a warbler in the last minute of light, you go for the $1,000 binos. All depends upon what you want/need to do with them. One of the very best buys out there in a roof prism bino, is Eagle optics Platinum Rangers for under $400.

NOTPARS

For Bobinwis: Thanks, that is great advice. I haven't been on this forum in a while myself (night school) and have been swamped. But I try to find time for hiking. Again, forgive my ignorance, I thought Leupold (German sounding name) was at least American but the ones' I bought say "Made in China." Again, I appreciate the advice and might be able to swing it this month.

NOTPARS

For Geri, thanks, that seems to be the consensus of some folks I've talked with as well. I didn't know it, but for years in the field, I was committing a major no no. When deer hunting, I used my scope to glass. That meant, I am pointing it maybe at another hunter. I read an article where a hunter went on a rant about this, agreed, and that is when I decided I need to wise up and get some binoculars. But then I ran into the prices. You can imagine how hard it is to pay $500+ for binoculars when I keep thinking that would get me my first auto-loader shotgun...But I'd have to agree. Thanks for the help.

NOTPARS

For He Dog: Thanks. I have written down what you all recommended. This is a real help. My eyes aren't what they used to be so the extra power and quality are a must. I will definitely check these out. I began this search with catalogues and there were too many choices about what I know so little...well you can see why I appreciate the advice. Again, thanks a million

He Dog

Glad to see you posting again amigo. As I recall you are in the state of my birth, and 8 x 42mm should be a great bino for your purposes there, and probably the best all around bino for hunting purposes. These days I am leaning to 10 x 50mm for birding, but they have to be near the top of quality.

sandwarrior

Notpars,

hoping to sneak the last post in before it gets locked. With a bad disc in your neck it won't matter what you put on it. I reccomend looking at a chest harness