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Optics preference...

KSQ2

KSQ2

PMA Member
Do most of you use binoculars while hunting? I just use some cheapy bushnells I bought at Walmart a couple of years ago. My bro-in-law shelled out some bucks a while back for some Minolta closeout binocs. Pretty easy on the eyes but a lot of dough... do you guys use the cheap binocs or have you spent the $ to get a nice set. I look to upgrade sometime before next year, but this season my good ol' bushnells will get the call again.
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Unfortunately I do use the cheapo's, but want to upgrade. Kind of down on the priority list though. If you upgrade I would recommend a decent pair. Nikon Monarch's seem to be pretty decent and popular on this site. They are the pair I would probably buy.
 
For the price, i found Wind River to be the best. Good optics without spending a whole lot of cash.
 
I use a nice pair of Bushnell Legend binos. I think they are 8x40. Fully coated lenses, fogproof. Not cheap, but worth the price (i think I paid about $250). Check online camera stores for good prices on binos.

Don't cheap out on optics. But the best you can afford and you'll never regret the decision.
 
i never used binos because i have glasses. i finally spent some $$ and got the nikon monarch ATB's and absolutely love them. with a good bino suspender i don't even know they're there and i don't know how i ever got along with out them. i HIGHLY recommend these binos.
 
2 years ago I went all out and bought a pair of swarovski's 10X42 EL's. The price was steep but the way i looked at it was its better to buy the best and have them forever than to buy 6 cheap pairs over a 20 year time frame, suffer with inferiority and still end up spending the same. I guess I am the type that trys to buy the best available right of the bat if I can. It's understandable if you cant justify that kind of cash, but it helps to justify it if you look at it as a lifetime investment. As far as less exspensive options. I have heard good things about wind river optics and Nikon monarchs. Anything less than that will just be extra weight to carry.
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This is just my opinion of course.
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Whatever you decide, definately get a pair of bino-buddies to carry your binoculars with!
 
In my opinion a good pair of binoculars is one of the most important hunting items I own. I use them constantly while hunting and scouting.

I stress a good pair of binos for two reasons. Less expensive binoculars subject your eyes to increased eyestrain. I have used the less expensive binos in the past, however, I no longer do. Also, the mid price range binos and the higher end glasses provide more light gathering.

Buy the best that you can afford, and upgrade when you are able to do so is my advice.
 
I have the same setup that Muddy uses - the Nikon Monarch ATB with a buddy strap. I got a pair of the camo binoculars for $239 online. A person can pay a lot more, but I don't know how much more clarity I need. These are great optics, and they make my $30 pair look like junk.
 
I bought a pair of Wind River Cascade's a couple of years ago, and couldn't be happier with them. The Nikon's are also a nice set, and I think you'd be happy with either one of them. You can find both pairs for under 250 bucks.
CRITR
 
I consider my optics to be without question, my most important piece of hunting gear. Therefore, I never looked at the cost as a factor in deciding what to buy, I simply got what I liked best after making a ton of comparisons and doing a whole lot of shopping.

That being said, I wear 8X32 Leica's around my neck for most of my hunting, and for more open country and long-range scouting I use a pair of Leica 12x50's.

Never once had any regrets or doubts that it was the best money I ever spent on my hunting "addiction"!
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Have Fun, Hunt Safe,
>>--Ron--<>
 
I'm with you DOR,I've went through some decent ones in the past and still have a old pair of windrivers,but 2 years ago I bit the bullet and bought the 10x42 Sworvaski and it probably the best investment i've made hunting wise
 
Ditto to camoman and muddy and serveral others here, Nikon Monarchs and binobuddies. If you scan an area with good optics you have the ability to adjust your focus as you go and look deep into cover at those tiny holes that could easily conseal a deer to the naked eye. Sorry I used the N word.
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All you can afford is a great rule I've heard many times.
 
I think the "best you can afford" rule is the way to go with all optics, not just bino's. I'm a college kid so go in to the store and droll over the Sworvaski's and the Leica's but hey, I got to eat to. I've found that if you are on a budget you can get good optics for a fair price. While on the subject Zeiss scopes can now be had for about $500. Best scopes for the money that i've seen.
 
I agree with the people above on getting a good set. Started out small, but now have Cabela's Alaskan Guide 8 X 42s. They're worth every penny. Very comfortable and I can even see deer perfectly through brush with them. Also a good set allows you to judge the deer better to. OZ
 
i got a decent pair out of the sporsman's guide catalog. carson 10x40, for $120. best pair i have ever owned. those monarchs are just awesome, but i can't spend that much
 
KSQ2, I spend the bucks on optics, Its well worth it, but unlike alot of deer hunters, they don't need the power I need, but to strong all you get is mirage, Leopold or if you don't support the USA industry go german, either or you can't go wrong. My scopes are all standerd 3x9 and 4x12 leopolds and optics and spotting scope are the spendy ones. All the higher priced brands back thier word. When 100% water proof is a must these will back themselves. I think what would be good for the hunting around there would probable be 8x42 Cabelas Alaskan Guide series. They are pretty affordable and the name backs them up.
 
I spent my whole hunting life using cheaper bino's like simmons and bushnell. Don't get me wrong, they have some fine optics. But I was using the cheapest of the cheap!!! I saved my pennies and bought 8x36 nikon's. Now I don't need glasses!
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They aren't the Monarch caliber but a step down from them. Its definatley worth the x-tra cash when that one time you catch something that otherwise you might of over-looked.
 
Zeiss - Diafun 10x30 from sierra trading post. Good quality and the right size to have in a tree stand. $100 less than Cabela's price.
 
This year I purchased Leupold's Wind River Mesa 10X50 for just under $250. It was the best money I ever spent for optics.
 
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