Binoculars -- Any recommendations?

J

JohnWayne360

Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
164
Hello folks,

I'm in the market for a set of binoculars (10x42 preferably) and I've basically narrowed it down to the Nikon Monarch 10x42, and either the REI XR 10x50 or the XR 8x42.

Am I missing any other notables in this category? I'd be using them mainly for terrain scouting, and to take along on hikes for recreational purposes. Having said that, compactness and ruggedness would be a plus.

Thanks,
JW360
 
I've got a pair of Leupold Acadias in 8X42 that serves me pretty well. I use it for basically exactly what you describe + hunting. There was another model that was a step up in quality but the price jump was HUGE for the small increase in quality.
 
If you can bump up the price-point a bit, German/Austrian glass is typically quite superior to other contenders. Kahles, Swarovski, Leica, etc. are head & shoulders above their competitors. I was a skeptic until I compared them side by side with others. I'm not to the point of putting Schmidt & Bender scopes on my rifles, but that Euro glass is quite impressive.
 
I use Steiner 10x50 Military/Marine's for work- nice glass (waterproof too- I've inadvertently tested it too :)), but a little large and heavy for much walking IMO. For hunting I went w/ their 8x30 Military/Marine's and have been really tickled w/ them. They are small, but not tiny- I find they perform bigger than they are. You can often find them for under $200 too.
 
I really like both pentax and minox bino's. I also have a pair of vortex that I've come quite accustomed to.
 
I have been very happy with my Nikon Monarch 10x42

IMHO, until you get in to the big names Zeiss, etc the monarchs are as good as they get
 
Yes! The Leupold Gold Ring HD rock big time. For the money they are right up there with the ubber high end bins.
 
I've got a pair of Bushnell Excursion EX 10x42's that I like quite a lot. Waterproof/fogproof, with a rubber coating so they're nice and tough. I'd recommend them, but I'm no optics expert.
 
I would check out Orion Telescope. They have a range of prices and features. I have their scenix 7x50 that I can vouch for, their 8x42 Ultraview are nice optics, too. I don't know if you wear glasses, but they offer models with long eye relief.
 
neeman said:
Any reason for not looking at compact instead of full size?
Click to expand...

I just figured that if I'm going to be spending money in a pair of good binos, they should be full size. The compact range feels too much like toys to me. Idiosyncrasies.
 
Larger binoculars give you better light gathering ability in low-light conditions like rainy or overcast days. A 40-ish mm objective lens size is actually a very nice compromise between the portability of a compact pair, and the performance of a full-sized pair. :)

I highly recommend any of the Pentax binocs. They perform above their price level, have some of the best waterproofing on the market, close minimum focus, and great ergos (more important than you might expect!) :cool::thumbup:
 
Also pay attention to how they focus, some can be a bigger pain then other's. Part of the ergos mentioned above
 
Got my Monarch 8x42 from binoculars.com and have been extremely satisfied with them. Almost as good as my buddy's Swarovski's, but about $3k cheaper. Major difference in the uber-expensive brands (Leica, Zeiss, etc.) is around the edges, according to the reviews I read. To many people (moi) it is difficult to really tell the difference.
 
I have an older pair of IOR Valdada 10x50 Porro Prism binoculars bought before they were well known here in the U.S. To say they are "tank like" is an understatement but they give Zeis quality at a fraction of the cost. If you can find a used pair of those, I'd grab them. They use high quality Schott glass, as do the current ones. The new ones are getting pricey and I don't see the 10x50 Porro listed anymore, but their offerings are still a better value the Leica, Zeis, Swarovski, etc.
 
A better view desired and part of the Cloudy Nights sites have terrific info. Monarchs are great. I prefer my 8 x 32 Nikon Superior E over much more expensive binocs. A lot of people like 8 power for depth of field, degree of view and more comfortable long term viewing. You may want 10's for your purpose. Any way, if you get a 10x I would typically recommend 42 and 8 power 32 - depends on low light, age etc.
D
 
Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated. One more question for those of you who know, is there that much of a difference between the Nikon Monarchs and the Leupold Pinnacles to warrant shelling out the extra cash?
 
Another vote for Pentax. I have one of their roof prism waterproof models...DCF WP 8x42, they perform like binoculars that would cost three times that or more. Highly recommended!
 
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