Binoculars: Need advise fast!

FlaMtnBkr

FlaMtnBkr

Joined
Oct 20, 2004
Messages
4,704
Hi

I know there have been some good binocular threads but without being able to search I can't find them.

My dad is looking at spending 150-200 dollars on a pair and wants them soon. I would like to see him get the most for his money and not just an overpriced set that is ok.

Does anyone have any suggestions in this price range? They can be larger and not a super compact pair and a larger objective that works in lower light levels would be good.

Thanks!

Ryan
 
How soon is "soon"? I have a pair of 8x43 ED from these guys http://zen-ray.com and for the money they are EXCELLENT. I think you have to order from them though. Check out the SUMMIT and VISTA series.
 
I have had a pair of these for about 4 or 5 years and really like them.

The Bushnell Legend Model 13-4208 are the rugged standard for all conditions brightness, vividness, and clarity. Legend roof-prism binoculars are now 20% lighter and more compact thanks to a new magnesium case. Featuring Rainguard lens coating, weatherproof, shockproof design and rubber armor, they are ready for anything. Fully multi-coated optics and top-of-the-line BaK-4 prisms with PC-3 phase coating gather max light and produce vivid color fidelity. Other features include cam slotting and twist-up eyecups. Included are the Legend Binoculars, carrying case with strap, lens cleaning cloth, and original documentation.

Features:

•PC-3® phase-coated BaK-4 roof prisms
•Fully multi-coated optics allow maximum light transmission for optimum brightness
•Heavy-duty, 100% waterproof/fogproof construction
•Rainguard, water-repellent lens coating
•Long eye relief
•Twist-up eyecups allow quick adjustment for optimum eye relief
•Large center focus knob for precise focusing – even when wearing gloves
•Trim, ergonomic shape for easy, all-day use
•Textured, non-glare, non-slip rubber armor absorbs shock
•Knurled diopter adjustment for precise and reliable adjustments
Specifications:

•Model: 13-4208
•Magnification @ Objective Lens: 8X42
•Size Class: Standard
•Focus System: Center
•Prism Glass: Roof
•Prism System: BaK-4
•Lens Coating: Fully Multi
•Field of View (ft@ 1,000 yds/m @ 1000m ): 330/110
•Close Focus (ft/m): 6/1.8
•Exit Pupil (mm): 5.25
•Eye Relief: 18
•Eyecups: Twist Up
•Weight (oz/g): 24.5/695
•Water/Fogproof: Yes
•Adapt to Tripod: Yes
 
You might check out Nikon Monarch ATB's. The 8x42 would be a good all around binocular. I have the 8.5x56 and am very satisfied. They have excellent clarity and light gathering (in low light I can see better with them than with just my eyes). They are also water proof I believe. I watched ebay and found a reasonable deal.
Bob
 
What does your dad want to use the binoculars for? Bird watching, astronomy, hunting, team sports......

binoculars for each use have their own advantages and disavantages. For instance, for astronomy, you would probably want a larger objective >50mm; 70-80mm are common, but these are large and heavy and are best used on a tripod. For bird/animal watching, the objectives can be much smaller (used in daylight), and you might want a bit more magnification; although anything over 10x gets shaky when hand held.

There are also imaged stabalized binoculars which are really good for all around use, but they can be pricey.

Other considerations:

1) Go with the Bak 4 prism
2) Test the binoculars at night before you buy, or keep the receipt; many binoculars have serious issues right out of the box, a good pair of binoculars should be able to resolve stars down to sharp points of light, pay particular attention to collimation issues which result in double images, or other distortion. These problems can be hard to detect in the daytime, but can cause fatigue or headaches when used.

n2s
 
rdg said:
You might check out Nikon Monarch ATB's. The 8x42 would be a good all around binocular. I have the 8.5x56 and am very satisfied. They have excellent clarity and light gathering (in low light I can see better with them than with just my eyes). They are also water proof I believe. I watched ebay and found a reasonable deal.
Bob
Click to expand...

I have the 8X42 and can't think of a better pair without spending twice the amount. Amazon has them for just under $250 with a $50 rebate that puts under $200. I find a 10X50 or larger a bit much for general use, hard to hold steady by hand.
Greg
 
rdg said:
You might check out Nikon Monarch ATB's. The 8x42 would be a good all around binocular. I have the 8.5x56 and am very satisfied. They have excellent clarity and light gathering (in low light I can see better with them than with just my eyes). They are also water proof I believe. I watched ebay and found a reasonable deal.
Bob
Click to expand...

Another vote for the Monarch 8x42 -- awfully tough to beat.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions!

It looks like my dad has calmed down a little and have some more time to research them :).

He was going with me gator hunting and on his old pair the manual focus knob pretty much froze up. You can turn it but it is very stiff (well I can he doesn't seem to be able to).

He decided he wanted to get a good pair and was going to go to the store and just buy something expensive hoping it was good.

I'm sure he would still like to get a nice pair so I will check out all the recommendations. For hunting alligators they come in handy looking around the lake for a head. A lot of times this will occur close to dark so a descent sized objective for light gathering is good. Being on a boat the shaky hands might come into play so 8x might be better than 10x? I'm sure he would also like to use them in the woods when he occasionally goes hunting. However down here in Florida with our extensive planted pines, unless you are hunting a field a long shot is a 100 yards. Maybe another reason for 8x. And since they will be used for hunting more than most other things size and weight probably are fairly important.

Again, thanks and I will look into the suggestions. If a $50 pair will be similar to a $250 pair there is no need to spend the extra because he probably won't be able to tell the difference with his fading vision.

Thanks,

Ryan

Edit: Went ahead and got the Nikon monarchs. Got a good deal @ $150 shipped. Will try the tip of using them at night. Thanks!
 
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