Binoculars?

[bj70_guy]

Looking for recommendations for a nice set of binocs, price range around $400-500?

Right now I have a set of Olympus 8x25, very small, but want higher magnification (and quality...)

thanks
norm

 

[MelancholyMutt]

Unless weight is a major issue, try for a larger objective lens as it will give you a better sight picture.

Your price range will allow you to get an image stabilized model. I recommend Canon...

 

[PWork]

Steiner should have something in your price range.

Paul

 

[maximus otter]

Try the following threads for suggestions:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228690&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297677&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303878&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308192&highlight=swarovski

I would seriously consider staying with 8-power and just spending more. Never go above 10-power. Don't buy zooms.

maximus otter

 

[Keith]

As stated above go for a larger objective lense and no higher than 10 power. Zoom binoculars are nice for some situations but are useless for about 99.9% of binocular usage. And in those situations you probably better off with a spotting scope anyway.

 

[shanshui75]

have you looked at brunton? i have the eterna 8x25 and really like them. great features, super bomber, and well priced (relatively). the epoch series is out of the price range but the eterna's are right there. link: http://www.brunton.com/catalog.php?..._id=4&old_subcategory_id=35&old_category_id=1

k

 

[Danbo]

In that price range, you aren't going to get the very high end stuff like Leica, Zeiss, Swaroski(sp). I would recommend the Pentax. I have a pair of 8x32 Pentax WCPs that I got from a fellow forumite a little while back, and I LOVE them. Maybe not as much as a person would like the top dollar stuff, but a HUGE difference from the Tascos, Bushnells, etc.

 

[Temper]

Sob, Sob :grumpy: I never did get that job. Depresses me everytine I see the word Binoculars

 

[severtecher]

My Nikon 10X50 has served me well for 10 plus years. Steer clear of the modern Bushnells. Quality problems.

 

[Sid Post]

Pentax DCF SP

For your stated price range and use, the Pentax DCF SP 8x43 is the best option you have. Outstanding optics, the right magnification, and a large objective without being too large.

I prefer them over the Steiners I have used. I could not see any difference in my limited use to justify the price increase with Swarovski, Leica, or Zeiss.

Shopping on Ebay, you will find two reputable dealers that sell USA product (not grey market) well within your budget.

I should also note that Pentax has a rebate going right now (http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/scms_docs/2004FallBinoRebate60D0.pdf)