The RC-3 of the Binocular World

matthewdanger

matthewdanger

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
Messages
1,568
One of my favorite things to take up space in and make my pack heavier with are binoculars. I have bins ranging in price from $80 to $450 (still somewhat cheap in the world of optics). The $80 pair is the Leupold Yosemite and they have all but replaced my more expensive bins.

I wrote a bit about them here: http://jerkingthetrigger.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/review-leupold-yosemite-6x30-binoculars/

I am convinced that the 6x30 Yosemites are the RC-3 of the binocular world. Both are long on value and short on price. Both out perform similar items that cost a lot more. Both are tough and durable with great warranties.

Just like many people think they need a huge knife when they would actually be better served with a compact one like the RC-3, many people turn their noses up at binoculars with only 6x magnification not realizing that they may actually see more detail with them. This is due to the fact that hand shake is far less noticeable and the lower magnification pays off in a larger exit pupil, making the bins seem brighter.

Seriously, just like the RC-3, these bins have to be seen to believed. Give me an RC-3 and a pair of Yosemites and I am a happy man in the woods.
 
I have an 8x leica 1200 laser rangefinder that I usually pack with me, it does the job well. My real optics are a Leupold Green Ring Sequoia, straight lens 15-60x
 
I have a small pair of Bushnell 8x20's I think ,Found 'em at a Dallas Stars Game on the floor...Work good ..
 
My binos of choice are the Leupold 8x25 Olympic Waterproof. Best set I have ever used.
 
Steiner has the branch-wide military contract, their armored binocs are water and drop proof. Optics are superb as well.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Steiner has the branch-wide military contract, their armored binocs are water and drop proof. Optics are superb as well.
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I have owned 4 pairs of Steiners over the years. I now own 0. They are very very durable and tough, but the Military and other low end models have marginal glass at best in my experience.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Steiner has the branch-wide military contract, their armored binocs are water and drop proof. Optics are superb as well.
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No offense but I'm not going to use something just because the military does. The issued gear is made by the lowest bidder. There's a reason spec ops and individual soldiers buy their own gear.
 
Shotgun said:
No offense but I'm not going to use something just because the military does. The issued gear is made by the lowest bidder. There's a reason spec ops and individual soldiers buy their own gear.
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Gear like binoculars are NOT made by the lowest bidder. Last I checked US Optics, Leupold and other companies that are making glass for the elitest of the elite definately are not the lowest bidders... Our snipers aren't using Bushnell and Simmons.
 
Steiner bins serve a useful role. They do have some with higher end glass, but for the most part, I think they niche they fill is for super durable glass that works. You buy Steiners when you need tough glass.
 
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