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<$175 and <14 oz

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webrehm View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote webrehm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: <$175 and <14 oz
    Posted: March/13/2014 at 16:03
I am looking for a small pair of binocs at 7 or 8 power and <$175 and < 14 oz in weight.
Vortex Vanquish is one I am considering.
What would be recommended?

tks
Dennis


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PhilR. View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PhilR. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2014 at 19:30

Personally, I would add about $24 and get a Hawke Sapphire ED 8x25.  It will be better than the Vanquish, and fold up into a slightly smaller package.  Or perhaps add about $19 and get a Bushnell Elite Custom Compact 7x26.  I can't think any small binos in this general price and size range that has better optics than these two.

Otherwise, you will need to look at the reverse porros from Pentax, Sightron,  Leupold (currently has a rebate) and Nikon.  The Pentax and Nikon are fairly decent, and I've read good reviews of the Nikons.  But none of these will stand up to the Hawke Sapphire or Bushnell Elite.

Sightron, Pentax, and Celestron make small 8x25  roof-prisms.   The Pentax was decent enough for the price.  Can't say anything about the other two, but they might be worth your time to investigate.

Lastly, the Pentax 9x28 LV can be purchased for about $5 over your budget.  I've read some good reviews about this one too.  The difference between 8x and 9x is very minimal......

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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/13/2014 at 22:52
Theron Wapiti LT 8x32.  18 oz.  Check out the Sightron Blue Sky SII 8x32 as well

You will NOT buy better for less.  You may well spend more and get hosed.  Either one should be found for around $150.

Either one will kick a similar price 28 mm glass back to the middle of last week.  They are a little heavier than 14 oz, but worth every speck of it.  I guess the thing is do you just want light (usually a poor optical choice) or do you want on small enough to be small and still big enough to show you something?


Edited by Klamath - March/13/2014 at 23:09
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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IdahoSkies View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IdahoSkies Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/30/2014 at 22:07
I have a pair of vortex raptors at 6.5x32 and I love them.  They are slightly above your weight limit (17 ozs) but come in well under your price limit.  The views are very wide, very clear, and bright.  The size of the binos are very handy (at least for me) with the porro barrels simply fitting into my palms and allowing my little fingers to wrap around the ends.  Light, bright, and wide field of views for a very good price. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote IdahoSkies Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/30/2014 at 22:08
I should also add that they have a 8.5 powered model, but that one was not as bright or had as wide as field of view, (to be expected when moving up from a 6.5 to an 8.5). 
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