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$300 8x roof prisms

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rodix View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rodix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: $300 8x roof prisms
    Posted: October/25/2004 at 22:06

I'm looking for some recommenations for 8x roof prism binoculars in the $300 range give or take $50.  These will pretty much be used for hunting in Michigan, but I will be bringing them on the occasional trip to some of the more wide-open western states.  I was initially going to buy a pair of Leupold Wind River Cascades until I started reading posts on this site .  Now I'm totally confused.

 

I've picked up a handful of different models in this price range and I can't really tell much of a difference.  It's hard (for me) to make a judgement in a well lit store in a matter of a few minutes.  So I'm asking if you might have some advice for me.  I've been studying Leupold, Pentax, Weaver, and Nikon mainly, but perhaps there are some others I should consider.

 

Thanks!

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2004 at 00:15
Burris Signature and Bushnell Legend seem quite good.  Personally, I'd go with Burris Signature 8x42.  From what I understand and from limited personal experience Nikon Moarch ATB and Pentax HRII are to be avoided.

Generally, the best value in roof prism binoculars is Pentax SP, but I think these are a bit more expensive.

Weaver Grand Slam binoculars do not get a lwhole ot of exposure, but I've heard very good reviews of their 8.5x45 model.  No personal experience with these though.

Ilya
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apdb90 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote apdb90 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2004 at 05:19

rodix,

 

I recently looked at similar 10X models, and compared them side by side.  I guess my reply would be "How important is the money?".  I liked the Leupold Wind River Pinnicle's the best overall (brightness, clarity, feel, etc.) with the Bushnell Legends a VERY close second.  In fact, they were pretty much identical except that I didn't go crazy for the feel of the armor on the Bushnells.  That aside, I felt they were every bit the equal of the Leupolds, were about $100 cheaper ($50 in 8X), and come with the Rain Guard on the lenses which, from what I understand, works extremely well.

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rodix View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rodix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2004 at 08:38
Originally posted by apdb90 apdb90 wrote:

"How important is the money?"

 

I'm just trying to determine the top couple options in this price range (250-350).  If one option is 250 and is very close, but not quite as good as the 350 option, then I wouldn't have a problem spending 350.  I just want to narrow down the choices.

 

Thanks!

Ryan 

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rodix View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rodix Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2006 at 18:46

I want to post a followup to this thread.  I ended up ordering the Bushnell Legends and am very happy with them.  They have a very solid feel and have performed well for me over the last year or so.  I highly recommend them.

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koshkin View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/01/2006 at 19:11
Good choice.  For the money Legends are hard to beat.

Ilya
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FrankD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2006 at 10:33
I tend to agree. I had a pair of the 8x32s and was very impressed with both their optical performance and overall physical design, especially for the price.
Frank
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caveman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote caveman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2006 at 12:45
Need a little more info about Browning binocs please. I am looking at the 8x32 camo roofs. Where made and who makes them and what do they compare best to. Are they bushnell legends with Browning dress or better?

TKS
cavey
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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2006 at 13:08
I read an article in a gun magazine a few months back (sorry, I don't remember which one - I read WAY too many of them for my own good) which stated flat out that the Brownings are in fact just rebranded Bushnell Legends.
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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FrankD View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FrankD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/04/2006 at 12:02

Caveman,

 

lucznik is correct. The Browning bins are rebadged Bushnell Legends. All specs and terminology are the same when reading their descriptions. I had actually been eyeing up a pair of the 8x32 Brownings at the local Cabelas before someone else finally bought the last pair. Their image quality was very good for the price, possibly even a tad better than the Legends...at least the two specific units I examined.

Frank
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voight24 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote voight24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/04/2006 at 13:37

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/411382434

 

Zeiss Conquest 8x30, Best buy for $350 , SWFA will do 110% price match.

 

I believe they are much better than the legends or the Wind rivers.

 

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caveman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote caveman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2006 at 09:26
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back. I ordered the brownings today. Will let you know how they LOOK.
cavey
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