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$300 8x roof prisms |
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rodix
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/25/2004 Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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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
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
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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
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/13/2004 Status: Offline Points: 11 |
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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
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/25/2004 Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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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
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/25/2004 Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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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
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
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Good choice. For the money Legends are hard to beat.
Ilya |
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FrankD
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/11/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 686 |
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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.
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Frank
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caveman
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/21/2005 Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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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 |
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cavey
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lucznik
Optics Master Joined: November/27/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1436 |
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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.
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What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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FrankD
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/11/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 686 |
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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. |
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Frank
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voight24
Optics GrassHopper Joined: December/05/2005 Status: Offline Points: 6 |
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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
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/21/2005 Status: Offline Points: 7 |
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back. I ordered the brownings today. Will let you know how they LOOK.
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cavey
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