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jdg
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/10/2009 Status: Offline Points: 1 |
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Posted: November/10/2009 at 13:25 |
hey everyone....just found this site today. i've spent a few too many hours pouring myself over the previous posts, and have come across quite a few new choices, but would like a little help. i'm looking for a relatively rugged set of binoculars with quality optics. They will mostly be riding in the truck with me around the farm, but might accompany me on foot as well. Probably mostly used for wildlife. I need a general purpose binocular(s) that is a lot of bang for my buck. Don't mind spending some money, but would prefer to keep it between $200-$400....i'm leaning towards roof prism because of their weight/size in case i want to take them on foot, but am not necessarily against porro. Also, not against a well cared for used set. I'm in the middle of no where, so i'm thinking an online purchase is inevitable...and am little nervous about buying without handling. I Don't wear eyeglasses and would like something that performs well under low light. Maximum expected distances to view would be around 500 yards. Mostly under 300 yards. I am mostly considering 10x42...but would also consider 8x42 or similar. Here are some of the models i'm looking at-
Bushnell Legend and Elite Vortex Diamondback and Fury Zen Ray ED and ED2 Leupold Windriver and Pinnacle series Minox BV Anybody out there own more than one of these and could compare? Or anybody have any general thoughts to help me with my decision? thanks... |
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jonoMT
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: November/13/2008 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 4853 |
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Welcome to the OT! Generally, 8X will give you more light transmission, greater field of view and depth of field (more things in focus at a time from near to far) and less shake. The Zen ED2s are probably the most bang for you buck on that list. But I haven't looked through any but the Diamondbacks and Wind Rivers. Both were okay but I preferred the more expensive Vortex Vipers. I doubt the Vipers are better than the ED2s though, and if you're keeping them in the truck a lot, who wants to spend a lot of money?
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Reaction time is a factor...
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scooter65
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: December/29/2006 Location: mi Status: Offline Points: 3567 |
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I actually just picked up a set of the Bushnell Legends Porro in 8x42 for my son to hunt with. I'm quite impressed with them for the money. They were half of your bottom dollar. You will certainly get a varied response from the many members here. Some are big dollar glass fans and some get something good enough without breaking the bank. If your going to be doing hours of glassing then the higher dollar glass can certainly be easier on your eyes. There is no shortage of opinions on this site. I also own several pairs of Nikon of all grades. Never had a complaint with any of them except the 10x50's are too big for the kind of hunting I do.
If you've been reading all of the back threads then you probably have a pretty good idea already.
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RifleDude
MODERATOR EVIL OPPRESSOR Joined: October/13/2006 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 16337 |
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Welcome to OT, jdg!
Of the choices on your list, and given your budget, I would go with the ED2. You'd be very hard-pressed to beat it for the same or less money... or for that matter, even twice the $!
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Ted
Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle. |
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