OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - first set of 'nocs
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

first set of 'nocs

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
jdg View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: November/10/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 1
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jdg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: first set of 'nocs
    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...

Back to Top
jonoMT View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: November/13/2008
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 4853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2009 at 15:20
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?
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
scooter65 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: December/29/2006
Location: mi
Status: Offline
Points: 3567
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote scooter65 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2009 at 15:45
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.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2009 at 16:10
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 $!
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.291 seconds.