OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Another Good Read By JB
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

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

Another Good Read By JB

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
jwp475 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: July/02/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jwp475 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Another Good Read By JB
    Posted: February/10/2009 at 15:03
range it,check the wind, dial in correction,aim,squezze and only one Shot......
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: February/10/2009 at 15:22
Excellent post!  Welcome to OT jwp475!
 
I also moved this into the binoculars forum, since the main focus of the article is binocular use.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
lucytuma View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar

Joined: November/25/2007
Location: Wisconsin
Status: Offline
Points: 5389
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/10/2009 at 15:43
Another good article, thanks!
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
Back to Top
Roy Finn View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Steiner Junkie

Joined: April/05/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4856
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/10/2009 at 15:54
I hoping maybe he can do an update perhaps on Best Buys for Bino's, hint...hint.............
Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2009 at 11:49
Obviously "Looking Long" appeared a while back, but a lot of it is still valid.
 
I do have a binoculars-for-hunting piece on the list for OpticsTalk, though I am not as likely to list every darn binocular and how they appear to rate for me. For one thing, I haven't kept up like I used to, simply because there are too darn many binoculars out there--and they all seem to get upgraded every year.
 
But there will be some more stuff about hunting with binoculars, and some technical updates as well.
Back to Top
medic52 View Drop Down
Optics Professional
Optics Professional
Avatar

Joined: October/05/2006
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 893
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote medic52 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2009 at 19:42
Being a hillbilly it took awhile before I learned the importance of a good pair of bino's. I have two pair now and will upgrade  shortly.
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton
Back to Top
shooter4 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: February/11/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 177
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter4 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 01:31
I have to say its good this article was posted here. I guess I would not have read it if it was only listed in the Binocular section.  Good reading - opens my eyes to new things. THANKS.
 
Next question - what is a good binocular for a starter on a budget?
Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 07:36
What kind of budget? And where do you hunt, and for what?
 
JB
Back to Top
mike650 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: May/14/2006
Location: West of Rockies
Status: Offline
Points: 14569
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 12:30
Get Your Popcorn Ready
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
Back to Top
Horsemany View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: February/28/2008
Location: Nebraska
Status: Offline
Points: 643
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Horsemany Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 15:11
Originally posted by John Barsness John Barsness wrote:

What kind of budget? And where do you hunt, and for what?
 
JB
 
Me first.  Me first.  Under $400.  South Dakota/Nebraska Prairie Dogs 200-700yds.  What would you recommend?  Thanks in advance.
Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 16:44

Actually that's not difficult. I'd go with a 10x42, out there on the open plains. There are a bunch of very good roof-prism models available for $300-$400. In alphabetical order I would suggest any of these:

Nikon Monarch ATB, $320
Minox BV, $299
Pentax DCF WPII, $385
Swift Ultra, $320
Vortex Fury, $360
Weaver Grand Slam, $400
 
These are all so close optically that I would hate to recommend one over another, because some individual's eyes will like one more than another. Another thing that not many people consider is how a binocular feels in your hands, especially when buying one for constant glassing as in PD shooting. I have had good luck with ALL the brands listed, and in reality would be happy to use any.
 
Another really good 10x that I use a LOT myself is the Burris 10x50 Signature Select. This is a little pricier than your budget limit, $478.  
 
Roof prisms of course are the thing these days. That said,  here are a few good porro prism binoculars available, and they provide optics a shade better than roofs in this price class. Most are also waterproof these days. In theory they aren't quite as tough as roof prisms, both because of how the prisms are mounted and the hinge system, but if you're not beating the snot out them in really tough hunting, then they will last a long, long time. I still have my first really good binocular, a 7x35 Nikon porro purchased around 25 years ago, and it is still just as sharp and bright as ever, and perfectly collimated. Both my wife and I hunted with it for many years.
 
One real sleeper of a porro-prism glass is the 10x42 Leupold Green Ring Cascade. I have been using one for a couple of years now. Last spring my wife and her brother and I went to Yellowstone Park to look for elk, bighorn sheep, wolves, grizzlies, etc. We took three binoculars to see how they compared, my 5-year-old Leica 8+12 Duovids, a new 8x42 Zeiss FL--and the Leupold 10x42 Cascade. We were glassing up to two miles away, and we all traded the 3 binoculars back and forth. There was no instance where one of us spotted something and the others couldn't pick it up quickly, and just as often the initial spot was made with the Cascades. They are waterproof and so far have proven pretty tough, so at $285 I would rate them a steal.
Back to Top
SChunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2007
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 376
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 18:55
How about under 1K for general hunting?
Back to Top
SChunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2007
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 376
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 18:57
Low light performance first, glassing and ID/eval of big game for a little more info to the previous post!
Back to Top
Horsemany View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: February/28/2008
Location: Nebraska
Status: Offline
Points: 643
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Horsemany Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 19:01
Thanks a bunch John.  That speeds up the process for me.
Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 19:24
For a "general" glass I would go more for an 8x42 (or thereabouts) rather than a 10x, or maybe even an 8x32 if a little lighter glass is desired. If more open country is the "general" use then I would go to a 10x42, but in general 10x32's in this price range aren't quite good enough, because of exit pupil and other issues.
 
Those I have tried and been impressed with are:
 
Bushnell Elite 8x43
Leupold Gold Ring 8x42
Meopta Meostar 8x42
Minox HG 8.5x43
Vortex Razor 8x42
 
All of these retail in the $800 range.
 
If you want an 8x32 I would suggest the Nikon Premier. For a 10x42 I like the Meopta Meostar.
 
Once you get into this class, you're looking at a "lifetime" binocular, or something approaching it. So I also look at ruggedness, which necessitates long-term use, not justa  quick evaluation of optics. I also tend to like a heavier binocular for longer-term glassing, because it steadies things down a little, reducing eyestrain over several hours or days, so the weight of the Leupold and Meopta don't bother me.
 
I have pretty much given up trying to evaluate every binocular on the market for tiny differences in optical quality, for several reasons. First, optical quality is getting so good overall that minor differences are really minor. This is because competition is so fierce--and because so many binoculars are made by the same factories.
 
Also, EVERY company upgrades (at least theoetically) their binoculars every year or two. I simply do not have time to look through all of the new models side-by-side every year--and even then somebody else's eyes might not agree with mine.
 
Another big factor is that the advances made are so tiny that older binoculars from the same company aren't that far behind. I am not about to get rid of my 8x32 Nikon Premiers (or are they LX's, the previous name?) even though they were made 7 years ago. The newer ones no doubt are slightly improved, but the old ones are still great binoculars.
 
Finally, with the great binoculars we have today, even in the $300 range, skill in glassing is often more important than minor differences in optics. See my previous post for the in-the-field evaluation of the Leupold 10x432 Cascades, for instance.
Back to Top
medic52 View Drop Down
Optics Professional
Optics Professional
Avatar

Joined: October/05/2006
Location: Missouri
Status: Offline
Points: 893
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote medic52 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 20:05
I am at the point now that I want to buy a lifetime pair. I do some varmint hunting in the plains and deer hunt in the Ozark Hills. I have been considering the Razor, but my issue is do I want the 8x or 10x do I even consider a 12X. I would love to look thru a pair......being color blind is there thing I should consider? What you guys think appreciate your thoughts
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton
Back to Top
SChunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2007
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 376
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2009 at 20:14

John, because most of my hunting is in SC where we have one hour pre and post sun rise for deer hunting, I had been contemplating the Razor 8.5 x 50.  What are your thoughts?  And what about the Meopta's separate themselves from the others in the 10x category sub 1K?  Thanks for your reply!

Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/15/2009 at 08:24
The 8.5x50 Razor should work very well for your specific purpose, the almost 6mm exit pupil combined with the 8.5x magnfication.
 
The Meopta 10x42 isn't just very good optically. It is also quite stout. I have used one for lots of hunting under various conditions from the deserts of North America to the rainforests of New Zealand, and it just keeps truckin'. I also like the combination of weight and balance, which for me at least is pretty much ideal for serious glassing.
Back to Top
SChunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2007
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 376
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/15/2009 at 18:29
Thanks, John.
Back to Top
John Barsness View Drop Down
Optics Optimist
Optics Optimist


Joined: January/27/2009
Status: Offline
Points: 785
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote John Barsness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/16/2009 at 19:08
medic52,
 
Sorry I missed your post. The color-blindness problem is very perplexing. One of my hunting companions (another hunting writer) is partially color-blind, and on one hunt partially sponsored by a certain optics manufacturer about 6 of uf were using exactly the same 8x42 roof-prism binocular, a very good glass in the $800 range.
 
After a day or two he kept insisting they were a real POS, because he couldn't see much of anything in dim light. Finally I started switching glasses with him, because he just might have gotten a bad glass (this happens too). Instead I could see just as well with his as mine.
 
It turned out his color-blindness just didn't match well with the color "bias" (as it's called) of the binoculars we were using. He was missing parts of the spectrum in low light.
 
So it's really hard to make recommendations with the problems involved. All I can think of suggesting is going to a high-grade sporting goods store (or trade show) with a lot of different binoculars--and then looking through them where the light is dimmest.
 
Again, this is why I tend to avoid making firm statements about this or that binocular's optics these days, especially with various binoculars being so close in quality. I also have a friend who has close-set eyes--who absolutely could NOT use the Nikon Premier 8x32's that are among my favorites. It's problems like these that complicate evaluations.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  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 8.211 seconds.