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Looking for a new pair of binos

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northernwhitetail View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote northernwhitetail Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Looking for a new pair of binos
    Posted: August/04/2011 at 03:10
I am looking for a new pair of binos. I hunt in the northeast. I am looking for a pair that is fairly small, and works well in low light. my price range is around 500$
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tpcollins View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpcollins Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/04/2011 at 07:49
"Fairly small and works well in low light" don't quite go together - since works well in low light is a requirement, I would suggest 8x42 which aren't going to be fairly small. With a $500 limit, I would look at getting the best "used" binoc for your money versus brand new with lesser optics - but that's just me . . .  
 
 
I'd take a look here in the SWFA sample list to see what used bargains are available  - or that "other place".


Edited by tpcollins - August/04/2011 at 07:52
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SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/04/2011 at 08:00
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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/04/2011 at 14:01
Originally posted by northernwhitetail northernwhitetail wrote:

I am looking for a new pair of binos. I hunt in the northeast. I am looking for a pair that is fairly small, and works well in low light. my price range is around 500$
With your criteria, I'd recommend the Kruger Caldera 8x42.  This is a quite compact glass for the 42mm size.  It has a HUGE 438' fov which is the most of any 8x42 class roof at any price that I know about.  Flourite objectives, dielectric prism mirror, hard, scratch resistant, water repellent lens coatings.  I am getting pretty attacched to the pair I have.  I posted a review here too.  They are about $380 from SWFA.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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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: August/06/2011 at 21:01
I would ditto Klamath's suggestion. I have another company's version of the Caldera and they are also one of my favorite bins. They are very compact for a full-size bino with very good ergonomics. The optics are also only "bettered" by the big four and then only in certain areas...not universally across all optical characteristics.
Frank
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/07/2011 at 09:03
Another suggestion, this is a comprimise between compacts and full size.
"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
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m_freeman View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m_freeman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2011 at 20:36

miffed comment removed yes and those 7x ZR are interesting



Edited by m_freeman - August/10/2011 at 22:58
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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: August/10/2011 at 21:36
Service life?
 
I have owned several of the Zen Ray models for 3 years now and have not had a single problem with any of them. If you are referring to customer service I would kindly suggest sending an email to Zen Ray and see how long it takes you to get a response. Hours would be my guess.


Edited by FrankD - August/10/2011 at 22:00
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Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2011 at 22:10
This thread as well, m_freeman?  I guess I just sound like a Zen Ray defender, but they have treated me more than fairly.
-Matt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote m_freeman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/10/2011 at 22:57
Originally posted by Bitterroot Bulls Bitterroot Bulls wrote:

This thread as well, m_freeman?  I guess I just sound like a Zen Ray defender, but they have treated me more than fairly.
wow ZR just got back to me at 8pm.
Just a little miffed I really liked those ZR and to have them break is upsetting. Anyway at  least I have made contact, sure it will work out. ZR darn fine glass for the money.
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sammie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sammie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2011 at 20:11
I am pretty sure I'm getting the Steiner 10x42 Predator Xtreme.  They are $499 with a rebate being offered.   I got the chance to use them on a hog hunt and they were great.   Where they surprised me most were in the lowlight, they were superb.   Though they are not that small, I'd say average.
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