Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
need som help with new Binos |
Post Reply |
Author | |
cancarver
Optics GrassHopper Joined: August/11/2011 Status: Offline Points: 1 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: August/11/2011 at 11:55 |
I am new here but have lurked here and there looking for some advice. First I am not an optics conisuer, I have gotten by for the last 7 years with a pair of 10x42 Bushnell Buckhorns(cabelas exclusives). They dropped and broke the other day and now I am in need of a new pair ASAP but want to know that I am getting the best my money can buy. Unforuntaely I live in the boondocks and can't physically touch any models so internet reports are the best I can do. I am primarily a bird hunter, most of that being duck hunting, so my binos get wet, bounce around in a boat, get stepped on by the dogs and they also get used for scouting from the truck. I'd prefer to stick with 10x42's and my budget is under $150 unless going $50 more is going to be drastic improvement. So far after reading past posts these are the models I trying to decide between.
Bushnell Excursions ED (because I had a pair of bushnells) they will discount these to $140 for a new set, but don't seemed to be liked very much by people Bushnell trophy ( same deal) can get for $107 Zen ray Vistas Atlas Radians Unless there is a drastic difference the Zen Ray ZRS has been mentioned numerous times but I really don't want to go that high. Then If I get to that price point some of the higher end bushnells might be discounted to that price as well. Whats important to me 1a. Waterproof/fogproof 1b. durability/warranty 2. optics- I was ok with mine, but would like a noticable improvement. 3. size any I am not looking at? Any one of these stands out for my needs? Thank you |
|
FrankD
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/11/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 686 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Out of your list either the Atlas Optics Radians or the Zen Ray Vistas would fit the bill. I have tried/owned both at one point or another and have been very happy with them. Others I have tried recently that you may want to consider....
Pro Optic 10x42 - $155 - ED glass objectives, fully-multicoated-silver and phase coated prisms, water-repellent coating, 368 foot field of view
Dakota Elite 10x42 - $49.99 (no, that is not a typo...on everyone's favorite auction site for a brand new unit) - fully-multicoated, silver and phase coated prsms, water/dirt repellent coating
Bushnell Legend 10x42 - $149.99 - (original version can be found for this price on the same site as above) - all the same features as listed for the previous suggestion
Those are the best deals on 10x42s that I can think of...for the moment. Someone may chime in with a deal or two on something like the Vortex Diamondback or something similar. 25 year warranty on the Dakotas..only a 1 year warranty on the Pro Optics...not sure of the Bushnell warranty.
All are going to offer noticeable optical improvement over your Buckhorns. The primary reason for that is the Buckhorns are not phase coated. Phasecoating provides a sharper, brighter and more contrasty image. I purchased the Buckhorns for my former father-in-law several years ago and he was very happy with them. Eventually the ended up the same way that yours did so I picked him a little inexpensive Celestron Nature 8x30 porro and he has been very happy with it as well.
Hope this helps.
|
|
Frank
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |