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Binoculars for "Tactical shooting"

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Barnacle Bill View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/22/2012 at 19:59
OK, let me preface this with the confession that I know absolutely nothing about binoculars. 
 
I own exactly one pair, bought at Service Merchandise 30 years ago (I think they are out of business now).  I'm pretty sure the price was two digits, as I was an broke junior enlisted sailor at the time.  They are "Jason/Empire Model 161 Commander 10 x 50".  Given the vintage & original price, I imagine they are garbage.
 
OK, so I'm taking this precision shooting class in April.  The equipment list says "Optics, (binocular or spotting scope)".  I also own a cheapo spotting scope, a Konus 20-60x that I use for seeing where my shots went from the bench out to 200 yards.  It works for that.
 
Anyway, I'm thinking about getting a decent pair of binoculars for this.  I actually don't know what I'd be using them for, except to whatever extent the context suggests something to those more familiar with precision shooting. 
 
So, I'm lost here - don't even know what sort of spec I'd be talking about.  I can sorta address price range.  I spent a fair amount on rifle & scope, because I know enough there to get a glimpse of a clue and understand the value equation.  I really don't know with binoculars. 
 
So, first off what sort of spec should I be looking at?  Then, what are the hallmarks of quality, and what sort of price range are we talking?  At a gut level it feels like four digits is overkill for me, but as high as $700ish could be justified if I was convinced it would make a difference.
 
So, please fill the vacuum in my skull Big Smile
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Barnacle Bill View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barnacle Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2012 at 21:22
Oh, yeh...
 
I'm particularly interested in goodies I can get on black Friday deals. Wink
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/22/2012 at 22:35
Are u by chance taking your class at front sight?
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Barnacle Bill View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barnacle Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 08:39
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

Are u by chance taking your class at front sight?
No, TDI.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 09:17
Just checking as they say the same thing, but you don't actually need them for that class. 

I would look at the Zen Ray ED3 for just regular binos with great glass.  Or if you want something with a reticle in them, Vortex has the Viper tactical version that has a ranging reticle in them. 

You also have the Vortex Viper HD, Kruger Caldera, both of those a pretty good binos.

You can get pretty good binos these days for $400.  Surprisingly they compete pretty well again the expensive brands.  If it were me in your shoes, I would probably buy the Zen Rays or the Krugers and save the rest of your money for ammo.  They are more than enough for what your intended usage will be. 

I would probably get 8x42 or 10x42.  I am a fan of 10x binos, but a lot of people prefer the 8x for more FOV and they feel like they can hold them steadier.  An 8x32 would not be a bad choice because of the smaller size and weight.


Edited by supertool73 - November/23/2012 at 09:22
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 11:09
In your price range you could go for a Canon 8x25 or 10x30 image stabilized binocular.  They are awesome. Great glass and the IS is "the bomb".  I'll never buy anything not IS again...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barnacle Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 12:47
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

Just checking as they say the same thing, but you don't actually need them for that class. 
 
I took a carbine class with TDI a few years ago and ended up needing everything on the gear list, so I'm expecting the same here.  I just don't know enough to understand what I'll be using them for.  Your suggestions help.
 
I ended up going with a Nightforce scope with their NP-R2 ranging reticle.  Is it useful to have a ranging reticle on the binoculars in addition to the riflescope, or is one enough?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barnacle Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 12:48
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

In your price range you could go for a Canon 8x25 or 10x30 image stabilized binocular.  They are awesome. Great glass and the IS is "the bomb".  I'll never buy anything not IS again...
 
Please explain IS..
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 13:08
IS is image stabilized.  They have electronics in them like a digital camera to help with shake so the image is clearer and more stable.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Barnacle Bill Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 13:17
OK, it looks like SWFA doesn't carry Canon, but from Canon's web site the models that have 42mm objectives are really expensive.  The 8x25 & 10x30 are affordable.  However, that's a significantly smaller objective.  Is IS worth that trade-off?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/23/2012 at 13:50
I have a monocular that is 10x25.  It really sucks in low light.  If your only use is a day time optic, they will be okay.  But if you plan on using them in low light they are not likely to be as good as binos with a larger objective.  All else being equal. 


Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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