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Binoculars for "Tactical shooting" |
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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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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.
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
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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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Oh, yeh...
I'm particularly interested in goodies I can get on black Friday deals.
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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Are u by chance taking your class at front sight?
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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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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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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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Kickboxer
MODERATOR Moderator Joined: February/13/2008 Status: Offline Points: 23679 |
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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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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.
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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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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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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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Please explain IS..
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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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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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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Barnacle Bill
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/13/2011 Status: Offline Points: 45 |
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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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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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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.
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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