OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Other Optics > Binoculars
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - zoom binoculars
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

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

zoom binoculars

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
jbbad View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: November/10/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 2
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jbbad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: zoom binoculars
    Posted: November/10/2004 at 20:10

  OK don't know much about binos but got to play with a pair of zoom binos a few years ago in the kingdome during a football game.  Am shopping for a very good pair of binos for hunting.  Can anybody give me some advice about whether to go with zoom or not.  What about lowlight conditions and clarity with the zoom.  Am considering windriver olympic 10x50 if I don't go for the zoom.

 

Thanks  jbbad

Back to Top
ranburr View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master


Joined: May/16/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 1082
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ranburr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2004 at 23:08

It seems that the general consensus is that most zooms are apparently far from perfect, but I have no direct experience with them.  The one exception would probably be the Leica which really is not a true zoom.  How much money do you want to spend and what will you be using them for?  I don't think much of the Wind River series. 

 

ranburr

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: November/14/2004 at 15:14
I strongly agree with ranburr with regards to zoom bino's. A pair of quality roof prism's is the way to go in my opinion. A pair of 7,8 or 10 x42's will serve you well.
Back to Top
Chris Farris View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
swfa.com

Joined: October/01/2003
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 8024
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/24/2004 at 11:00

Zoom binos are very prone to breaking and the main reason you don't see many on the market.  They are also not as weather resistant as a normal binocular.  If you need the versatility of a zoom I would recommend the little Leupold hand held spotter.

 

 

Leupold 10-20x40.....$349.95

Back to Top
tdfergus2 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/31/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tdfergus2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/28/2004 at 20:08

Chris
TEAM SWFA  - I was thinking of taking your advise and getting a compact spotter (oversized monocular)  rather than binocs. Can you suggest a quality choice that is less expensive than the Leupold 10-20X40?

 

What about the  Burris compact 12-24x50?

Do you have other suggestins for a good compact spotter.

Thanks

Back to Top
lucznik View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master


Joined: November/27/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 1436
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/01/2004 at 14:55

I was about to buy the Burris compact spotting scope, but my local dealer had the Leupold 10-20X40 scope recommended above sitting right next to the Burris in the case.  I decided to compare them a little bit just for fun. I was ASTOUNDED at the difference in optical quality. The Leupold is so much better it defies reason. I couldn't really afford it, but I bought the Leupold anyway because I knew if I bought the Burris, I would forever be thinking about the Leupold and its superior clarity every time I tried to size up an animal. 

 

If you won't spend the money on the Leupold and still want a small spotting scope, don't do any side by side comaprisons. If you don't know what you're missing, you may not be bothered by the lack of clarity in the cheaper scope. Otherwise, you will regret your decision to buy cheap over quality.

What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
Back to Top
Chris Farris View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
swfa.com

Joined: October/01/2003
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 8024
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/04/2004 at 11:06

There is a reason why Burris is able to give away a 12-24x50 with the purchase of a 4.5-14x42 Fullfield II Ballistic Plex scope.

Back to Top
tdfergus2 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/31/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tdfergus2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/08/2004 at 18:40
Chris - what is SWFA's price in the Burris 12X24X50?
Back to Top
Chris Farris View Drop Down
TEAM SWFA - Admin
TEAM SWFA - Admin
Avatar
swfa.com

Joined: October/01/2003
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 8024
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2004 at 17:37
$129.95
Back to Top
tdfergus2 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/31/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tdfergus2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2004 at 18:52

 

 

Chris - Thanks.

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  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 0.270 seconds.