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looking for decent binoculars

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Josh79 View Drop Down
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Joined: August/14/2005
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Josh79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: looking for decent binoculars
    Posted: October/22/2005 at 23:16

I am looking to get some decent binoculars after using some sh*tty tasco's that were given to me for x-mas. the image is pretty crappy but the worse part is they fog really badly. i couldnt believe how bad they did when it wasnt even that cold out (i am in south dakota so it does get cold). i have recently uprgraded my scope with your guys help and now i am looking for binos (and soon range finder and spotting scope down the road). i have done a lot of reading and i have found a few that i think would work great but i would like any input i can get from you guys. i am looking at spending under 300 for them.

 

bushnell legend 8x42 w/ rainguard roof prisms for 279

Swift audobon 8.5x44 bwcf 820 porro prism for 269 (swfa does not have them)

Carson XM 8x42 for 239 (swfa also does not have these either)

 

I was thinking of the audobons because of many good reviews but the legends are supposed to be good plus they are fogproof /rainguard . any help is appreciated guys

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Roy Finn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2005 at 05:38
You will lots of feedback in this price range. The only one I am familiar with of the ones you mentioned are the Bushnell ( poro Prism ) 8x42's.I found them to have pretty decent glass and the Rainguard lens coatings which would probably come in inclement weather. Another pair that comes to mind are the Nikon Monarchs in 8x42. Optically, they are about the same and cost will be within a few bucks of each other. I preferred the way the contoured Bushnell Legends felt in my hands and are covered with a very non-slippery rubber type material.Either would serve you well. As I have said before, with regards to riflescopes and binoculars, buy the best you possibly afford. You have already experienced fogging, so you already know what that feels like. I don'y think that bino's are biodegradable. The Nikon's might have a very slight optical edge, however as I stated before, The Bushnell's have the Rainguard advantage which for hunting is a huge one IMO. Leupold has some glasses in your price range as does Pentax. A lot of folks love their Pentax's. Don't compair in a store!!!
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Josh79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Josh79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2005 at 22:08
i think i am leaning towards the bushnell legends w/ rainguard (roof prism) due to being fogproof. my old binos always fogged on me and annoyed the crap out of me. i need to get them fairly soon as deer season opens november 12th here. i got to sight in my 270 with my new burris ff2 scope, buy binos for sure plus maybe a spotter (found a good deal on an elite), and maybe even get nikon monarch 800 rangefinder plus some other odds and ends. season kind of snuck up on me this year i guess... been working too much lol.
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Acenturian View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2005 at 07:14

All three are very good binoculars.  I'd give the Swift the edge as far as being better glass, but it is a poro prism which some prefer the roof.  I've read that a roof is more durable and that the poro Swift is not fog proof. Although the lens coatings pretty much eliminate the fogging atleast where I hunt.   But for clarity and brightness the glass it is awsome.

 

I own a pair of Carsons and they are very very good.  I'd say right behind the Swifts in clarity and low light performance.  I think that the Carsons are the best kept secret out there.  They are fog proof and a roof prism.  They carry a no hassel life time guarentee and in my opion better optics then the Bushnell Legends, Pentax DCF HR II, Nikon Monarchs (big disappointment for me) and better than the Weaver Grand Slams I just got all that and they cost less then most of the ones mentioned.

If You're In A Fair Fight, You Didn't Plan It Properly

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lucznik View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2005 at 15:52
While using a B&L Discoverer binocular on a recent deer hunt, I placed the binocular under my jacket to keep it from bouncing on my chest.  When I pulled it out later the outer glass surfaces had fogged up. (Not a suprise as any binocular would do the same.) The moisute evaporated off of the glass within a few moments however, I did not feel that these lenses "cleared up" to the point that I could use them any faster than any other binocular I own has in the past.  Certainly not fast enough to justify the media hype. I am left to believe (or at least suspect) that the raingaurd coating, if it works at all, is limited to only larger drops of water like from a rainstorm and does not help with incidental outer glass surface fogging which can occur when taking the binocular from one temperature extreme to another (especially where high humidity is involved.)
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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Josh79 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Josh79 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/26/2005 at 20:21
Well i ordered the bushnell legends yesterday and i also got a bushnell elite spotting scope on the way. Might have a nikon monarch 800 rangefinder on its way soon too. I spent more money than i should have but o well. i havent gotten anything in awhile so it is alright. after this spree then i will start saving for a down payment on another vehicle.
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