Binoculars

So, I could really use some input here....good reviews to read; information on what makes a good pair of binoculars etc etc....all helpful links appreciated. Looking for a pair that would be great for deer/elk hunting mostly. Not looking for compact ones...mid to full size only.

So, hunters amongst you...any suggestions very welcome please!

 

Get some Bin's with a large front coated lenses, they can offer a few more hours hunting at night just before dark

 

Huh? you are talking to a novice here. Bins????

At first, being from the UK, I thought you were having a laugh and telling me to get two big black trash cans and install glass on the open ends...and I'm not even blonde (sorry Abby )

 

Reading a lot here......

Is auto focus a pro or con?

Standard scope for hunting is 7x50...but what about a lesser one with zoom? Is the zoom effective a feature or more of a gimic?

Waterproof/fog proof a good plan....we are tlaking November in Oregon here

Preferred makes/models?

 

Don't know squat about binoculars, but...I'm pretty sure that is slang for binoculars!!!!

Roger

 

Just about anything by Bushnell, Zeiss, Bausch & Lomb is good.

Get the ones with anti-fogging, and for game tracking you probably want at least quick focusing. Large coated front apatures will help in low light conditions. They make binoculars with range finding, but I don't know if that is worth the money.

EDIT: a better idea would be for you to look at some and then ask us if that model/brand is worth buying.

 

you would be correct,also slang where I live for spectacles

 

Already doing that, and happened to favor Bushnell myself too

Looking at the Trophy 2.0 10x50....

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20752&hasJS=true

.....and the Legend 10x50......

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20752&hasJS=true

.....though not from Cabela's as they are steep on price...I just found the spec on their site.

 

I forgot Leupold. How in the hell could I forget Leupold?

For my money, I would go with the Legend model (2nd link posted) in the 10x50 Black.

In your price range, I would look at Bushnell primarily. Bausch & Lomb and Leupold are going to be the next step up in quality and price. Zeiss is going to be a huge giant leap in price, but the quality is superb.

 

Thank you. I need to keep the price below $250 - so I agree Bushnell is the way to go. If I spend anymore on them I will not be in someone's good books, even though they are for him! Hehe

 

First a camera with 12x zoom, and now a pair of binoculars.

Who are you spying on?


Shopping is fun, I love shiny electronic gadgets. If only I was rich.

 

I decided to hold off on the camera, as I already have one that can do the job reasonably well......I just decided to get my husband some decent binoculars instead. He is going on an eastern Oregon week-long elk hunt in November...real rough terrian.... and I thought I would surprise him with some decent kit, so he can just totally enjoy himself out there. Unfortunately I can't go as I've had way too much time off work already having had surgery this year.

 

All the brands mentioned above are excellent choices. Zoom feature is a real plus, as it's much easier to scan widely at relatively low power, then zoom in on any likely looking things. Otherwise it's like scouring the country through a keyhole. The higher the magnification, the smaller the picture you're actually looking at.

 

Instead of the a big surprise, ask him what he would like…..I have a nice 10x50, but they are real heavy, and like GT said, looking thru a keyhole, at a 1000 yds in full zoom, you only could see 183 feet across….I used to use them for high school football, and if the quarterback passed the ball, I missed it, the ball went outside of the viewing area…..wobbles

 

I already did ask him (in a non-suspecting way) so know he wants the full size, not the compact. I did comment that they would be heavy, but he laughed...he's a logger and carries a wayyyy heavier chainsaw around the mountains all day. To be honest, his current ones are so old (1970/80's)that anything would be better. This is a guy who has always gone without so his kids didn't have to, so he often objects to money being spent on him if he knows about it. However, the kids are now grown and he deserves a few luxuries that feed his few hobbies. Obviously I know why he needs them, and you are right........the @1000 yds measurement is important, especially when tracking down where you plan to hunt, which is why I like the Bushnell Legend with a 340@1000 yds.

Thank you and GT for your helpful advice