binoculars

mike keener · Guest

I am going on an elk hunt and would like to have you recommend a pair of binoculars. I would like to keep it under $400 unless there is a pair that is really a lot more bang for the buck that costs a little more. Could you please help me with this?

Thanks, Mike

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5621

Hi

Be tough to beat the Leupold Pinnacles 10x42 or the Pentax DCF WPII
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mike keener · Guest

I was reading the info on the binoculars hunting page. It seemed to imply that not much was to be gained by getting out of the $200 - $300 range. In your opinion am I getting something extra with either of the 2 you have recommended or should I look to a set in the above price range. If so, what would it be?

Thanks, Mike

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5621

Hi

Not exactly. You do get the most bang for the buck at $300 in terms of features and optics, but that does not mean you don't gain by moving to a more expensive binocular, especially if it is a matter of durability. If you are using a binocular hard and want it to last for many years, buying a more expensive binocular is cheaper in the long run. Professional guides, who depend on a binocular for their living, do not bother with $200 binoculars for that very reason. Lastly, you do see an improvement in optics between $300 and $400. The gain is slight, but I think the it is well worth it, though that is something you need to decide for yourself. Just a matter of how fussy you are about your optics and also your expectations.

At the $300 price point there are far too many binoculars to list and, due to the comnpetition, you can't go wrong with any of them. The two I mentioned are as good as it gets at $400, but at $300 I would start with the Nikon Monarch, the Eagle Optics Ranger, Leupold Olympic to name just a few.
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spyglass · Guest

But the EDG is about $170 more....haven't seen 1 yet but have the FL, and really don't think the Nikon is gonna out-anything the Zeiss...and I'm a big Nikon fan (have all 3 versions of the SE, and all are definite keepers).

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5621

Hi

I agree in terms of optics, but I definitely prefer the metal construction and open tube design on the EDG compared to the plastic/polymer construction on the Victory FL. In my tests, for instance, the EDG definitely focused smoother and, for me, a nicer handling bino.

I also have an SE, but never going to sell it either.
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