Backpack Hunting Binoculars

[rlwright]

I want to upgrade to a good pair of binoculars in the 300 - 500 dollar range. Since I'm backpack hunting weight is one of the main variables. This limits me to the compact models.
Also I wear glasses so I need eyecups

I'm also new to deer hunting so I'll probably be looking at spotting scopes and/or a pair of full size binoculars in the future.

I'm hunting in high elevation timber areas for now.

What do you guys/gals suggest? Has anyone been in the same dilema?

 

[Zbearclaw]

I love my cabelas alaskan guide 10X42's, there are a number of good companies out there in that price range, but I have had good luck with cabelas in the past, and the alaskan guide name is their best cabelas brand

 

[_droptine_]

Check out the www.eagleoptics.com. I have some of their ranger binoculars and they are pretty good. The ranger platinums also come with a very good warranty.

 

[DILPRXO]

Check out Minox...Armored,waterproof to 5 meters...German optics..30yr warranty..I've seen them online for the price range you mentioned and they have built in eye cups.I have a pair of their 8x32's that have performed wonderfully for me the last couple years. WWW.Minox.com
Take care

 

[Spitzer]

Try a pair of 8x42 Bushnell Legend roof prism binos. They are water/fog proof. For the price you can't beat them. Compare them to more expensive roofs and you'll be suprised.

 

[Losthwy]

I have a pair the same as Dil's, 8x32 Minox which is just the right size for me, are bright, clear and have the cups for eye glass wearers like myself. I'm a hunter who has a obsession on traveling light as possible. There are alot of ways to save on weight, lighter rifles, alum scope rings, fixed scopes, lithium batteries, even light swivels. But binoculars is the one area that I don't try to go too light in. The compacts just don't have enough light gathering for when the deer and elk are most active in the low light hours. I would stick with a binocular like the 8x32. Anything over 8x power is hard to hold steady and gives a shakey picture w/o a tripod. Bino Buddy is a good accessory, that keeps the binoculars handy.

 

[robbor]

Rlwright, I am kind of in the same boat. And realizing that I am gathering to much crap again. I got the spotting scope,LRF,tripods and feel I still need a pair of binocs for scouting. Forget buying multiple binoculars and buy a normal size 8x35-42 binocs and be done with it. The larger objective will help you see into dark spots in the trees. I would look at Pentax,Nikon,and swarovski just for fun.

 

[rlwright]

Thanks you all for the replies, there was some good points brought up that I never though of. As some of you have said, full size is the way to go, especially hunting in the timber where there is some really dark shadows. The light gathering capabilitys are more important then seeing long distances in the timber. I ordered some Nikon Monarch ATB 8X42. They had the most features for their price range and turned out to be really lightweight. I used them this past weekend scouting, and I am impressed with the clairity. I had a pair of 70$ 10X32 compact before and these Nikons are 100% better.