Binocular Optics - Coatings

[Marty]

The time is nearing to submit the Christmas list to the wife and kids.  I was pondering a new set of glasses.  

What optic coatings are beneficial?  Especially since most hunting is done in low light or dusk conditions.  

 

[songdog]

How much do you want to spend?  This is one of those areas that you really get what you pay for.

 

[Hook]

I own a pair of Swarovski 10x42 SLC and just love them. I am not sure about the coatings, but if you stay with the quality brands, you shouldnt have to worry about that.
My recommendations, if your wallet will allow, Swarovski, Zeiss, Leica. I looked through the Cabelas Alaskan 10x42 and they are good for about half the price.

Check the net for the best prices.

 

[fishhead]

I own a pair of Simmons 7 x 35's.  I take them with me when shopping for new glasses.  Most of the time I can't see the difference between what I have ane what I'm looking at.  I'm not saying there isn't a difference, I just can't see it.

Still looking

 

[karstic]

I would recommend the book Optics for the Hunter by John Barsness. He covers binos, scopes, spotting scopes, construsction, types etc.

 

[huntducks]

I have had or lost or broken, a bunch of binoculars and can not see any reason to pay top end prices, I have now setteled on a good mid range binoculars they do all I need and work just fine both are Steiners one is a Military/Marine 10x50 that I got on sale for about $250 and the other is there Safari 8x30 which was sent as a replacement for some M/M that broke, that I bought used for $75, I take the Safari everywhere when hunting, games, or just looking at sh!! there light and clear and have had no problems what so ever.

A friend of mine has some Bushnell Trophy (about $175)that he bought last year and they have been good and clear and the price is right and IMHO Bushnell warranty is super if you ever need it.

 

[Bigolwiggler]

Most descent optics are coated now .

I picked up a new set of multi coated Nikon Monarch 10 x  binocs. Used them this year . Love em. I also took my Bushnell 35 power spotting scope. You kmow what I can see as well or BETTER with those 10x binocs, no lie .

Anyone wanna buy a bushnell spot scope ?, wont be using it much anymore.

 

[Eric Mayer]

You will probably get as many recommendations as there are members on this forum.  The trick is to read up on them, then go try different types.  I looked at Steiners when I bought mine a few years ago, but they were not comfortable.  I ended up buying a pair of Pentax and have put them through hell ever since.  Ask the salesperson to let you take them outside and try them, compare them side-by-side.  

Good luck with your choice, whatever it may end up being.

Eric

 

[karstic]

Here's a few websites that have good information on binocular design etc.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/

http://www.optics4birding.com/

http://betterviewdesired.com/

I have a pair of Pentax 16x60 PCF V binos. Yes they're huge but I also use them for astronomy, wildlife viewing, and a spottong scope at the range. I also have a pair of Tasco 8x22 which I keep in the truck.

 

[MNHNTR]

I believe Songdog is right.  You always get what you pay for.  I'm saving right now for either Leica or Zeiss 10 x 40.  Good glass is bright and lasts a long time.  I use leupold  wind river 9 x 35's and Pentax 12 x 50 on a tripod right now.  The 9's are brighter than the big glass I have.

 

[songdog]

I bought a pair of Swarovski 8x30 SLCs about 6 years ago.  I use them close to every day.  Yup, they were expensive... nope, wouldn't trade them for anything.

Remember, that when you go into the store and hold up a pair of $49 binocs and a pair of $949 binocs and look towards the front of the store under the flourescent lighting, the expensive ones don't look $900 better.  You really can't make a judgement on this.

Try looking through them the last 15 minutes of the day.  Try looking through them towards the sun on a hazy day.  Try looking at something 1000 yards away and telling if it's a buck or a doe.  Try looking through them for 2 hours straight while glassing for elk.  Try soaking them in a tub of water overnight.  Then you'll see why there's a much bigger difference between $49 and $949 even when it doesn't look like $900 in the store.

No offense intended to those who say they can't tell the difference for the money.  I'd just argue that they haven't tried them side by side in these types of conditions.  In these cases the differences are dramatic.

 

[nimrod]

My brother has a pair of 8x56 Zeiss that he had bought about 10 years ago. We have both used them on many hunts. They are real nice, but they are also heavy on the neck strap. About 3 years ago, I bought a pair of 8x42 Pentax WPs. and they are every bit as good as the Zeiss, EXCEPT in near dark situations. We just came back from elk hunting Colorado. Every morning you could see elk  a mile and a half away feeding on top along with a herd of bighorn sheep. We would side by side watch them and pass the binos back and forth. And the $400 Pentax viewed every bit as nice as the bigger more expensive Zeiss. Again, the only difference we could tell was in before or past shooting light situations. They have come a long ways in optics and coatings. Make sure to VIEW everything and weigh the cost. I am extremely happy with the Pentax WPs, and my brother is slightly envious. Hope you all get what you want for Christmas. MAN!, I wasn't quite ready to think about that!  AH, seeing thru new eyes.      



                                                         Mac

 

[Passthru]

 Been looking at some Binocs on Ebay myself,to tell you the truth most use for them where i hunt in
Missouri all i need them for is to identify Bucks and how big they are before they get to my stand,So im looking for cheap,(under $100) I will probably just drop them and end of story,Bushnells look like good candidates to me.

 

[Bigolwiggler]

Yea pass thru, no need spending extra money for what yer needs are . Till a couple years ago I used my dads old bushnells.( the optics finally came unglued inside after 20 yrs.
But in the area I now hunt I need to glass large areas. So clarity is a must.  Figure out what you need  then get on the web and track down the best price.

 

[Passthru]

 Man i was in Springfield just last weekend,but it was for a funeral and didnt even get to go to Bass Pro.Im in Springfield all the time though,my dad is in Ozark and my whole family is in the Sparta Area.i may have to start checking Bass Pro's Catalog return store more often.