Binocular Power Recommendations

[MattS]

I am looking to upgrade Binoculars as you have probably seen from the post below. I am looking for a low price pair (100 dollar range) and have been looking at Brunton, Wind River, BSA ect.
I have seen from past posts the Brunton light tech series is recommended and at 100 dollars is in my price range. My question is what power? I hunt California in open oaks and pines, with the occasional desert trip. Would you rather have 8x32 or 10x42? I hear the 10's are hard to hold steady, but the extra power would be nice for spotting from the truck. I looked at several compacts and own a pair of 12x25 bauch compacts, but don't like the lack of light gathering.
I do backpack hunt and weight is an option, but I would rather carry a bit more weight to avoid headaches! Any suggestions would be great, Matt

 

[EVAN III]

I have heard the same thing about 10 power binos, but I've used 10 power binos almost all my hunting time and I don't seem to have a problem with them. Personally I'd say go with a 10 power with anywhere from 35 to 50 mm obj. I don't know about the brunton binos, I've heard good things about the higher end models, but have yet to hear anything about the light techs. Personally if these are going to be your exclusive hunting binos, I would spend a little extra money now and get a good long lasting pair. I'd recommend the Nikon sporter I. They can be had for about $189.00. I have a pair of 10 X 36 sporters, and they are great. You will probly be able to find them for a little bit cheaper if you look around on the net. If your really stickin to your budget, I'd say go with the bruntons, From what I hear they make good optics. If you do get the bruntons, post a report on what you think of them. I've been lookin for a good pair of backup binos, that won't hurt the pocket to much.

 

[MattS]

Evan III, how is the weight on your binoculars? I am leaning toward the 10x40's but they weight 8 oz more than the 8x32's (28ox compared to 20 oz). I just wonder if the extra magnification is worth the weight? I know when used from my truck it would be, but when they are slung around my neck all day? I want a pair that I know I will use as I hunt, and good for glassing the ridges in the morning and evening when backpacking. I do plan to get a good strap system however. Thanks!

 

[EVAN III]

The weight isn't bad, but it's notgoing to be like compacts either. Something I just now learned, if you get the crooked horn outfitters bino system you won't even care if they were 50 ozs. I just recently bought a pair and they take all the weight off your neck and distribute it overr your shoulders. I recently helped a buddy skin out a bear and did so with out even realizing I did take off my binos, I wore them the whole time. They didn't get in my way and I really couldn't feel the weight. After all that, I'd say get whatever size you decide on and get a set of the bino systems straps. If it were me, I'd go with the 10X40 since the larger obj will recieve light better. Good luck

 

[MattS]

Well I stopped by the sporting goods store to try out some optics. I looked at some called Alpines, nice but heavy and not increadable clear although the compacts were nice. Then I looked through a pair of Nikon action series 8x40's and was hooked, I paid $143.99 and am pleased. They have the poro-prism lenses but really are a lot brighter than the roof prism type binoculars. I tried out the 10x40's and really liked the magnification but got a little sick with the "bounce" after 10+ min of trying them out and the heat waves coming off the ground.
I almost got the compacts but decided to stick with the mid sized binoculars for the variety of use, and the light gathering.
I like the look of the Bruntons but without being able to try them and the lack of reviews I decided to go with the Nikon's until I hear more. I belive trying the glasses out was the selling factor for me as I went a little above my budget
I will try out the crooked horn strap system you recommended, where did you buy them through and what do they run? I looked at some Bino Buddies as well but have heard a lot of positives about the crooked horns. Matt

 

[Maverick]

Originally posted by MattS@Aug 29 2003, 04:28 PM
I will try out the crooked horn strap system you recommended, where did you buy them through and what do they run? I looked at some Bino Buddies as well but have heard a lot of positives about the crooked horns. Matt

Wal-mart has them for about 15 bucks.
I have a pair and really like them. they also help take the bounce out when glassing.

 

[MattS]

Great, thats a great price. I saw a pair I think were Crooked Horn which had the strap and a binocular "sack" they slip into. I really liked those but need to check into them a bit more.
I went to the Nikon site and downloaded the 35 dollar rebate for my binoculars, 105 dollars total is even better than the 143 I payed! I read a previous post about the rebate and decided to check into it. Now I am very pleased, I will let everyone know how well these hold up. Matt

 

[EVAN III]

Matt,

I used to use a set of actions, they were great binos, I only upgraded and passed down the other set. I got my crooked horn straps from walmart for the 15 dollar price tag chris talked about. I lacked getting them until recently, although I always heard good things about them. After opener of A zone and my first trip out this season I got fed up with bounceing binos on my neck I finally went and got a pair. Now I don't know why the hell I waited so long. They are to me, the BEST thing since sliced bread. What was the greatest thing before sliced bread I have no Clue.

Get a set, you will NOT be disapointed.