Binocular question

[Capt. Nixon]

I'm considering getting a new pair of binoculars. I have been looking at the Cabela's Alaskan Guide Full-Size 8x42 roof prism. I have always had good experiences with Cabela's brand stuff....so far everything i have purchased from them that carries their brand name has always been high quality.

Does anyone own a pair of these? if so, how do you like them?

Right now...i've narrowed it down to those or the Steiner Predator 8x42 roof prism.

For the techies: both of them have fully multi-coated lenses and the roof prisms have phase coating to correct the light shift that happens in the roof prism kind (as opposed to the porro prism). And the Cabelas ones are about 200 bills less.

and yes, i know i should ask this question in the equipment forum--but i just don't feel like it....i like all you guys in here better. And i want a muley hunter's perspective.

 

[lxtrail]

i just got some brunton 10x42 i cant wait till they get here. good luck in your search for info

 

[socalgunrep21]

Do yourself a favor and check out a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars. #
Nikon # 7432

10x42
Waterproof, fogproof,shockproof.
Fully Multicoated Optics.
Rubber Armored.
25 year "No Fault" Warranty.

Nikon sent me a pair of these to show my customers, I'm very impressed on the light gathering, clarity and overall weight (or lack there of).

My hunting buddy's dad liked them so much, he bought a pair for himself.
Also, they are Nikon's #1 selling bino in this price range.

Hope this helps.
Bryan

 

[jackrabbit]

I was thinking about getting the Nikon Monarch 10 X 42 myself, but for just a few dollars more I see they now have that model binocular in 12 X 42. I've been using 10X binocs for years and I don't want anything less powerful, but I was wondering if 12X would be a lot harder to hold steady, or just a little harder -- anybody had experience with 12X? I'm looking to spot mule deer in partially open timberland to glass from one ridge to another about 800 yards away so I can put on a stalk to get into rifle range.

 

[Steve K]

Capt.
I was in the your situation two years ago and to be honest I couldn't make up my mind. I did a search and found some, belive it or not "Bird Watching" web site's that had a lot of information along with compairson of most brands and answer just about all of my question, although I'm not sure they had the same purpose in mind. They also gave a few links to where you could get them for a pretty good price. I fiinally settle on a pair of Pentax 10X42 DCF WP and they have giving me "very" good service the last two season.
For what it's worth. Steve K.

You hunting in D8 this year?

 

[Bigolwiggler]

There are a lot of good binocs out there, some, really big $$. I bought the Nikon ATB 10x42's a couple years ago . It is one of several brands in that price range that perform very well. They are mid sized. I would have preferred a little smaller and lighter but you have to give a little to get good performance. Keep doing your homework, buy all you can afford ,shop for the best price on line for whatever you decide on, you wont be sorry. I doubt I'll have to buy another pair for a good ten years.

Brett............................................

 

[Capt. Nixon]

i have done all my homework...just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with that particular brand and model.

 

[tdbob]

Capt. Nixon,
I've got the Steiner Predators in 8x32. I can honestly say the Predator coating does work in helping spot game. Reds and browns of game animals tend to pop out, especially in cover. If you're looking for more info, check out www.betterviewdesired.com, it's the birders' site. Also check out www.swfa.com and look in their forum, they've got some people in there that are very serious about optics. Good luck in your choice.

 

[Capt. Nixon]

thanks tdbob!! good info

Steve K--i haven't gotten my second tag yet...but if i do...d8 will be it. I'll probably make it up there for at least one trip

 

[wmidbrook]

I haven't looked through any Cabela's bino's.

The Nikon Monarchs that I own (10x42) have been good. My only complaint is that I should have compared them to the Wind Rivers (Leupold) in the same price range since they were clearer near the edges.

My monarchs have a design flaw--the ocular adjustment always needs adjustment. I think the newer monarchs may be better since the housing was redesigned...I just don't know.

The Steiners my dad purchased are not nearly as nice as the windrivers, nikons, pentax that I've looked through.

The Leica's, Swaro's, and Zeiss are nice but the added quality comes at a very steep price increase.

MINOX has my interest...you'll see good reviews @ the birder sites for those bino's.

 

[Steve K]

Capt.
We are going up the seventh of September on a little scouting trip if you have the time e mail me I'll give you the details.
Steve K.

 

[DougH9]

I tried the top of the line Cabela's 8x40's. They were excellant in every way, but I did not like the fact that the focus knob has detents. I ended up getting the Pentax version, which to me is the same bino, but with seamles focusing. Doug