Looking for New Binos

[Quacker Wacker]

I wanted to add a thumbs up for the Monarch 10X42. I just picked up a pair off ebay for $211. I used them this past weekend for 3 days of deer hunting and they worked great. The first morning, the first 30 minutes of light I saw a doe and a bear both over 600 yards away I would have never seen before. Very clear. They may not be as clear edge-edge as swarovski, but that difference isn't worth the $800+ dollors it cost, not to me. I will admit I can see where 8x may be a little easier for long usage.

 

[Ltinthewoods]

I have also been looking for new binos. am looking at monarch atb 8x42($214-235) have what appear to b best warranty, pentax dcfwp 8x42 ($270) and the new pentax dcfsp 8x43 ($390). everything i read says the pentax has better glass, just wondering will I be able to notice? anyway, good luck with your selection, any sugestions would help. ps I think the nikons feel the best in my hands..

 

[paulc]

Steiners are a great value. can get 9X40s in the $300 range. i had those for 8 years before i upgraded to Leicas.

 

[Ltinthewoods]

well tfc, I finally made up my mind.. 8x42 monarchs.. on thier way from dnr as we speak.. they were the best fitting in my hands and on my face.. maybe not swaros but I figure we use most what feels the best, and for what I use prob couldnt tell $1000 diff anyway.. hope 2 hear updates on how yours are doing, will do the same.

 

[QALHNTR]

I must have re-read this tread a dozen times hoping for insight on my next pair of binoculars. I finally had a Monarch, Bushnell and Wind River in hand for a side by side. I wear eyeglasses so it's a big plus to not have to remove them for glassing. The Bushnells were not for me. The Wind River was tied with the Monarchs on clarity. I really liked the "tighter" feel of the Wind River focusing ring. What sealed it for me was using both binocs around 8 in the evening. The Monarchs were definitely brighter. The low light gathering was awesome. As a bonus, the eyeglass extenders don't leave any kind of mark on my glasses. One happy camper tonight!

 

[MapMan]

I too bought the 8x42Monarch ATB's late last year. Very clear and bright in low light conditions. I do wish the plastic objective dust covers fit a little more snug however. I sometimes knock them loose while inserting the binocs back into the case. Other than that I am very satisfied with them.

 

[BigDave]

My first set of hunting binos was a Steiner 8X30 . I got them at a super sale 15 years ago. When I got drawn for an antelope tag in Ca. I knew I needed better and more powerful glass.

I tried out many 10X binos at a gun dealers shop to make a side by side comparison.

I decided to get th Leupold 10X50 wind river porro prism bino's . I purchased the from Bob Wards at their Ebay auction. Super price great binos for the price. They work well
with glasses. Very bright , waterproof and clear. I was spotting more lopes than my guide. The 10 power is much better than 8.


The steiners were pretty good, The eye cups kept falling off because I needed to roll
them down for use with my eyeglasses. They are OK for my kids to use since they don't need glasses.


Dave

 

[Thonzberry]

T F C,
How are the binos, I almost baught those. I keept looking and after, I decided to go with the Swarovski 10X42 SLC. There are not cheap, but after hunting for so many years with cheap ones and looking into a pair of Swarovski 10X42 SLC that Hook has, I couldn't look thru another, so I spent the money , Worth every penny,
I was thinking of getting those for my son. I figure it won't kill me as bad if he drops a pair at $300 vs a pair at a $1000

 

[Bishop]

Nikon's On Sale at Wholesale Hunter: http://www.wholesalehunter.com/privatespecials/deals.htm

Both the "Sporter" and "Monarch" are excellent binoculars for the price.