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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:32:48 AM EDT
[#1]
In my opinion you need to see the glass quality for yourself.
Go to a local place that has several brands, pick them up and test it yourself. I personally love my Vortex binos however my wife hates the way they focus. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:35:21 AM EDT
[#2]
Vortex makes great optics and has excellent customer service. You won't get much glass for $300 in a Vortex binoc.
I have some Nikon Monarch 10x42 camo binocs that have served me well for years. For <$300 they are outstanding for hunting and general use. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:35:42 AM EDT
[#3]
Go Nikon or go home, in that price range.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:38:40 AM EDT
[#4]
I bought myself a pair of $300 Pentax DCF 8x42 a few years ago and they are much better than my friends Nikon Monarchs.
Very crisp and everyone who has look through them has been impressed. Edit...they were DCF models not HCR. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:43:07 AM EDT
[#5]
I have a pair of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD's. I use them mainly for hunting, and they're incredibly good for the price. They do have a limited lifetime warranty, but I don't know the specifics of it as I haven't had the need. When I bought them they were selling for $350, and they outclassed everything else in that price range as far as the specs (prism glass and coatings) are concerned. They're going for $200-250 nowadays, and I think that's a steal.
Vortex makes excellent optics and they're warranty is the best I've seen. I really like the spotting scope of theirs that I have. I don't know how to compare the specs on their optics to anyone else, because they don't use industry standard terms in their product descriptions. Either way, I'd buy another pair Bushnell Legend binos without hesitation. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:46:09 AM EDT
[#6]
I have a set of the vortex diamondbacks and I paid 225 for them a few years ago. IMO they are a great deal for the money. No they are not a pair of 1K binoculars, but they work great for me during coyote season here.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:48:37 AM EDT
[#7]
Go to the birdwatching forums if you want to learn about binoculars. I ended up buying a pair of Swifts. I'm not going to claim that they are as good as a pair of Swarovskis or Leicas, but they are damn good and a lot less money.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:51:08 AM EDT
[#8]
Love my Nikon Monarchs. I also have a small pair of Steiners, looked at 4 sets of them and one was just much clearer than the rest. You need to go to Cabelas and demo the set you buy.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:51:37 AM EDT
[#9]
I been looking for budget glass in the same price range....
in the 200-300 dollar range... Redfields Nikons Vortex all had good clarity.... The Bushnells were a little darker. Handle a few sets, find some that don't feel too cheap, warranty and service is 2nd to performance. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:53:29 AM EDT
[#10]
Love my Vortex binos (2 pair) I can beat the shit out of them and not worry about them, unlike my Leicas which I take really good care of
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:54:23 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Go to the birdwatching forums if you want to learn about binoculars. I ended up buying a pair of Swifts. I'm not going to claim that they are as good as a pair of Swarovskis or Leicas, but they are damn good and a lot less money. A very good idea. This is why I chose my Pentax's. Birders really like crisp bino's for good reason. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:55:27 AM EDT
[#12]
16 x 50 's is a good start
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Posted: 10/24/2013 10:56:58 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Vortex makes great optics and has excellent customer service. You won't get much glass for $300 in a Vortex binoc. I have some Nikon Monarch 10x42 camo binocs that have served me well for years. For <$300 they are outstanding for hunting and general use. This is a great deal right here. http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-monarch-3-8x42-realtree.html |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:02:29 AM EDT
[#14]
You can find the Stiener Predator 10x44 for under $425 on sale some times..
Fantastic pair binos and you can even have a mil reticle if you like. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:03:17 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 16 x 50 's is a good start lol. no.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:03:55 AM EDT
[#16]
These are a little above your price range, but they will seriously blow you away.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:05:29 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I been looking for budget glass in the same price range.... in the 200-300 dollar range... Redfields Nikons Vortex all had good clarity.... The Bushnells were a little darker. Handle a few sets, find some that don't feel too cheap, warranty and service is 2nd to performance. Which Bushnells were you looking through, because mine actually make everything look brighter, especially in low light situations? Of course, I went from some lousy $25 porro prism binos and haven't had the chance to peep through many other brands. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:08:06 AM EDT
[#18]
Steiner Military Marine 8 x 30 has served me well and is in that price range. I also have a set of Nikon 12 x 50s that also work well.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:14:01 AM EDT
[#19]
Good input here.
I have personally held and looked thru: Bushnell(this pair), Nikon(Monarch ?-$500), Leupold(low end scope-$130), and one other $1k dollar brand. I have not had the opportunity to look thru a Vortex due to no brick & mortar store with them in stock. One thing that I noticed is that I saw no to little difference between the Bushnell and the Nikon. They were both as clear as I have ever been able to see. I looked across the store(@50-60 yrds) and picked up and read price tags crystal clearly. At 42, I can no longer do that holding one in my hand at arms length with uncorrected vision. The thing that impressed me, form what I have read so far, about the Bushnell is the use of ED glass. The other binos in this price category do not seem to have this. Again, I don't know what Vortex really will look like and their terminology is different. From what I have priced, I am looking at being within $25 for either the Bushnell or the Vortex. The Nikon is more $; however, they have some lower priced models available on line as well and I don't know if the Nikon's that were mentioned above are of the better quality($500+) lenses or not. Either way, I can not justify over twice the price for the Nikons I looked thru. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:16:53 AM EDT
[#20]
I have a three pair of 10x42 binos in that price range. The ones I have had the longest are Bushnell Legends. When I had to send them in for warranty work, they replaced them, the only downside was it took about 2 months for them to get me the replacement pair (brand new ones.) While they were in the shop, I needed some glass for an elk hunt so I picked up some Leupold glass, the model escapes me now, but they were about $270 at Cabelas. Good enough glass, but not as good as the Bushnell Legends.
This fall I loaned my Legends to my daughter-in-law and they came back with a busted diopter. No biggie, ltd lifetime warranty. Sent them to Bushnell for repair... while I didn't want to be without back-up on an elk hunt, I bought Vortex Diamondback 10x42s and thought I would use them. During the elk hunt, I spotted some elk about a mile and a half away... through the Diamond backs, I could not see antlers on a 340 class bull... with the Leupolds, I could see antlers (my son later took that very bull). So, Bushnells > Leupold > Diamondbacks My experience, My eyes... Your mileage may vary Warranty = Bushnell has replaced the first pair and repaired the second, no charge. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:17:16 AM EDT
[#21]
MM,
I am at the exact same place you were in with bino quality. My current 8x20 binos actually have KMart stamped on them! 
You make good sense with your review and my experience today with the Bushnells were quite positive. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Which Bushnells were you looking through, because mine actually make everything look brighter, especially in low light situations? Of course, I went from some lousy $25 porro prism binos and haven't had the chance to peep through many other brands. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I been looking for budget glass in the same price range.... in the 200-300 dollar range... Redfields Nikons Vortex all had good clarity.... The Bushnells were a little darker. Handle a few sets, find some that don't feel too cheap, warranty and service is 2nd to performance. Which Bushnells were you looking through, because mine actually make everything look brighter, especially in low light situations? Of course, I went from some lousy $25 porro prism binos and haven't had the chance to peep through many other brands. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:20:16 AM EDT
[#22]
I went through a bunch at the local Academy recently and nothing beat the Nikon for both price and clarity. It makes sense since they have been quality lens makers for decades.
You're just going to have to look through them to see what you like best. That's why there are lots of different types/brands out there. I would suggest to stay away from variable power ones, but you may like them. I just hate the field of view they give. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:23:37 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Steiner Military Marine 8 x 30 has served me well... Add me to that list. Steiner is solid gear that has been tested time and again. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:33:03 AM EDT
[#24]
http://swfa.com/Redfield-10x50-Renegade-Binocular-P44476.aspx
$109 and comparable to binoculars twice the price or more. Nikons are good too. Can't go wrong there |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:40:51 AM EDT
[#25]
If you can spend a bit more, go with the Steiner binoculars. I had a set of the military/police 10x50, they absolutely blew away everything I had ever used before. Build and glass quality was outstanding, light and clarity was amazing. You really get what you pay for in glass quality, it's no different than buying lenses for a camera. I'm sure the Vortex and Bushnell binos aren't bad, but they won't be anywhere near the same class as the Steiners. If it's within your budget, or if you have to save a bit more, it's definitely worth it.
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:42:36 AM EDT
[#26]
http://swfa.com/Zen-Ray-Zen-ED-Binoculars-C3454.aspx
For the money, nothing will beat the Zen-Ray EDs. Made in China, but they are great binoculars. I have owned the ZRS model (gave to my mom), and currently have 2 of the ED2 models, as well as Vortex Razor 10x50 binos. The ED2 models are crisper and have a better image compared to the Razor. The ZRS (non HD model, btw) was significantly brighter and crisper than the Nikon Monarchs I had picked up previously at Cabelas. The EDs will be a step up from there. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 11:44:01 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I went through a bunch at the local Academy recently and nothing beat the Nikon for both price and clarity. It makes sense since they have been quality lens makers for decades. More than likely, you are going to have trash binoculars at Academy. I was not impressed..at all...with Nikon Monarchs. Zen-Ray ZRS binos were half the price, had a crisper and brighter image. The Zen-Ray ED2s blow them out of the water for the same price. I would get Bushnells before the Nikons. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 4:30:37 PM EDT
[#28]
As suggested, I went to a birdwatchers forum. Boy, I thought GD was a whiny, bitchy place. Talk about first world problems blown way out of proportion!!
I found a couple reviews of the Bushnell, and of course they frowned on them; however, most said that there could hardly be a better pair of binos for that kind of price range. The only thing that concerns me is the 2 yr limited "lifetime" warranty. Vortex basically has a replacement guarantee even if you are the one responsible for the damage. I am thinking very serious about holding out for a Vortex Viper HD. I hope to get by PSA soon so I can try a pair out. Maybe I can find a pair on sale somewhere in the $500 range. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 4:41:33 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As suggested, I went to a birdwatchers forum. Boy, I thought GD was a whiny, bitchy place. Talk about first world problems blown way out of proportion!! I found a couple reviews of the Bushnell, and of course they frowned on them; however, most said that there could hardly be a better pair of binos for that kind of price range. The only thing that concerns me is the 2 yr limited "lifetime" warranty. Vortex basically has a replacement guarantee even if you are the one responsible for the damage. I am thinking very serious about holding out for a Vortex Viper HD. I hope to get by PSA soon so I can try a pair out. Maybe I can find a pair on sale somewhere in the $500 range. Please understand this about warranties on Asian optics...They might give you something comparable five years away if they are no longer producing that model and if not good luck. One of the main reasons I like Leopold rifle scopes is they can rebuild a thirty year old scope you send back. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 4:47:39 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Add me to that list. Steiner is solid gear that has been tested time and again. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Steiner Military Marine 8 x 30 has served me well... Add me to that list. Steiner is solid gear that has been tested time and again. Yep for the money the are hard to beat. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 5:19:11 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryWhich Bushnells were you looking through, because mine actually make everything look brighter, especially in low light situations? Of course, I went from some lousy $25 porro prism binos and haven't had the chance to peep through many other brands. Trophy, Excursion and H2O series....which I found disappointing...I have 2 Bushnell Trophy XLT scopes that are very bright and work great....hoped the binos would have been the same. Comparing the Vortex, Redfields and Nikons in the same price category as the Bushnells...those 3 were about equal, Bushnells...not so much. |
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Posted: 10/24/2013 5:33:48 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Trophy, Excursion and H2O series....which I found disappointing...I have 2 Bushnell Trophy XLT scopes that are very bright and work great....hoped the binos would have been the same. Comparing the Vortex, Redfields and Nikons in the same price category as the Bushnells...those 3 were about equal, Bushnells...not so much. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Which Bushnells were you looking through, because mine actually make everything look brighter, especially in low light situations? Of course, I went from some lousy $25 porro prism binos and haven't had the chance to peep through many other brands. Trophy, Excursion and H2O series....which I found disappointing...I have 2 Bushnell Trophy XLT scopes that are very bright and work great....hoped the binos would have been the same. Comparing the Vortex, Redfields and Nikons in the same price category as the Bushnells...those 3 were about equal, Bushnells...not so much. Check out the specs on the Bushnell Legend HD binos, and compare them to the other manufacturers specs. I have had experience with other Bushnell optics that left em unimpressed, but the quality of the Legend HD binos is head and tails above all the other things they make I took a chance that the described specs of those binos would perform as I expected of something with those specs, and was not disappointed. The fact that you can get them for $200-250 is completely amazing. If you're in the market for another pair of binos, I'd encourage anyone to give them serious consideration. |
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Posted: 10/28/2013 4:10:29 PM EDT
[#33]
I realize I am bringin my own dead thread back to life, but I want to ask another couple questions.
I have gone to a couple places and looked at a few binos head to head. I narrowed the choice down from the Bushnells to the Nikon Monarch 7 and the Vortex Viper HD. H2H the Vortex won hands down. In the process of finalizing my decision, I have discovered two other models. The Meopta MeoPro and the Zeiss Terra HD I was able to put the Vortex directly against the Meopta, and the Meopta actually seemed somewhat superior to the Viper HD. I have not even tried the Zeiss, and that is part of my reason for posting. Part of my decision will be based on the warranty. So far Vortex has everyone beat hands down as Nikon and Meopta appear to have some limitation to their warranty; however, I cant find any info on the Zeiss warranty except that it appears to have some limitation as well. Warranty is somewhat important to me as these binos are pretty much an investment to me. A buy once, cry once type thing. So, my questions are: Any feedback on the Zeiss Terra HD? Other than having the name Zeiss wrote on it, how does it really stack up to the Vipers? Warranties. What is the deal with the Meopta and Zeiss warranties? I am very near buying, but I want some extra confidence that I am making the right decision. |
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Posted: 10/29/2013 5:57:15 AM EDT
[#34]
TTT for the day crew.
After some more research, it appears that the Zeiss model is actually made in China, but is still rated well by the birdwatchers. If no input, I will just go with my gut even though my gut is the most expensive of the options - Vortex Viper HD: They rate well, I have personally seen them, they are easily available, the warranty, and they are arfcom site sponsors. To be honest, I don't even know why this is such a hard decision(except that I am a tightwad). |
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Posted: 10/29/2013 6:00:42 AM EDT
[#35]
Here is a guy selling a demo pair of the Zeiss at a good price. Zeiss Terra
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