Looking at buying some new binos. looking at spending around $500 anyone have any ideas as what the best binos i can buy for that price would be. nikon monarch x are they really that much better than the regular nikons monarchs. also leupy green rings and mojave. and have heard a few people talk about the vortex viper. any help would be greatly appreciated looking at 10x42. live in panhandle not to great of an oppurtunity to scope them all out. although could probably look at nikons and leupy

Check with Doug at www.cameralandny.com and get his recommendation. The high end Vortex or Meopta would be my guess. If you want to spend a little less, look at the ZenRay ED2 binos--Doug has them too--and I agree with all the serious birdwatchers that these are the best buy on today's market. My ZR binos closely approach my Leicas....they fall off only slightly with clarity at the margins, but they seem to me to be brighter with a wider field of view than my Leica 10x42.

ok ill look at them thanks for the input

know anything about the customer service with the zen rays or the vortexes. I will call doug and talk with him

I've got a set of Leupold Cascade's that I like. I think they run around $350 at Gander/Academy.

Leupold !!

what size/config?
use?
rifle from a stand?
bowhunting?


I use a set of Nikon Monarch 8.5x56
fabulous binos, especially low light
great resolution and clarity

Look at the Minox HG's that Cameraland has for just under $500. The HG's are fantastic glass and built rugged as heck.

Vortex Vipers are very good but I'd put the Minox HG above them in image quality.

The high end Meoptas are very, very good but will cost you well over $500.

I have no experience with the Zen Rays, but others rave about them. The Zen's are China made so that turns me off a little.

All of my rifle scopes are Leupold but when it comes to binoculars I thought that the Nikon Monarchs were clearer and sharper than the comparable Leupolds. I have had a pair of Nikon Monarchs for several years and couldn't be happier with them. I have thought about upgrading, but I really can't find a reason too. Mine are very clear, sharp and easy to focus.

Tx 270 has it right, you can't go wrong with Cameraland. The Minox's are great, and they also have good deals on the Pentax DCF SP's.

I received some Bushnell Elite 10x42's that I will not use since I already have binos. They are new still in the sealed box and retail for $500. If you are interested, I'll make you a good deal on them.

Leupold 10.5 x 45 Northforks. Work great with glasses on and are not to large. My wife found a pair on the internet for under $500 to include shipping.

Thanks for all the replies. seeing how someone asked, i will be hunting mainly rifle with shots between 100-400, deer mainly over feeder and spot and stalk, some coyotes. hunt in panhandle open country with a few draws that have some larger trees. looking at 10x42. Jeffbird, havent heard to much about the bushnell elites how do they compare to the others being suggested and pm for what you are asking for them. again thanks for the responses

Check out the special on the vortex razors, best binos for 500 bucks.

X2

Minox are great glass as well, cant go wrong with www.cameralandny.com

what power would you all suggest on the minoxes and vortexes. thanks

Your first number should be nothing higher than 10x in my opinion or you will have a hard time holding still

+1

Your original choice of 10x42 would be good.

Here is a link to a ratings chart from tests for Birdwatcher's Digest.

The Bushnell Elite was the highest rated moderately priced bino tested - and it was $800 at the time, now only $500. The higher rated models are all at $2,000/pair. Pentax is the other moderately priced bino to consider from the ones I have seen.

fwiw - the "bird" in my handle is not my name, but comes from my involvement in bird conservation and activities including leading birding tours.

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2008roundup/chart_main.html

PM sent.

Vortex razors

Think i've narrowed to vortex razors, minox german hg, or possibly a pair of bushnell elite. Talked to doug at cameraland and i liked what he had to say about the minox. gonna spend a little more on minox but hey sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do.

I have a pair of Nikon Monarchs 8x40 and they have served me very well

The minox are great, buddy on lease has a pair and we have compared to my swaro's and they are great glass for the money!

About 15 years ago I was hunting with a couple of guys. As we were driving back to camp in the evening I noticed a wheat patch that was loaded with about 100 deer. I got out my pair of Gen 1 night binocs and started hitting buttons. Another guy jumped out with his Steiners and started looking. Before my night binocs got started he said they were all does. My night binocs confirmed it.

When I got home I bought a set of Steiners. Never seen a reason to buy anything else.