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Feb 7th, 2025
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 Binochulars?
#528059
12/29/08 06:43 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
DZM
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46 |
What would Ya'll suggest under about $400????
DZM
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528060
12/29/08 06:56 PM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,350
BMD
Silver Spoon
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Silver Spoon
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,350 |
Try minox or vortex in that range check with doug at www.camerlandny.com he will steer you straight and no tax, great place for optics!
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BMD]
#528061
12/29/08 07:00 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
DZM
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46 |
Thanks BMD. I will check that out. I have had the same old pair for about ten years and I think its time to upgrade.
DZM
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528062
12/29/08 07:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,685
AdgerC15
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,685 |
leupold mesa i believe
nikon trailblazers
![[Linked Image]](http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s164/adgerag15/adghog2-1-1.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s164/adgerag15/DSCF2177-1.jpg) Conservation means development as much as it does protection. - Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: AdgerC15]
#528063
12/29/08 08:23 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,631
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,631 |
leupold windriver pinacles, better warranty than nikon.I am not familiar with minox or vortex how is there warranty?
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#528064
12/29/08 10:41 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,582
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,582 |
i have a pair of alpens that i'm happy with.
all of the above are good brands
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: txtrophy85]
#528065
12/29/08 11:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250 |
Under 400 is very very very hard to beat Vortex
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#528066
12/29/08 11:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,631
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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THF Whiskey Sommelier
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,631 |
I heard good things about the alpens also, how is there customer service?
And if anyone knows the warranty coverage on minox and vortex?
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#528067
12/29/08 11:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250 |
Quote:
I heard good things about the alpens also, how is there customer service?
And if anyone knows the warranty coverage on minox and vortex?
Vortex is better then luppy if that tells you anything. I didn't think any one could be better then luppy. Friend dropped his (21 ft tower blind on to granite rock) new pair in two days. 
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#528068
12/30/08 12:16 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
DZM
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46 |
Is there a store around DFW where you can check out Vortex? I went to Cabelas today and looked at the Leopolds. Pretty Nice but I want to look around a little more. Thanks for all the input.
DZM
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#528069
12/30/08 12:16 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 312
Mconner
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 312 |
I have a pair of Minox BD,BR's. They are great and as far as their CS, I don't know because I have not had any problems.
Another one to look at is the upper end Pentax. My father has some and they are very good as well.
When someone calls you special it's not always a good thing!!
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: Mconner]
#528070
12/30/08 12:40 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
dawaba
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200 |
First of all, don't buy any second-hand "vintage" binoculars. Today's $400 binos are better than $800 binos made a decade ago...the glass and coatings and manufacturing have improved significantly.
In your price range, I would consider a porro-prism glass over a roof-prism bino. At that price point, the porros are better. The Minolta Activa would be a good choice here. If you must have a roof-prism glass, consider the Olympus Magellan or Weaver Grand Slam.
I'm embarrassed to say that I currently own 25 binoculars of almost every shape, price, and magnification. My new Grand Slam 10x45s are about equal in performance with my treasured Leica 10x42s.
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple.....and wrong." H. L. Mencken
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: dawaba]
#528071
12/30/08 02:37 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 466
Smoker1
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 466 |
Leupold Wind River Mesa.
Very happy with mine!
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: Smoker1]
#528072
12/30/08 05:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,707
thegrouse
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,707 |
I bought a set of Alpen 390's and I love them. I looked around at quite a few pair. I felt they were the best in my 200 dollar price range. Sportsmans Warehouse in San Antonio is where I found mine. A friend of mine really likes his Cabela branded set.
JG
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528073
12/30/08 12:53 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
I've had my pair of Nikon Monarchs now for over 3 years and they are still very clear. I've been real happy with them and they've gotten a ton of hard use over the past 3 seasons. They are the 10 X 40. I really like them and would buy another pair in a heartbeat.
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528074
12/30/08 02:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,896
DCS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,896 |
I have the Meade Safari Pro's and have been really pleased with them. However, they are about 10 years old, I guess they are still being produced. Out of about the 10 or 15 of them on display, they were the most clear and bright.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528075
12/30/08 03:10 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250 |
Quote:
Is there a store around DFW where you can check out Vortex? I went to Cabelas today and looked at the Leopolds. Pretty Nice but I want to look around a little more. Thanks for all the input.
I think Basss pro carries the Vortex Razor's
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: DZM]
#528076
12/30/08 03:13 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 649
ScottF
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 649 |
Nikon Monarch ATB. I have them in 8x42, I think and my hunting buddy has them in 10x42. They will set you back around $300.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: ScottF]
#528077
12/30/08 03:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,250 |
Pretty sure SWFA carries vortex also
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#528078
12/30/08 03:26 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,396
Lone Ranger
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,396 |
I like Leupold a lot, in fact all of my rifle scopes are Vari XII or Vari XIII, but before I bought my binoculars a few years ago, I compared the Leupold with the Nikon Monarch and for the same price binoculars, the Nikons were clearer and sharper to me. I highly recommend the 10x42 Nikon Monarch ATB.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: Lone Ranger]
#528079
12/30/08 03:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,870
krs_2007
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,870 |
Here is another vote for the Nikon Monarch ATB's, I have them in 10x42. But I tried several before I decided on them. I would suggest you do the same. Everyone will have a different opinion on optics, but not everyones eyes are the same.
"Hard work is the price we must pay for success, I think you can accomplish anything if your willing to pay the price." ~ Vince Lombardi
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: krs_2007]
#528080
12/30/08 04:28 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 683
steve_twice
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 683 |
Nikon Monarch 8x42. Under $300. Personally I think the 10x are a little too bulky and difficult to hold steady. All depends on how you're using them.
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: BMD]
#528081
12/30/08 04:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 803
tx270
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 803 |
Quote:
Try minox or vortex in that range check with doug at www.camerlandny.com he will steer you straight and no tax, great place for optics!
+1
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: steve_twice]
#528082
12/31/08 01:22 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
Quote:
Nikon Monarch 8x42. Under $300. Personally I think the 10x are a little too bulky and difficult to hold steady. All depends on how you're using them.
That's funny because the reason I bought the 10X42 was because they were a little larger and I felt like I could hold them a little more easily then the more compact ones. It just shows that everyone has a different opinion of what works best for them and that is why the manufacturers make so many different ones!
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Binochulars?
[Re: Lone Ranger]
#528083
12/31/08 01:29 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
Quote:
I like Leupold a lot, in fact all of my rifle scopes are Vari XII or Vari XIII, but before I bought my binoculars a few years ago, I compared the Leupold with the Nikon Monarch and for the same price binoculars, the Nikons were clearer and sharper to me. I highly recommend the 10x42 Nikon Monarch ATB.
I also compared them with the Leupolds and liked the Nikons better. Just seemed a little crisper to me so I bought them. The best part is one of my buddies had a brand new pair or Swarowskis in the same power and when we compared the two, he couldn't tell the difference other then the $700 or more he was lighter in the wallet then me! Another friend has a pair of Steiners and he also agrees that the price difference between the two is not worth it!
I'm not coming on here and trying to bash the high dollar, high end binocs in no way. I know that there may be a difference in some situations such as extremely low light or maybe they will last longer then a less expensive one. But, me being the kind of guy who is pretty darn rough on his equipment, I know that if I get 5-10 years out of a pair of binocs......I'm happy!
All I can say is compare as many of them side by side in the exact same light and focusing on the same object and see which one you like best, then make your decision. IMO my binocs when hunting with a rifle or guiding are the tool I use the most by far!
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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