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Joined: Jun 2016
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I look at this site daily, usually several times, but have never posted anything. I am looking for some good, reliable 8x binoculars that are good in low light situations. I know that the best thing to do is to go and look through them and compare for yourself, but the selections locally are very limited. I have been doing research online for weeks. I have come across several good recommendations based on those reviews but can't reach a final decision. I have around $900 set aside for these, but would really like to stay at $500 or less. Before anyone suggests that I save a little more for "alpha" glass, let me say this. I bought some Swarovski 8x42 SLC's last summer. This was suppose to be my ultimate, and last binocular purchase. I know this doesn't sound right, but I didn't care for them and was really disappointed in them, especially in low light situations. I don't know if I was expecting too much, or if my 62 year old eyes just couldn't appreciate good glass. I wound up trading them for some 8x32 Nikon L LX Premiums that I liked better. Now I've sold those and looking again. Here are some models that I am considering: Meopta Meopro HD (used), Leupold BX-3 Pro Guide, Athlon Midas ED, Celestron Granite or Trailsekkers, and Bushnell Legend M. The only ones of these I have been able to look through are the Leupolds, and they were 10x42. I definitely want 8X, as I can't hold 10 x steady anymore. Can any of you optics experts steer me in the right direction? Or, suggest a better option than the ones I've listed? Sorry for the long winded first post, and thanks in advance for your assistance.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 13,409
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
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It would be our pleasure to assist you with a 8x glass. There are some excellent options: Minox has a few Vortex does as well There's also the Leica Trinovid HD series If you have a few moments please give me or Neil a call to discuss what might be best for your use
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,309 Likes: 21
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
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It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
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I suggest you go to a store and try some out before buying on line. I've ordered few items from cameraland as well as used to give out referrals to my buddies when they have some good deals.. They were always great. The latest pair of binos I ordered were zen rays. almost a $500 pair of binos. They just didn't fit my face right, They hit the ridge of my nose and I had to send them back. By the time I sent them back with my shipping and after Cameraland deducted their shipping cost. I was out almost 45 bucks... Just to look at through some binoculars. And the fact my box got misplaced and took over a month and phone call to find out whats going on with the return. BTW Optics Planet has FREE shipping and FREE returns.
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 19
New Member
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I went to Gander Mountain this afternoon, but they had none of the above that I mentioned. That's the problem I have with actually looking through them. I may drive 80 miles to Cabela's soon and see what they have. I've bought some Minox from Cameraland and didn't care for them either, but I may accept the invitation to give them a call tomorrow. And, I have done some research on the Tract optics and will give them some consideration. Thanks for the input so far.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,249 Likes: 14
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,249 Likes: 14 |
Welcome to the Fire. The Optics Forum can get a bit salty at times, may not be the easiest or least confrontational place to start... DF
Last edited by Dirtfarmer; 08/23/16.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Life Member SCI Life Member DSC Member New Mexico Shooting Sports Association
Take your responsibilities seriously, never yourself-Ken Howell Proper bullet placement + sufficient penetration = quick, clean kill. Finn Aagard
Ken
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Joined: Jan 2012
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
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I second the Leica Trinovid HD. I bought the 10x42 and they are so sweet. Nice and light, great glass. I love them. They can be had for around $850 new.
How do you know a Trump hater? They'll tell you.
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,004
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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The new Steiner HX series are supposed to be really good but are new and no major reviews yet and can be found around $600.
How do you know a Trump hater? They'll tell you.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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I actually was able to look through some Steiner Predators at GM today. I liked them as well as anything they had there. I have also owned the Steiner Nighthunters, but they were in 10x42. These were the binos I had when I realized I could no longer hold 10x steady. I may have like them better had they been 8x.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Mar 2013
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My Daughter has a pair of Nikon monarch 7 in 8x30. Think they have them in 8x42 They are Great, light weight, Feel nice in your hand, clear and fast focus. Much Better then My older monarchs in 10x42
All of them do something better than the 30-06, but none of them do everything as well.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,407 Likes: 51 |
Welcome to the fire. My best suggestion would be to buy some Leupold BX3 Mojave 8x32's. They are 17 oz's and the glass is excellent. Excellent binoculars for the money.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I have a pair of Weaver Grand Slam 8.5x45s that I've been very pleased with, would have rather had the Super Slam version(noticeably better, not that the Grand Slam is at all lacking) but could not swing the extra cash at the time. Also been pretty impressed by a set of 8x Vortex Vipers that a buddy has, really great glass for the price.
Last edited by CowboyTim; 08/23/16.
Mauser Rescue Society Founder, President, and Chairman
I don't always shoot Mausers, but when I do...I prefer VZ-24s.
jdi do píči
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Joined: Jun 2016
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Yes, Dre, they have them Nikon's in 8x42. I was also able to look through them at GM as well and was impressed with them. Those may have been 10x42's. Can't remember for sure, but they were much better than the Monarch 5's they had there. The three sets they had there that I liked were the Monarch 7, the Steiner Predators, and the Leupold BX-3 Mojaves ( not the HD models), but they didn't have a huge selection. I'm probably way overthinking this issue. I just want something where I can count points on a deer's antlers at last shooting light. About any of them will suffice in broad daylight.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,964 Likes: 6 |
Yes, Dre, they have them Nikon's in 8x42. I was also able to look through them at GM as well and was impressed with them. Those may have been 10x42's. Can't remember for sure, but they were much better than the Monarch 5's they had there. The three sets they had there that I liked were the Monarch 7, the Steiner Predators, and the Leupold BX-3 Mojaves ( not the HD models), but they didn't have a huge selection. I'm probably way overthinking this issue. I just want something where I can count points on a deer's antlers at last shooting light. About any of them will suffice in broad daylight. Based on wanting to count points at last light solve the problem by getting a used Bushnell 4200 4-16X or a 4500 4-16X. When you find game with the binoculars put the scope on it and crank it up.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation." Everyday Hunter
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 343
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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You may want to take a look at our Toric 8x42 series. You don't need to spend all what you have set aside to get the quality you're looking for. Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Do yourself a favor and try the Nikon Monarch 7 8x30's. I too have owned Nikon LX's and these are right with them and can be purchased for a little over $300.
A true sportsman counts his achievements in proportion to the effort involved and fairness of the sport. - S. Pope
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Nikon's MONARCH 7 8x30's have been my go to bino's since turkey season. Clear,bright and light weight. Combined with MONARCH 7 glass and Nikon's No Fault Policy you can't go wrong.
This is what one writer said about Nikon's MONARCH 7 bino's.
Nikon Monarch 7 This brand-new binocular costs $499 in a 10x42 version and $20 less in 8x42. I got a 10X model to fool with, and it is so good it leaves me somewhat unnerved. All the hardware is done right; the focusing is glassy smooth; the weight is only 23.6 ounces. I compared the Monarch 7 with four other binoculars whose prices ran from $700 on up to $2,400. The only binocular that was better, and not by a hell of a lot at that, was the one that cost $2K plus. It’s deeply distressing to me that people of ordinary means can afford something of this quality, but there you are.
Drop me a note with any question's.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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The things I would look for are locking twist up eye cups, enough eye relief to use with my glasses if needed, and a water shedding coating on the lens.
The Karma bus always has an empty seat when it comes around.- High Brass
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