Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."

ba_50,

While all rangefinders have gotten better in recent years, Leica still leads the pack. They are worth the extra money.

I have no idea about the older stuff you mention.

JB

Thank you Mule Deer.

Good Hunting, TJ

Any recent thoughts on Brunton?

I understand the line is acceptable but often not first choice at each price point?

What about bought at a significant percentage off? 8X45 Eterna in a discontinued camo for just a tad over $312 out the door? Size, design and guarantee all look good for general hunting?

Haven't tested any new Bruntons for several years.

Regarding the Leupold Green Ring binocs: is it worth paying the extra $100 price difference between the Olympics and Pinnacles?

Any word on the Scheels Icons?

I have no idea. I gave up on keeping track of all the "moderately" priced binoculars on the market a couple of years ago. They change every year, and it's impossible to keep up, one many reasons I have pretty well gotten out of the regular optics writing business. It takes way too much time to keep with everything, and then when you do, it's all different the next year.

JB

Mule Deer,
The previous post probably sums up your answer, but please bear with me for taking a whack at it anyways!

I found your optics book to be very informative and gathered that at the time it was written you looked favorably upon the Pentex DCF SP. I have looked through them and they appear to be an excellent product. I am considering purchasing one.

Based on however closely you currently follow this market segment, is this probably still a good product and is there anything else you know of I should look at?

thx, 405wcf

Actually, the Pentax I really like is the DCF WP.

As for the rest of them, see previous post!

JB

What about the vortex line.I am thinking about the vipers 8 x 42,or is there better for the money ? Thank you

MD,
As always, thanks for your insight!

405wcf

Mule Deer,

I posted this over on the Optics Page but received no reply, any thoughts?

Bushnell Elite 8x43 or Zeiss Conquest 8x40 T* ABK?

How do these two compare? Is the Bushnell really in the same class as the Zeiss? Reason I ask: I can get the Bushnell for $419 and the Zeiss for $569. I looked through both and resolution seemed to be comparable. The Zeiss definitely was "cooler" than the Bushnell. I have read nothing but good things regarding the Bushnell, however I would like some other opinions. I don't mind spending an extra $150 if the two are not even in the same ballpark as far as quality goes.

Thanks,
-kgonzo

You can get the Bushnell Elite for $419? Are you sure that is the model?

JB

MD,

Yes, I held them and looked through them and they are the the split-bridge 8x43 Elite. Not the Elite2. They are marked down to $519 for clearance and Bushnell has a $100 rebate going right now for their Elite binocs. These are brand new in the box.

Thanks,
KG

MD,

Have you used the Burris Euro Diamond Binos? I am thinking of buying a set in 10x. I have the opportunity to get a pair stupid cheap from a buddy but would like some feedback on them from a person that has used them.

Would you know how the compare with the Swaros, Zeiss conquest, or Leupold Gold Rings?

Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

They are all fine binoculars. If you can get the Burris BD cheap, why then that is a baragin.

JB

John--
I have bought two products you recommended here and in your book and columns--a 8-12 Duovid that I love and a Minox 62ED that has worse image quality than my 25 year old beaten-to-hell Bushnell Spacemaster with 22x WA ocular. Two questions:
1) What is the best tripod mounting option for the Duovid? Leica's looks expensive, heavy, and not all that steady. I'm wondering about taking this problem to a machine shop.
2) Would I improve the Minox's performance significantly by switching from a zoom to something like a 25X?

Thanks so much for all your work in this area.

I don't use my Duovid on a tripod, because I find 12x doesn't really need it. If I do feel the need for some extra steadying, I place it in the forks of my shooting sticks, or stand my rifle up on its butt and "wrap" the two barrels of the binocular around the rifle barrel. So can't help you there--though I do use Leupold's little field tripod with my spotting scopes when hiking the back country.

Eyepieces do make an enormous difference in spotting scopes--and in general fixed eyepieces are sharper. My Minox has the 20-45x ED eyepiece, which provides a great view.

JB

MD,

There were a few binocular reviews in this month�s F&S�piano hinges were mentioned a few times and from one review, �A piano hinge should ensure that the binocular will stay in collimation.� According to another review, �the hinges are stout, but piano hinges would be better for long-term collimation.�

http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/photogallery/article/0,13355,1651827_31,00.html

How much more durable are piano hinges than bridge hinges?

S

Quite a bit, in my experience. It sounds like they have been reading OPTICS FOR THE HUNTER!

JB

That�s good to know�I�ve read a multitude of binocular reviews and don�t recall any mentioning of the durability of hinge designs.

Reading the Swarovski EL advertisements gives the impression that there aren�t any disadvantages�





S