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During the 30 odd years I lived in Alaska we used 10X bino's all the time. But now since most of my hunting will be for whitetails in Tennessee I need a decent pair of 7x35's or 8x40 or 8x42's. What are some decent binos to consider in the $300 to $400 price range?
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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For the past several years I have been using the Vortex optics both in Rifle scopes (3) binoculars (1) and a spotting scope. All under the $500 range. I would suggest you have a look at them. Best bang for the buck.
I am Canadian.
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Just noticed there was a Hunting optic section so I will cruise there and see whats up:)
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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I have been really impressed with these. I use the 6X model, hunting mostly in heavy cover. Leupold Yosemite.
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After doing some research I am 95% certain I will buy a pair of Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5's. Reviews are really high on just about any site I visit.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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The Monarchs are very very clear.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Monarch 5's are nice
My wife has the 12X pair and loves them
Maker of the Frankenstud Sling Keeper
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meopta meopros r very good. as are zen ray
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Bushnell elites are nice. Frankly, I have a pair of the Legend Ultra HD 8x42 and it's hard to say elites (or many others costing more) are that much better than the legends.
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For the last several years I've been using Brunton Eterna's 8x42. Great glass and a great warranty.
Stupidity is expensive If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck!
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After doing some research I am 95% certain I will buy a pair of Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5's. Reviews are really high on just about any site I visit. For that price range, you should consider the Vortex Diamondbacks in 8x42. I purchased these for my son and I'm impressed. Vortex's warranty is much better than Nikons.
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I love my monarchs, it's all I'll buy from now on. for binos anyway. if I win the lottery then I'll get Leicas
Beware of any old man in a profession where one usually dies young.
Calm seas don't make sailors.
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Stand and look before you scan.
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Snow, You are right that the MONARCH 5's are very nice. I would make the suggestion that you check out the MONARCH 7's too. Yes, they are $150, more then the MONARCH 5's but from the independant reviews I have read and the folk's I have spoken to, they are worth it. The MONARCH 5's repeatedly are ranked with bino's costing 3 and 4 times as much. I demo'd a pair of 6 months and loved em, bought em and retired my Euro. bino's. I do some freelance PR work for Nikon and believe me, if what they had didn't do what it is supposed to do I wouldn't tell you it did.
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Picked up a pair of the Monarch 5's last night at Cabelas as they are on sale for $249 from $299. Then checked Amazon and they were the same price. For the last 22 years I been using Leica and Zeiss 10X glasses and I am extremely happy at the quality of the Nikons. Check them out if you get the chance.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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I used 8 x 42s as a walking glass for many years, and now use 8 x 30s. Will never go back. There is no return on investment in any light level to warrant the heavier glass for that purpose. But I have 15s for serious glassing. Minox is the best glass I've ever owned. In Vortex, one needs to go a couple levels above the Diamondback IMO. I do own a Diamondback glass, as well as a Viper glass. The steps from Diamondback to Viper and above are large steps.
No experience with Nikon glass other than a D40 DSLR, which is damned good.
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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The PROMO on the NikonMONARCH 5-7 Bino's will run for about another month. I hope you get the opportunity to take advantage of it. http://www.nikonpromo.com
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Used the Monarchs during a recent trip to TN and although they are a great set of optics still not the field of view I was looking for in the timber. Just bought a pair of the Leupold 6X Yosemite's for $85 and will give them a try. They seem to be pretty sharp, much better than their price suggests.
My biggest fear is when I die my wife will sell my guns for what I told her they cost.
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You get what you pay for.
I like Nikons and Bushnell Legends in that price range but it's definitely a personally subjective thing. It's like picking boots.
“You never need fear a man, no matter what his size. When danger threatens, call on me, and I will equalize.” Samuel Colt.
�Common sense is genius dressed up in work clothes.� - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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