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To piggyback on the favorite scope thread, what is your favorite binocular for hunting and why?
Currently I've been using a Vortex Razor 10x42 for the last two years. I got a nice military LEO discount on it which helped push me over the edge. It has been a great binocular, and when I finally just broke it (dropped it while hiking) Vortex replaced it with no questions asked.
"Never miss the opportunity to shut the f$%K up." Colonel Hopewell.
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Leica Trinovid 8x30. Small and light around my neck, built like a tank and plenty good optically. Maybe not quite HD, but more than good enough for my purposes.
Heaven has a wall, a gate and strict immigration policy.
Hell has open borders.
Let that sink in.....
I Live for Opening Day!
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Leica Trinovid 8x30. Small and light around my neck, built like a tank and plenty good optically. Maybe not quite HD, but more than good enough for my purposes. Leica makes some nice binoculars, but they never made a Trinovid 8x30. My favorite hunting binocular is a Swaro. 8.5x42 Swarovision, the universal distance viewer.
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Leica Trinovid 8x30. Small and light around my neck, built like a tank and plenty good optically. Maybe not quite HD, but more than good enough for my purposes. Leica makes some nice binoculars, but they never made a Trinovid 8x30. My favorite hunting binocular is a Swaro. 8.5x42 Swarovision, the universal distance viewer. Excuse me, 8x32 Leica Trinovid.
Heaven has a wall, a gate and strict immigration policy.
Hell has open borders.
Let that sink in.....
I Live for Opening Day!
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My 10 year old 8x32 EL's.
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Campfire Ranger
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I have 3 favorites.....
Cabelas euro 8x32 HD
Meopta 10x42 HD
Leupold Gold Ring 10x42 HD
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Campfire Greenhorn
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I like the conquest hd 10x.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Pentax ED 8x32 bang for the buck
My dog is a member of the "Turd Like Clan"
Covert Trail Cameras are JUNK
3 Time Dinkathon Champion #DinkGOAT
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I currently hunt with Minox HG 8x33 BR ASPH.
But at 21 ounces, I could live with less.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. -Ernest Hemingway
The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.-- Edward John Phelps
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Swarovski 8x32 Swarovision and Zeiss Victory HT 10x42.
"The 257 Roberts, some people like to call it the “.257 Bob.” I think these people should be hung in trees where crows can peck at them." - David Petzal
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Campfire Ranger
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8 x 42 Zeiss Victory, wish I had the HT mine are a few years old. However I can watch a pig feeder at 60 yards well past the time my naked eyes can see it after the sun sets..
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Campfire Tracker
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Swaro 10x42 swarovision EL
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I don't have a favorite but the last few years I've used a 10x42 Leica Ultravid HD that I like a lot.
Ditto an 8x30 Swaro SLC.
When I had it available to me,I frequently put everything else down and grabbed a 15x56 Swaro SLC for distant searching or to pick apart deer,elk,and antelope for trophy quality.....awesome. I should break down one of these days and buy a set.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Terry
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Swarovski
Long range stuff: 15x56
Shorter range stuff: 7x42
If I had to carry just one: 10x42
"Successful is leaving something in better shape than you inherited it in. Keep that in mind, son." Dad
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Campfire Ranger
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Swarovision 8X32 EL. When I get some money saved, I might move up to something Meopta...
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Campfire Outfitter
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In the open almost any binoculars will help. The biggest will see further and are heavy. All gear has takebacks and benefits. A real neat and handy binocular is the 32mm 7X to 12X Switch Powers Leupold had for a while. ![[Linked Image]](https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/268x201q90/r/145/10000132.jpg) at Cabelas
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Campfire Tracker
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For big I use 10x42 Leicas, for small 8x32 ELs. For bang for the buck, Pentax DCF and Meopta Meostar are great glass.
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Just got to try these out today. Borrowed from a friend. Was very impressed. I don't have much experience with 8x32's but a good 8x32 will be my next purchase and my primary bino this season, along with my 15's/tripod.
"Never miss the opportunity to shut the f$%K up." Colonel Hopewell.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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STS, I've used 8x30, 7x30, 8x32's exclusively since the mid 1980's. I've really never found a reason to pack more. If I need more X's I pull out a spotting scope.
Being a backpack hunter, the thing I like about the Leica's is they're built like a Teutonic Tank, and are the smallest "Alpha" 8x32 out there. No need for a friggin "bino harness."
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Currently my Swarovski 8.5x42mm SV EL provide the best view for my peepers.
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Campfire Ranger
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Leica 8x32 HD for general purpose. Leica 15x56 for exposing the mountainside.
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Campfire Ranger
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Leica 8x32 for allround use. Especially in the wood and if you have a nice sized coat pocket they will probably fit and eliminate the need for a bino harness.
Swarovski 8.5x42 for out in the open. They also seem to last a little longer before they blink out.
That being said I've looked thru some of the Leupold Gold Rings and they were better than good. Not sure what Leupold's top end bino is currently called.
laissez les bons temps rouler
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STS, I've used 8x30, 7x30, 8x32's exclusively since the mid 1980's. I've really never found a reason to pack more. If I need more X's I pull out a spotting scope.
Being a backpack hunter, the thing I like about the Leica's is they're built like a Teutonic Tank, and are the smallest "Alpha" 8x32 out there. No need for a friggin "bino harness."
The small 30-32 objective sizes are good to use, but for hunters, the 42 mm or larger are needed if you hunt early and late. I have several nice 32 mm. binoculars, but for all around they are not enough. That is why the larger 42 size is the best and most common choice.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The small 30-32 objective sizes are good to use, but for
hunters, the 42 mm or larger are needed if you hunt early
and late.
I have several nice 32 mm. binoculars, but for all around
they are not enough. That is why the larger 42 size is the
best and most common choice.
Farmboy, there are some very seasoned veteran hunters on this site that have commented so far. Coming on here to give them an education on what's best for their personal hunting is a bit laughable. I'd bet their opinion is based on more than a little in the field experience. For instance, I'd bet Brad could grab his 8x32's and find as much or more game than you could with your ?x42's, whether dusk, dawu, or somewhere in between.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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JG:
There is a lot to see in between a 8x32 binocular and a spotter.
Neither one will work well in low light. I do know the difference. I guess we all have our preferences.
And I agree we all have our favorites, yours are also 42mm.
I should not tell others what they should prefer.
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Campfire Outfitter
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My favorite is my 25-year-old Swaro 10x42 SLC. It's been back to Swaro twice for service and still looks like new. I suppose that one of these days I will plunk down the cash for something with newer glass, but I still can spot game about as well as most of the folks that I hunt with--some of whom are about half my age. I have an 8x30 SLC that I bought at the same time. I still carry it on casual walks, but my wife is under the illusion that I bought it for her, a circumstance that sometimes precludes spur of the moment use.
Ben
Some days it takes most of the day for me to do practically nothing...
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Campfire Ranger
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JG:
There is a lot to see in between a 8x32 binocular and a spotter.
Neither one will work well in low light. I do know the difference. I guess we all have our preferences.
And I agree we all have our favorites, yours are also 42mm.
I should not tell others what they should prefer. My pick of the litter is indeed 10x42's for the country I predominately hunt. Not sure how a spotter entered the favorite binocular thread, but hey. It's great to have a preference. We all do. Mudhen, my hunting pard Big Al has used the same SLC as you do for the past 16 years. He's a game spotting son of a gun. That's still a great, do it all pair of binocs for sure.
Last edited by JGRaider; 02/12/15.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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There is a lot to see in between a 8x32 binocular and a spotter.
Neither one will work well in low light. I do know the difference. I guess we all have our preferences. the 42 mm or larger are needed if you hunt early
and late. And a 10x42 of apple-apples quality is no better in low light than an 8x32. Good grief...
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Outfitter
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And a 10x42 of apple-apples quality is no better in low light than an 8x32.
Good grief...
In theory, but not in practice. The oft quoted "exit pupil" rule is one that doesn't always work out in reality the way theory says. It's like the Ronald Reagan quote: “An economist is somebody who sees something that works in practice and tries to make it work in theory.”
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Swaro SLC neu 8x30's......but I also like the Meopta Meopro HD 8x32 very well........Hb
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When I stand hunt, I carry 8x56. If I am walking around, I like 8x32. If I turkey hunt, I like 10x25. I have a 7x42 that I never use.
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I'm still using my Zeiss Classics 10x. Beginning to think these are bombproof with where they have been over the years and different terrain and weather conditions.
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Minox HG 8.5x43 BR Asph.
Last edited by Dayton; 02/13/15.
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I have been very happy the last two seasons with Swaro SLC 7x42 NEU.
Will keep them until Swaro makes the 8x32 EL rangefinding binocular.
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For walking around my Zeiss 10x32 Victory's.
For blind hunting my Leica 10x42 Ultravid HD's.
Hunt Africa while you can
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I'm still using my Zeiss Classics 10x. Beginning to think these are bombproof with where they have been over the years and different terrain and weather conditions. +1 15 years ago I tried a friends ClassiC's and had to have a set. When they were stolen I purchased a set of Leica 8-12x, then Zeiss Victory FL's, and a set of Swarovski SLC's. All ended up being sold here in the classifieds. I finally found a LNIB set of ClassiC's and thats what I plan to use for my remaining years!
Ted
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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And a 10x42 of apple-apples quality is no better in low light than an 8x32.
Good grief...
In theory, but not in practice. In my field experience there's really no difference in low light. Spent a couple years on a large ranch rich in wildlife here in Montana... glassed daily, wolves and sheep, to elk and the occasional grizzly. We glassed early and late, day in, day out. With my 8x32 and my buddies 10x40 Swaros and a 10x42 Leica. I couldn't find any difference, except the 10X's were harder to keep steady and were heavier. Very occasionally I found the 10X's extra magnification handy, but it was rare. And to really "see more" a spotter was in order regardless 8x or 10x in the majority of those situations. At the end of the day, for my hunting style, the smaller 8x32 is a better compromise than a 10x42. Smaller, lighter, no harness needed. Can see plenty, out in the flats on antelope, up high in the mountains, or in deep timber stalking elk. Were I going to pay the weight/bulk penalty of a 42mm, it would be a 7x or 8x, not a 10x. Anyone using a 10x40/42 has no issue with me, though I personally think they're at their best for birding. Everyone makes their choice and lives with those compromises. ALL glass is a compromise weighted one way or the other and everyone makes that compromise differently... but rest assured, all glass is a compromise.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Swaro SLC 7x42.
When 'casually' hunting the thick stuff Leupold 6x30 Yosemite.
"Dear Lord, save me from Your followers"
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Campfire Ranger
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Minox 6.5x32 IF that they used to sell.
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Swaro SLC 7x42.
When 'casually' hunting the thick stuff Leupold 6x30 Yosemite.
Santa brought both by 7yo and 4yo some 6X YOs for Xmas. I'm thinking I need some for the hunting I do here in IN. That's a lot of bino for the money. I've been quite impressed with them.
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Recently bought a Swaro 10x42 SLC HD to replace my Leica Trinovid 10x42's. I really have enjoyed the Leica's but the Swaro's are a bit lighter, the ergo's are better and (to my eyes anyway) the color spectrum in the yellow/gold range appear more vivid. Both are very good and 10x42's serve my style of hunting much better than 8x42's.
Golden............
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I have the 8x42 SLC HD's and they are uber nice.
Actually a fairly small sized bino IMO but they are indeed well made thus a little 'heavy/solid'. Not sure I'd want anything smaller or lighter for the simple fact they are pretty easy to hold steady as is.
I don't have huge gorilla hands but a smaller bino might be too small(for me).
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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WhoooHooo! 
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Anyone else wish someone would make a nice 7x35?
When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition are something to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed, riches and honors are something to be ashamed of
. Confucius
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6x32 Leupold Katmai. I've carried these many many miles and use them a lot. I love the size, weight, and field of view.
I also have a pair of 7x42 Bushnell Discovers. They get used when I think I'll need to tell the difference between a spike and a cow in low light. I don't carry them as much because they are so much bigger and heavier. When I do carry them they spend way more time in the pack than the Katmais do.
Circles
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Anyone else wish someone would make a nice 7x35? I'd settle for a 7x32... a Leica 7x32 (or 35) HD would be my dream binocular. I'll never happen unfortunately. Most are brainwashed in favor of power, not really understanding the benefits of lower power, and therefore the CO's have dropped most 7x's. I used a 7x30 Swaro SLC for a long time. Great bin. I always find it amusing when guys seem to think a 10X is necessary for finding game long distances. I found and killed a lot of good animals with those 7x's.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I have the 8x42 SLC HD's and they are uber nice.
They certainly are! I far and away prefer the SLC's to the SV's... I think the SLC is the absolute best-buy in the Alpha market. The Leica HD and Swaro SLC are my favorite 42mm bins.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I think these will be my main binoculars this coming season. Lots of good reviews here and trying them out in person really impressed me. Incredibly bright and light, and are supposed to be built like a tank. http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/site.pl?page=40290
"Never miss the opportunity to shut the f$%K up." Colonel Hopewell.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Yup. My favorite binocular...
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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8x30 SLC for the last twenty years. Just had them totally reconditioned for free. Their customer service is second to none IMO. Still my favorite for an all around do everything set of binos. I do have a pair of 10x42 EL's that I use for certain hunts but they are a bit big for much of the hunting I do here, especially bowhunting.
NRA Life Member
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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I'd rather be a free man in my grave, than living as a puppet or a slave....
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Swarovski SEL 10x42
Used to be a Leopold fan till I found out I was missing critters and detail.
Beware of thieves, scammers and dishonest members on the "Fire" classifieds. Ya there is a thief here too. Whatever!!
They're all around the CampFire and everywhere.
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Campfire Member
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Posts: 125 |
8x30 SLC for the last twenty years. Just had them totally reconditioned for free. Their customer service is second to none IMO. Still my favorite for an all around do everything set of binos. I do have a pair of 10x42 EL's that I use for certain hunts but they are a bit big for much of the hunting I do here, especially bowhunting. I got their 8x30's too. Compact and light. I also have their 10x50's which would come in handy for beating the brains out of a charging grizzly.
Last edited by twinray; 02/14/15.
Walk slow, get down, hurry up and be quiet.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I always find it amusing when guys seem to think a 10X is necessary for finding game long distances.
Because a 10x will show you more detail than an 8x, given optics of equal quality.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Zeiss Dialyt 6x42B I bought 25+ years ago. The best low light binos I have ever looked through. They are clear and unbelievable in low light. I never go into the whitetail woods without them. A discontinued model that is rare to find these days.
.280 AI Fan
"I don't make jokes, I just watch the government and report the facts" Will Rogers
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing" Unknown
Trump 2024!
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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My 10 year old Swarovski ELs are my favorite. They have served me well over the years.
donsm70
Life Member...Safari Club International
Life Member...Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Life Member...Keystone Country Elk Alliance
Life Member...National Rifle Association
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins.  Plus 2-3 spotting scopes. 
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Bob, I have 7-10 pairs of boots, does that count?!
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I have a couple of 8x42 Leicas but mostly grab 6x30 Yosemites because they are bright optics and much lighter in weight....
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2007
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Bob, I have 7-10 pairs of boots, does that count?! Yes Sam...they get your eyeballs closer to what you want to see. This works with rifles and scopes, too.
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Let's see. I've got three 6X's, a Leupold Yosemite, and a Leupold Katmai, a 6.5X32 IF Minox, three 8X's, an 8X42 Leica BA, an 8X43 SP Pentax, and an 8X32 Nikon LX, and a 12X50 Leica BN. Oh, and an ancient 9X35 B&L Zephur.
I hunted the old B&L since 1958 when I bought the 8X42 Leica in 2000. Since then, thanks to the people who post here, I've found that there are alot of choices out there that work better in certain situations.
I'm the only hunter I know that takes more binoculars on his hunting trips than he does long guns.
BTW, I own a couple of spotting scopes as well. E
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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STS45: For all kinds of reasons (from performance to pride in American workmanship) my all time favorite Hunting binoculars are my made in America Bausch & Lomb 9x35 Zephyrs!
I have Hunted ALL manner of Big Game and Varmints with these wonderful optics and their clarity and lack of eye strain after HOURS of use, never ceases to impress me.
These Bausch & Lomb Zephyrs really excell when Hunting Antelope on the high plains and Mt. Goats in the gigantic granite mountain basins of Alaska and the American west.
Sadly these fine binoculars are no longer made.
So I have accumulated a small hoarde of these from the used market.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Let's see. I've got three 6X's, a Leupold Yosemite, and a Leupold Katmai, a 6.5X32 IF Minox, three 8X's, an 8X42 Leica BA, an 8X43 SP Pentax, and an 8X32 Nikon LX, and a 12X50 Leica BN. Oh, and an ancient 9X35 B&L Zephur.
I hunted the old B&L since 1958 when I bought the 8X42 Leica in 2000. Since then, thanks to the people who post here, I've found that there are alot of choices out there that work better in certain situations.
I'm the only hunter I know that takes more binoculars on his hunting trips than he does long guns.
BTW, I own a couple of spotting scopes as well. E
E geezus I was only kidding! LOL! That's a lot of bins!
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins. Who wants to be with me when I tell her that I need another pair? ![[Linked Image]](http://i61.tinypic.com/33kzko7.jpg)
Walk slow, get down, hurry up and be quiet.
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Man, I don't even have one pair. Should someone buying their first pair buy ones with a range-finder? That seems like a handy combo.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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man.....that's funny
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I really like Minox HG line:
Minox HG 8.5x43 BR Asph
Minox HG 10x43 BR
Both made in Germany, about the same size (light/compact for full size glass), easy and quick focus, I can use them with glasses.
I really don't know which I like best. Resolution is superb clear to the edge, very good in low light. In a pinch and forced to own only one, I expect I'd keep the 10x43, but I'm happy with either.
Great glass, high value, especially on the used market.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins. Who wants to be with me when I tell her that I need another pair? You have only got a nice start, but you have a long ways to go. Ask your wife how many pairs of shoes she has. If she stumbles with the answer, then you are OK to keep looking for your next choice.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
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I have several nice 32 mm. binoculars, but for all around
they are not enough.
And that's still BS.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Swarovski 8x30 slc neu in the woods and meopta meostar 10x42 for the fields.
"If you got it, you got it!" In memory of Pops, gone but never forgotten
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I have several nice 32 mm. binoculars, but for all around
they are not enough.
And that's still BS. Why do you thing so?
Beware of thieves, scammers and dishonest members on the "Fire" classifieds. Ya there is a thief here too. Whatever!!
They're all around the CampFire and everywhere.
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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![[Linked Image]](http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj358/mar1895/Summary_zps3914dea9.jpg) Summary so far. Steiner 8x30 XP for me - if I had to settle on one of mine.
Member of the Merry Band of turdlike People.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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My dog is a member of the "Turd Like Clan"
Covert Trail Cameras are JUNK
3 Time Dinkathon Champion #DinkGOAT
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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32mm bins are not "all-arounder's."
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Which is it?
I have several nice 32 mm. binoculars, but for all around
they are not enough.
And that's still BS. 32mm bins are not "all-arounder's."
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Meopta Meostar 10x42 HD's. Picked them up second hand in the classifieds here for about half of what the 'primo glass' goes for.
Been very happy with them so far. Looking forward to really putting them through the wringer when I get settled into my new home.
Lifetime member: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers & Wild Sheep Foundation
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Zeiss 10x42 Victory HT
Meopta Meostar 10x42
Leica Geovid 10x42 RF
I use all 3
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Mr 163, what's your take on that new Zeiss? How does the Meopta Hd compare?
Gracias Amigo!
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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There's this thing... it's called humor.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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In order of most use:
7x26 Bushnell Custom Compact
7x30 Swaro SLC
8x30 Swaro SLC
Casey
Casey
Not being married to any particular political party sure makes it a lot easier to look at the world more objectively...
Having said that, MAGA.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I'm in the minority I reckon. I use Nikon Monarchs in the 10x42 flavor. got them on sale a few years back for $189 IIRC. they are very clear, waterproof and tough. I use them year round with especially hard use in the fall. I've admired the leicas that friends have had in camp, just can't justify the price for the little added gain.
Beware of any old man in a profession where one usually dies young.
Calm seas don't make sailors.
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Campfire Regular
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Favorite for me is 10x42 Cabelas just enough to keep me from breaking out spotter as much
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
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I use a pair of Pentax DCF 10x42.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Life can be rough on us dreamers.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I've had the following bino's:
Leica UV 8*32 & 7*42
Swaro EL's 8*32 & 10*42.
I love the Swaro EL 8*32. Small, light, and compact. Color is more vivid with the Swaro's through my eyes. Ymmv... I love my 10x for open field work.
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Campfire Regular
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I'm in the minority I reckon. I use Nikon Monarchs in the 10x42 flavor. got them on sale a few years back for $189 IIRC. they are very clear, waterproof and tough. I use them year round with especially hard use in the fall. I've admired the leicas that friends have had in camp, just can't justify the price for the little added gain. You are not in the minority, the 10x42 is easily the most common binocular size sold and used by deer hunters. The Monarch is a nice model, and very popular.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Hard to pick a favorite. They all have their place
Swaro 15X56
Leica Trinovid 8X32
Leica Ultravid 8X42
Zen Ray ED3 8X43
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Depends on use - I have no favorite -
Scanners for short distance - 6.5x32 Minox
Medium scanners - 10x42 Swaro's
Long Range/Big Eyes - 15x56 Swaro's
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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I'll chip in. Most of my hunting is in coastal Washington, dark, rain forest timber. 12x50 BA Leica's, 13 years old, heavy yes, but definition is good in the timber. At short distances the detail is very good and helpful, keeps blunders into critters down. My light pair are a set of Steiners 9x40 Big Horn's. My highest power scope is a 3x9 Leupy on a 300 H&H. And use a walking staff for steadying the glass and the shot.
Leave the Field Content
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
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Zeiss Conquest 12x45.
May get Leupold 10x42 later this year.
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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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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fave? what I'm used to, Zeiss Classics 10x42's ( edit:oops actually believe they're 10x40's, just like me to try and convince that I've actually got a couple more mm's than I actually do  ) there's glass that's equal and perhaps some better. but I'm just used to them, most everything else in my hands for extended use seems odd to me. guess that will happen when you use them 4-8 hours a day for 30-40 days in a row every year. just seem like a decent compromise to me in size, weight, ergonomics and function wish I'd bought three or four more sets from Cabelas when they bought up their remaining stock, but only bought one set. neither of my boys are as into hunting as I have been so I'm probably okay with just two sets of them. also really got used to 10 power nothing replaces a good game eye in a hunter, but 8's just never seem to have enough oomph for my eyes to see what I want to see when finding animals. can think of a few occasions when piece of game was spotted with the 10's that a guy with 8's had a hard time picking up even after being given instructions as to where the game was. what works for me doesn't have to work for you, we only have to please ourselves with our choices of gear.
Last edited by 2legit2quit; 02/20/15.
I'm pretty certain when we sing our anthem and mention the land of the free, the original intent didn't mean cell phones, food stamps and birth control.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I use Weaver Grand Slam 8.5x45's(would have rather had the Super Slam, but money was tight when I got them)...I've been VERY happy with them, will be picking up a set of "pocket size" binos this summer for when I want something handy...leaning toward Steiner Predator 8x22s.
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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I've done some upgrades over the past few years. My current stock includes:
Zeiss 8x32 Victory Meopta Meostar 10x42HD (thought I might need more for a sheep hunt :-) )
Vortex Viper 15x50HDs for my "big eyes".
Two spotters, a Nikon ED50 (13-30 and 27x wide eyepieces) and a Vortex Razor 65.
I keep wondering about my logic when I recall my optics stable being an old set of Steiner 6x30s that I paid $120 for and a Bushnell Trophy spotter that was less than $200 and the fun that I had with them when I didn't know they were any good. :-)
-Doug
BASR ![[Linked Image]](http://desertbighorn.smugmug.com/OutdoorAdventures/Rem-700/i-g5t7hMZ/0/L/Desert_Bighorn_Signature_-2-L.jpg)
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Campfire Tracker
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Mr 163, what's your take on that new Zeiss? How does the Meopta Hd compare?
Gracias Amigo! JG I have picked up one pair of binos in my life and said WOW after I looked thru them. That was a pair of Zeiss Victory HTs. Absolutely the best most brilliant optic I had ever seen. After that I just had to have a pair and I got the 10x42 model. I was able to use a gift certificate and credit card points to get the Zeiss with no out of pocket expense so it was not as painful as having to part with $2300 cash. IF I would have had to dig into the wallet to buy a new pair I would have almost certainly bought a Meopta 10x42HDs. I believe those binos and Meopta optics in general are some of the best values in optics today. My current pair of Meoptas are the non HD model but they are damn good and I still use them often. They are my back up now that I have the Zeiss Victory Hts. The optics on the Meoptas while not as crisp as the Zeiss HTs are pretty darn good. What I really like about the Meopta is they seem to be built like a tank. Mine have taken a beating and held up perfectly fine. 163bc
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Campfire Regular
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The best ?
Leica Ultra-Vid HDs, 8X42
MOLON LABE
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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The best ?
Leica Ultra-Vid HDs, 8X42 No one asked about "the best", the question was about your favorite.
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Brad, No one asked about "the best", the question was about your favorite. Great post ! Presently my favorite is a 7X50 Nikon. This is after lots and lots of side by side comparison. If I had money to burn I would go with the only binoculars that gave me the Wow ! factor. That was a few years ago when I looked through a Swarovski I think was a 8.5X42 or something like that. but of course I would get an 50mm objective.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation."
Everyday Hunter
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I'm in the minority I reckon. I use Nikon Monarchs in the 10x42 flavor. got them on sale a few years back for $189 IIRC. they are very clear, waterproof and tough. I use them year round with especially hard use in the fall. I've admired the leicas that friends have had in camp, just can't justify the price for the little added gain. I like these and have a pair when I go out west. - Great for finding game but I have a Zeiss Spotting scope to dial in the details
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Campfire Regular
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My current inventory:
Leica Ultravids 8x42 (probably my favorite)
Leica Duovids 8-12x42 (probably the coolest)
Zeiss RF 8-45 (Probably use the most)
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Campfire Regular
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My favorite is Leica Trinovid 10x50's.
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Campfire Tracker
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To piggyback on the favorite scope thread, what is your favorite binocular for hunting and why?
Currently I've been using a Vortex Razor 10x42 for the last two years. I got a nice military LEO discount on it which helped push me over the edge. It has been a great binocular, and when I finally just broke it (dropped it while hiking) Vortex replaced it with no questions asked. Bought this about 25 years ago. [img:left] ![[Linked Image]](http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah282/jagermainster/IMG_0440_zpspn46cs4t.jpg) [/img] It's not marked other than serial number. It has range reticle that once glowed in dark due to tritium (now gone). Had to replace eyepiece/objective cups but other than that is is in very good working order. Magnification is about 7x or 8x. Little heavy, but never had desire to upgrade from this bargain priced piece.
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Mr 163, what's your take on that new Zeiss? How does the Meopta Hd compare?
Gracias Amigo! JG I have picked up one pair of binos in my life and said WOW after I looked thru them. That was a pair of Zeiss Victory HTs. Absolutely the best most brilliant optic I had ever seen. After that I just had to have a pair and I got the 10x42 model. 163bc I had the same experience when I first looked through my Zeiss Victory HT 10x42's. Crystal clear and razor sharp.
"The 257 Roberts, some people like to call it the “.257 Bob.” I think these people should be hung in trees where crows can peck at them." - David Petzal
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Ditto on the meopta meostar 10x42 only pair of 10x that I didn't get eye strain when I purchased them a few years ago.
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I've used the leica geovid which are amazing but equally pricey. I own and use nikon monarch 5 which are very good quality for the dough.
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My 15 year old Leica 8X42 Trinovid BA.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
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I'm cheap and like my Leupold BX3 Mojaves... 8x32's...
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 Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,024 |
Roy, those are nice. They look like something batman would use though.. 
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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Posts: 1,579
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My 15 year old Leica 8X42 Trinovid BA. I use those too on brown bear hunts. Hunting moose, again Leica's but 8x32, sheep Leica 10x25's.
I tend to use more than enough gun
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Roy, those are nice. They look like something batman would use though.. lol. I agree, but form follows function. Steiner has come a long way from the days when they only made porro prism bino's.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 410
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The one that I use these days is Zen-Ray PRIME HD with 10x. I really like it sharp image all the way to the full field of view. Brightness is also up there to compare to Euro binos. I just helped my friends get a pair from Cameraland last month
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,750
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Zeiss Classic 7x42 or Swarovski 7x42 SLC. Depends on how I feel when I get up as to which I carry on a given day.
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Posts: 5,840
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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I've been very well pleased with my Pentax DCF 8x43 binocular.
Chronographs, bore scopes and pattern boards have broke a lot of hearts.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 32,130 |
Steiner 8x30 Hunter. The original ones w/ the 30yr warranty. These are not the Military/Marine model. I like the set it and forget it eyepieces which don't require further center focusing. This is particularly a huge advantage when and low light situations where focusing of it ocular is very difficult. It also allows one to quickly use the optic without worrying about focus. This size is small enough to fit in the larger pockets common on hunting coats yet, has enough magnification to really be useful. The fold (roll) down eye cups work very well with glasses; I wear glasses. For the talley, I also have a set of Steiner 8 x 30 Military Tactical B with the ranging retical (w/a 30 year warranty), Steiner 6x30 Hunter, a backup set of Steiner 8x30 Hunter. The tacticals have been my truck bino's for 15 years. I really believe that Steiner screwed up their reputation by offering so many different models with so many different coatings and so many different levels of quality. The issue of quality seems to be the biggest contributor, as many of Steiner's model names were very similar to each other. The rule of thumb used to be that their best models came with the 30 year warranty, while the lesser model came with 2, 5, and 10 year warranties. The best models also we're also the only ones with the N2 purge valves on them.
With this said, I probably would enjoy trying out some of the new fodder out there, but haven't really had the opportunity. Who am I kidding,I absolutely would. Maybe next month the grand prize of Doug's raffle will be an all expenses paid trip down to their new store for some serious optics exposure!
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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You're talking my language when you mentioned some of the older model Steiner porro's. I've owned a bunch and still own these Whitetail's in 6x30 and 7x50. Not to long ago I had them sent back to Germany for a complete cleaning and reseal. ![[Linked Image]](http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/RDFinn/Steiner%20Whitetails.jpg) ...the 6x30's and my newest 8x42 Nighthunter XP's. ![[Linked Image]](http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/RDFinn/Steiner%20Combo.jpg)
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Cabelas (Meopta) 8X32 HD
Optics-Magnification-Weight-Compact Size-Value
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Posts: 20,888
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I can't discern one iota difference between my Leica 10x42 Ultravid or Swarovski 10x42 EL. So, I use them both.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country."
Robert E. Lee
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Campfire Tracker
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I can't discern one iota difference between my Leica 10x42 Ultravid or Swarovski 10x42 EL. So, I use them both. At the same time?
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,758
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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You're talking my language when you mentioned some of the older model Steiner porro's. I've owned a bunch and still own these Whitetail's in 6x30 and 7x50. Not to long ago I had them sent back to Germany for a complete cleaning and reseal. ...the 6x30's and my newest 8x42 Nighthunter XP's. I have read that the Nighthunter 8 x 30's receved great reviews. I never looked through one though.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,784
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Campfire Regular
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I have 10x43mm Pentax DCF SP really good glass. For the use I give them I can't justify (yet) the need for better glass. I am in the search for some 8x32s for a friend back in Peru, around 100$ or so... not sure what to get, but seems the mag choice I did was not wrong
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I can't discern one iota difference between my Leica 10x42 Ultravid or Swarovski 10x42 EL. So, I use them both. At the same time? One for me, one for my wife.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day that a U.S. president would raise an army to invade his own country."
Robert E. Lee
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Posts: 29,383
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins. Plus 2-3 spotting scopes. Geez what an enabler
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,088
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 37,088 |
My favorite is the Zeiss Victory 8x45 T* Rangefinder. I got a good deal from Doug and the gang at Cameraland here on the Fire.
I like the RF/binoc combo, saves precious time. This RF is good to 1,500-1,600 yds. depending on target contrasts with surroundings. Plenty of light transmission, fairly large binoc but not that heavy. Just a pleasure to use.
Others that don't get used that much, but great glass, Kahles 8x42 and Swaro 7x50. The Kahles are a very handy size, the Swaro great at dim light, but heavier than the Zeiss.
DF
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I have read that the Nighthunter 8 x 30's receved great reviews. I never looked through one though.
They are surprisingly bright considering there're relatively small objective lens. As someone pointed out, they don't require any focusing adjustments once set for your eyes and this feature is indispensable when you are using your bino's in very poor light and night time viewing too. Anyone who has tried using both types of focusing systems will see what I'm talking about. The "Hunting Series" are pictured below, the first pair on the left, in the top pic. ![[Linked Image]](http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/RDFinn/Picture%20034.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/RDFinn/P10006161280x1227.jpg)
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383 |
I have read that the Nighthunter 8 x 30's receved great reviews. I never looked through one though.
They are surprisingly bright considering there're relatively small objective lens. As someone pointed out, they don't require any focusing adjustments once set for your eyes and this feature is indispensable when you are using your bino's in very poor light and night time viewing too. Anyone who has tried using both types of focusing systems will see what I'm talking about. The "Hunting Series" are pictured below, the first pair on the left, in the top pic. Melted Diamond coating I assume
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Posts: 18,453 |
Their code word is "Diamond" bright but I don't think anyone would be silly enough to believe their coating formulation actually included diamond dust.
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,238
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Steiner 8 X 30 Marine. Nice compromise size and weight, bright, and great focus system. About $200
"Put none but Americans on guard tonight."
-George Washington
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 671
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 671 |
Steiner 8 X 30 Marine. Nice compromise size and weight, bright, and great focus system. About $200 Agreed. I've had mine for 12+ years, they've been beaten to hell, and still going strong.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"- Michael Scott
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35,900
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35,900 |
Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins. Plus 2-3 spotting scopes. Geez what an enabler
The 280 Remington is overbore.
The 7 Rem Mag is over bore.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,175
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 1,175 |
Swaroski 15x56 Spotting
Swaroski 8.5x42 EL's Deer and elk hunting
8x30 Swaroski Coyote hunting
NRA LIFE MEMBER
OHA LIFE MEMBER
RMEF LIFE MEMBER
*MOLON LABE SKYLA*
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 254
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Campfire Member
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Posts: 254 |
I've been using my Zeiss 10x45T with range finders for a couple years now and wouldn't go back to bino's without range finders again. The time saved could be the difference in getting that trophy or not.
Don't mess with me, I'm too old to fight, too fat to run, so I going to have to kill you.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,024
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,024 |
Any optics freak/hunter worth his salt should own at least 7-10 bins. Plus 2-3 spotting scopes. Geez what an enabler I can see having one for each pack... 
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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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 379
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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Posts: 379 |
Steiner Peregrine XP 10x44's.
Talk about a bang for your buck. Almost traded them recently but just couldn't bring myself to push play, they're THAT good. (Sorry again, Dave)
Wondering how they compare with the new Hunter XP's.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,776
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Since about 1996 I have used a pair of 7x42 Swarovski SLC's.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 764
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Posts: 764 |
Leupold Gold Ring 9x35 for over 20 years.
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Posts: 17,170
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,170 |
Leupold Gold Ring 9x35 for over 20 years. Those are nice. I had a pair, sold them when I got my 8X30 Swarovski.
Randy
NRA
Patriot Life Benefactor
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 518
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Campfire Regular
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Leica ultravid 10x42 for me. However I still have a soft spot in my heart for my old Leitz 7x35. I love the size and form factor...perfect! I really want a pair of Ultravid 8x32 but hard to justify the cost of two alpha bins when there are rifles to buy.
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Posts: 28,853
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 28,853 |
Today I was thinking about my post of several days ago. My favorite, that I use, is a 7X50 Nikon. It's resolution is a step up from the 7X35 which were a step up from the 7X36 Zen Ray.
But today I remembered the only binos that gave me WOW! when I looked through them. I believe they would be my favorite if I had them. They were Swarovski 8.5X42 selling for a mere $2,430. That's about twelve times more than my Nikons.
"Only Christ is the fullness of God's revelation."
Everyday Hunter
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Posts: 18,453
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,453 |
Melted Diamond coating I assume
I believe only on the newest generation.... ![[Linked Image]](http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r74/RDFinn/Steiner%20Old%20and%20New.jpg)
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Posts: 7,041
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
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Nikon EDG 10 x 42. Like it alot.
Communists: I still hate them even after they changed their name to "liberals".
____________________
My boss asked why I wasn't working. I told him I was being a democrat for Halloween.
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