I am in the market for a new set of binos and am looking for recommendations. I hunt central MS where it is mostly woods range of 3' - 200 yards; we do have the occassional wide open cut overs of 1/2 mile or more, and a few bean field/gaslines. Average is probably 75-100 yards though. I have a budget of $600 and am heavily looking at the Vortex Viper 10x42 HD. I like the features of this bino but am open to other suggestions. Just looking for the most bang for my buck; also would like to hear any personal experiences with the viper hd. Thanks!

A hunting buddy used the 10x Vipers last season and was completely happy. Ran over em with his atv and didn't miss a beat

I never heard of the Vortex brand until recently.

While I have upscale binoculars I find the ones by Leupold to be quite good.

Sixpack,

The Viper HD in 10x in a very nice binocular. If 75-100 yards is "average" and it's the bulk of your hunting, I'd likely opt for an 8x (or even the 6x) but you only gotta please you.

I have had meopta 8x42's for nearly ten years. My hunting partner bought zeiss victory 8x42's about 4 years ago, we have side by side compared them dozens of times, and while the victory's are better (they damn well should be), the difference only really shows up in very marginal hunting light or in deeply shadowed areas.
So I have threatened to upgrade for a few years, and probably will go to something zeiss, swaro or leica but in a 12x or 15x for extended tripod sessions.

Hope this helps, go euro glass is my only advice.

Thanks for the info! And they are tough too!

Thanks SKane! This is part of my problem also, a little afraid they will be too hi powered. I omitted that I've had a pair of Steiner 8x30s for at least the last 15 years and have served me well. Just wanting better glass and Vortex seems to get good reviews. I was thinking how more power might be good around the big cutovers and pipelines where I also hunt. Not to mention how beneficial it could be at the range. In the woods here, if you can see 100 yards, we would consider it "open"! However, we have some wide open woods and a lot of fire lanes and logging roads that permit longer shots but still average probably no more than 200-300yards. We live in the pine plantation belt where thickets abound!! I really wish I could look through some before buying too.

I keep a couple pair of the cheap Leupold Yosmites in the truck. An 8x and a 6x. They work fine for me and are pretty damn tough. People rave over the 6x and bitch the 8x, though i don't think they are that far apart.

JB has talked up the Krueger Binos before. I believe it was the 10x50's. They are fairly inexpensive as well and prolly worth a look or a PM to JB

I have a pair of 10x42 Meopta meostar non hds. I couldn't be happier with them, and you can pick up a used pair for a great barigain

Vortex are okay. In the similar price bracket, meopta is probably the way to roll.

I just bought a pair of the Minox German BL 15x56 binos and they are terrific. I would imagine that the Minox German BL 8x42's would be just as good and the price is less than $500. I think CameralandNY has just had a price reduction, but they're out of stock at the moment. My 8x binos are Swarovski SLC's and they are superb. You might find a used pair for around $600.

This

If I had $600 to spend on a good pair of binos, I'd go with the Weaver Super Slam 8.5x45...I have the Grand Slam version and they are very nice, the Super Slam is exceptional.

I don't live too far up the road and have lots of Tennessee and Arkansas hunting experience. Even when I hunt the clear cut transmission line lanes, 7x and 8x power have been plenty. 10x are very good, but for most the woods and small fields I hunt, I'd rather have the wide view vs. a 10x. I recently sold my 10x for that reason and kept my 8x.

If I could find another pair of Zeiss FL 7x42, that would be a great pair. In the meantime, I agree with the Meopta folks, and think the new Meopro HD 8x42 would be a winner. They run under $1000 if that's in your price range. If not the Viper HD 8x42 are easily under $600.

I ran a pair of Steiner 8x30 for about 10 years and they were light and did the job. Since then, I went to a pair of Swaro's. Oh my!!!

look for non HD meopta meostars.

The Viper HD is an excellent optic, however, for the distance you are using I would suggest either the 6x32 or the 8x42 rather than the 10x

If you are serious, here is as good a pair of binoculars as you will get for $600.00. I have a pair of Swarovski 8X30 SLC that show use, but optically are superior to all the other binoculars in that price range...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131280363900?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Take a look at the Vortex Talon HD 8X32 . They are way under $600 ( and are often on Special ) and are my car "beaters" . My experience is similar to Pack Hunters . The Zeiss , Swaros , and Leicas are great , but I think that most people could not tell much difference in the Conditions you specify . I also agree with those suggesting 6x , 7X , or 8X for your application . The Bino ergonomics ( how they feel in your hands , your eye contact , and how you handle the weight ) is pretty important too. I have never AB Tested the Meoptas but would like to . You can get a Ton of comparison Results for Binos by going to the Cornell Lab or Bird Watcher Sites .

My Leopold 8x cascades work so damn well in low light and are clear as I see. They also cost less than 400 and have a lifetime warranty. Save the extra cash to go for a good scope.

Hard not to like the vortex, clear durable binos that should do the job and hold ther value. I like 10 power but hunt in way different conditions - wide open in comparison.

Meopta HD's are really terrific and might be in your price range at 8 power but a used Slc or trinovid or Zeiss might be a bit better if you can find them from a trusted source.

Cabela's Instinct Euro HD binoculars. Meopta made...$800-850 for the 8/10x32s. $100 back in Cabelas Bucks, 10% back in Club Points...amazing glasses.

Swarovski
Leica

I got a vortex 6X bino about 4? years ago, I like it for hunting here in the woods of GA. Its light and is good enough for me, of course big difference in this an an 8x42 Victory.

Get a pair of 6x Yosemites for the woods, and a pair of 10x Vortex for the fields.

Sell the Steiners to assist in buying better glass.

Hmmm. Strange that Minox HG hasn't been mentioned. My 8x33 MIG are just superb

I hunt in mid Mississippi under similar conditions and use 10x42 Swarovski SLC's. They're not too much for that type hunting, they're just about perfect. For your budget I'd recommend a pair of used Swarovski, Zeiss, or Leica. You'd get more value from them than new vortex's

Zen-Ray ED3's or Zeiss Terra's... excellent glass and well within your budget.

Meostar 10x42. As mentioned many times. I bought a pair of demos 8 months ago on ebay for $630. They are awesome. You will love them in the woods and even more on the clear cuts/cut overs and gas lines.

Life time warranty!

I have used Swarovski 10x42 and 10x56 for years and can't recommend them highly enough but they are slightly out of your range. I would highly recommend a pair of Kahles. In a power of your choice. I prefer 10x but I can't see very well and if you need binoculars get enough to make things clear.

+1. These are real sleepers; they can run in the same pack with the alphas, are lighter, feel great in the hands, beautiful view.