#538653 - 07/30/05 06:28 PM
Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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RickBin
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Registered: 06/10/00
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I'm proud for The Campfire to have a new feature article entitled "Best Buys In Binoculars" by our own Mule Deer (John Barsness) on the Home Page . MD has graciously agreed to answer specific questions about the article here on this thread.
Go easy on him guys. 
Thanks Mule Deer! This is a treat.
Rick Bin
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#538654 - 07/31/05 04:10 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Dave_in_WV
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Registered: 10/12/03
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Another great optics article by John. He does a fantastic job of explaining "how" and "why" in words we all understand and gets right to the point. Thanks Rick And John.
_________________________
Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means
--Albert Einstein
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#538655 - 07/31/05 04:59 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Birdwatcher
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Loc: San Antonio TX
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About your "Best Buys in Binoculars" article... (nice article BTW)....
I figure Eagle Optics must've been among those thirty tested, yet they didn't make the cut?
Birdwatcher
_________________________
"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744
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#538656 - 07/31/05 05:14 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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sambubba
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Registered: 02/25/02
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Loc: Abilene,Tx. 79606 USA
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How do the Wind River 8x42 P1's compare with today's brands in their class?
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#538657 - 07/31/05 05:24 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Mule Deer
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Registered: 07/24/01
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Birdwatcher--
Nope, didn't test Eagle Optics, mostly because they have shown some reluctance to send test optics to hunting writers. I have looked at them while at trade shows, and they seem to be good glass for the price, but have not had the chance to compare them directly against others, so could not in ghood conscience include them.
This was one of the questions I anticipated, so am glad to get it out of the way quickly....
MD
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#538658 - 07/31/05 05:26 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Mauser96
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Registered: 03/02/03
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John,
Just Logged in again to the "new" site and haven't read the article.
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your presence here.
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#538659 - 07/31/05 05:27 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Mule Deer
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Registered: 07/24/01
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The Wind River P1's are good glass, not quite as good as the ones listed, but the difference is so slight that I wouldn't spend money replacing them. I own one of the original P1's and still use it from time to time. A darn good binocular!
The new Leupold Gold Ring reviewed in the article is in another clas entirely. Of course, so the is price--but it is indeed a genuine $1000 binocular, well worth the price.
MD
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#538660 - 07/31/05 05:53 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Dave_in_WV
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Registered: 10/12/03
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What is it about the B&L (now Bushnell) Discoverer series binoculars that keeps them from making the cut? I have a pair and really like them but I've noticed in several reviews by several writers they're never mentioned.
_________________________
Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means
--Albert Einstein
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#538661 - 07/31/05 05:55 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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martinbns
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/21/04
Posts: 3923
Loc: Devon, Alberta
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John,
Great article, I already bought Pentax SP's based largely on your previous recommendation's and am very happy. You mentioned a while back you did and article on Rangefinders, when is it coming out?
Thanks again for answering questions.
Martin
_________________________
Life's too short to hunt with an ugly gun.
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#538662 - 07/31/05 06:35 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Dan_C_Johnson
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Registered: 03/28/02
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Loc: South Carolina
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John;
I was pleased to see the Bushnell Legend 8X32 made your list. I have recommended them to several friends on a budget looking for good glass. Dollar for dollar they'd be hard to beat.
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#538663 - 07/31/05 06:46 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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mcshunatona
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Registered: 05/17/05
Posts: 417
Loc: Grayling, MI
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John,
Great update to your book info. I caught a lot of flack last year when buying my 8 x 30 Zeiss Diafun's, from my bigger is better friends. After reading "Optics for the Hunter" I feel my choice was for the best for my hunting needs(especially on sale for under $300.00). Looking towards Leupolds new 12-40 x 60 spotting scope now for out west use.
Thanks again for being a voice of sensibility in this time of poor little whitetail's being shot with 375 UM's at 75 yards.
MCS
_________________________
What part of "Constitutionally !!LIMITED!!" don't you understand?
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#538664 - 07/31/05 07:03 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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David_Walter
Campfire Guide
Registered: 09/07/04
Posts: 4385
Loc: Southeastern Washington
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How about the Nikon 8X42 ATB's. They seem pretty clear, anthough not as clear as the Leica 10X32 BNs I also own.
_________________________
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have." -Thomas Jefferson 
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#538665 - 07/31/05 07:25 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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XXBob
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Registered: 05/16/05
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Loc: Eastern Sierra Calif
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Natchez has been running a closeout on "Remington" bino's. They claim BAK4 and fully coated lens. A friend bought a pair 8x42 roof prism. they sure look good for $80.
-Doc-
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#538666 - 07/31/05 07:30 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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SU35
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Registered: 08/13/02
Posts: 5552
Loc: Washington State
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Excellent, excellent article.
Thank you,
Any word on Steiner Peregrine's? Their latest offering.
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#538667 - 07/31/05 07:58 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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M16
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Registered: 10/18/04
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While the Leupold Katmai is a good binocular for the price I don't care for the pair I purchased at a conservation fundraiser. I like to have a pair of binoculars in each vehicle so this is just a spare set not for primary hunting. The optics are excellent but the eyepiece design is terrible. They are almost impossible to twist and when you do the rubber comes off. I understand that you probably cannot do a durabilty test but this would be very helpful in an evaluation. I'd have to give them a thumbs down for eyecup design.
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#538668 - 07/31/05 08:18 AM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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Enrique
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 03/27/01
Posts: 1510
Loc: Mammoth AZ USA
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John,
Did you get a chance to test any of the Fujinon optics?
Also, I know they are a lower end optic, but how about Barska, what are your feelings towards that brand and quality?
My buddy, just bought a pair of 15x70"s by Barska, and they seem to be alright for the price.
Also I did not see any 15x optics mentioned in the article. Is there a reason for that?
I live in Arizona, and I use 15x60 Fujinon when I hunt and guide. There are also a ton of other hunters/guides in AZ that use 15x optics either in Swarovski, Ziess or other top names.
Do you have any plans on doing a story/article on long range optics that will include 15x plus optics?
Great article! It was composed very well and it kept my attention. I look forward to reading more of your stuff online or in magazines. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.
Enrique
_________________________
Enrique O. Ramirez
"..faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.." Hebrews 11:1
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#538669 - 07/31/05 02:40 PM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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DakotaDeer
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Registered: 01/19/05
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I realize the advantages of a roof prism binocular for hunting, and noticed that you did say for those on a tight budget to go with porros.
However, I think this needs to be made into a much bigger point than it is. Cheapo porros beat out some of the better roofs easily in the "good looks" department for resolution and brightness, and can be had for a fraction of the price. And after using some porros recently for all my hunting and birdwatching, I have found that with the slightest care they have lasted over years now without a bobble. Of course, the better (and easily the best) porros make roofs seem dim in comparison.
I think that a good evaluation of current porro models is deserved, since even the midgrades like the Nikon Actions or Bushnell Legends can keep up with all but the best roofs, and can be had new on EBay for under $100. Even if they broke every single year, which they do not, most people could get a better view a lot quicker than saving years for high-end roofs.
I also think that binocular manufacturers produce what they think will sell, and thus porros are not "faddish" right now (except among top-end birdwatchers) because everyone has jumped on the roof bandwagon. There is little reason from an engineering perspective that a manufacturer cannot produce porros that are rugged enough for serious backcountry hunting. Invert the barrels for crying out loud, and put a tough mother-of-a-hinge on there, and make sure the lens/prisms are well-secured. They could easily produce an inverted model with 32-35mm objectives, which would be small and rugged, and give a crystal clear view for a low price. All they need is someone to demand it.
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#538670 - 07/31/05 03:30 PM
Re: Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."
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GrimJim
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Registered: 04/16/04
Posts: 296
Loc: NE PA
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Cabela's has a very good price on discontinued B&L Discoverer porro prism binoculars. I wonder how these rate as they were in the $300 range just a few months ago.
They seem to have all the features one could want-rubber armouring, twist down eyecups, multicoating with rainguard.
I abandoned my Japanese B&L Zephyrs years ago for the roof prism Swarovski SLC. I still have one of the SLC's, but recently have rediscovered the Zephyrs, based in part on what I read from Jack O'Connor decades ago and part in a comment on buying old optics in a book called "Optics for the Hunter." I found a Rochester made 7X35 Zephyr in new condition and a 9X35 almost as good. These just amaze me.
I like them so much that I told the friend I gave the Japanese Zephyrs to that I get them back if he dies before me.
Cheers
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