Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics thinking about alpha class binocs.........best under $1k?

That's been my experience as well. But it's hard for newer/smaller companies to make any headway against long-existing prejudices.

Had a 10x42 Toric along on a mule deer hunt last year. The guide (a super-alpha glass user--and more importantly, believer) asked to look through them. He did, very quickly through a semi-dirty windshield, and immediately said, "They're OK, but nothin' special."

Some of us have the luxury of looking through many binoculars, more than briefly, in varying hunting conditions. While I've yet to run into a consensus on ANY binoculars, no doubt because human eyes vary so much, there are some real deals out there today.

No doubt about the bias and prejudices in optics. I still remember that article you had regarding a wine tasting test IIRC and how human nature automatically concluded the most expensive were the best.

brguy-
There's a 7x42 SLC in the classifieds right now.

Concur.
I've chased a lot of higher end binoculars in an effort to find the "perfect" solution. The realization after all that time/money - there's a lot of good stuff available to us and no guaranteed perfect solution.

And some of the miniscule gain (sometimes perceived in mind only) comes with a big up-charge.

You definitely need to add Nikon's MONARCH HG bino's to your list. You will be hard pressed to find any negative comments about these outstanding binos. I have been using a pair for almost a year now in all conditions, frigid cold and snow to sweltering TX heat and zero issues. Right now they are under a Nikon sponsored promo that gets you $100 off the retail price when you buy from a participating Nikon dealer. Plus, add Nikon's No Fault Warranty and you have a deal that is tough to beat.

http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd363/bman940/IMG_8562.jpg

The Nikon Monarch HG's are outstanding for sure

For under a grand, I think the Meostars or HGs are the way to go. I've had both and they are both very, very good. For most needs, they'll be more than good enough. My guess is they're both at least as good as the alphas a couple models back. You won't be getting a current full size alpha for a $1k but you can get fairly close in performance. There just isn't as much gap between alphas and the next rung down as there once was

If Doug still has the Steiner Wildlife XP 8x44 he listed, jump on it. Great glass for a great price. https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/13082079/Searchpage/1/Main/891162/Words/%2Bwildlife+%2Bxp/Search/true/re-steiner-wildlife-xp-8x44-binocular-super-opportunity#Post13082079

I bought a pair of the GPO 8.5x50's last year(from Cameraland) for right around $1K to keep for a truck and I've been amazed at the optical quality compared to my Leica & Zeiss. One of my hunting partners has Swaros SLC HD's and we both for struck by how close the GPO's came. Not saying they are better but I have put them all on sand bags at low light it's mighty close and the $$ savings nice.

I do love 7x if you can find a good pair used, the older Zeiss FL's, were awesome in 7x. I think Leica is the only alpha still building a 7 power.

Good luck.

There aren't any new alpha binoculars under $1000.00.

We do still have the Steiner Wildlife XP 8x44 on sale for only $799.99 and they are an amazing binocular

I picked up some Meopta 15x56 at the suggestion of doug and I couldn't be happier. Even my swaro buddies are impressed. I had my heart set on some swaros but I don't feel like I gave up much if anything for half the price. Next year I'll pick up some 10x meoptas for sure.

Look into Maven, made in Wyoming.

I find looking through Zeiss products is like having an optical specialist make something just for me...but whether this is due of the quality of the lens or a hang over from my youth when Zeiss were "special" I have no idea.

Whichever it is it works for me.

ps, Zeiss can stick their latest over bearing cluttered junk up their collective arse.

I just bought the 10 x 42 Meopta Meostars and they are superb.