Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Top Bino's for Big Game Hunting

I’m getting into hunting big game out west. I have already harvested a speed goat and a cow elk. My budget is $1,000. Need some input from some of you hunting guides and experienced big game hunters.

$1K probably won't get really top end binos. If you want top end like Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss etc... you probably need to toss in at least another $500. Personally I like Leica 10x42 for most my hunting and they run about $1300 unless you catch a sale.

For $1000, I'd look at the following and see which one you get the best deal on....

Meopta Meostar HD (pre owned, lifetime warranty)
Nikon MHG
Zeiss Conquest HD
GPO HD (not ED)
Tract Toric UHD
Maven B1
Vortex Razor HD (Cabelas has a killer deal for $600 or so now)

I have the Burris Signature HD 8x42's. They go for $399 list but I paid $290 on sale. They punch above their price and are made in Japan, so the quality should be there....and you'd have extra money left over for taxidermy costs when you bring that big head home.

Keep an eye on Rokslide Classifieds for used Vortex UHDs.

For that budget, keep your eye on a used set of Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski, in good shape. The high end Leupolds are not bad glass and are often on sale for that money and definitely show up often on the used market for under your budget. Don't discount the Vortex Razor HD glass either. Several guys in my hunting camp have them now and I'm pretty impressed with them for the money.

The razor HDs on sale for $600ish at Cabelas right now are a RIDICULOUSLY good deal for a set of glass that will beat almost anything at/under $1,000.

Dave

Top glass is gonna be Swarovski and Leica , add about $1000 and never have to worry if you have top glass.

I would add Leica Trinovids to the list.

I bought a used set of Leupold 10 x 42 with excellent glass for $400.00 They will do anything I need them for. They were just over a $1,000.00 new.

This.

Of course, you’d do well to go look through all of them at the stores beforehand, to decide which ones work best FOR YOU. Your eyes will tell you what we can’t.

Once you’ve made your pick, keep an eye on the classifieds in a few forums, and be ready to buy when you see ‘em.

Then again, it could be that YOUR eyes can’t tell a difference between some $500 glasses & the high end stuff. That would be cause for jubilation.

FC

Can't go wrong here, great glass and excellent build quality.
https://www.eurooptic.com/Like-New-Leica-Trinovid-HD-10x42mm-Full-Size-Binoculars-40319.aspx

What shiester and FC said above is spot on

Plan to use the binos on a tripod too. Get a bino adapter. Without a tripod, you will only be about half effective when glassing with your binos.

Give Doug a call at Cameraland. Never know what he's got. Maybe some demo models, etc..............Folically gives the best possible if you can get your hands on some models at a store that has them. Good luck!

If purchasing at a retail store ask if you can take them outside to compare models. Lighting inside of a store will tell you nothing about how sharp the image will be. Outside where you can look at objects 1/4 to 1/2 mile away will give you your best comparison.

I've proven this to myself over the past couple of weeks as true. Then again, given how good these sub $1k binos perform ($500 glass for that matter), I quit chasing absolute top end optic performance a couple of years ago.

It's our pleasure, as a long standing supporting vendor here, to discuss the different available options and special opportunities with you.

Take a look at the GPO Passion HD's, I think you'll be impressed with the quality.

Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have the time. Thanks

Your budget will get you close on a used SLC from the classifieds. I hunt wide open Southern Idaho with an 8x42. Fantastic binocular.

What I was thinkin'

I’d find a used swaro, a used Leica Ultravid, or an older Zeiss ht/fl. If you’re not in immediate need you can find one under a grand. My 09 10x42 fl’s are as good optically as my 10x50 el’s minus the fov difference, and imo the el 50’s are the best glass there is currently, even over the NL42’s.