Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Ask John Barsness Questions About "Best Buys In Binoculars."

Alan, just keep in mind that the Geovid is basically a Trinovid bin, not an Ultravid. (See their catalogue for a detailed comparison). The Geo's have excellent optics and the range finder works extremely well. The downside to the Geovid is the bulky size and their weight. If you hunt with bins around your neck all day, those Geo's could become a pain.

I also considered the Geos as an alternative to separate items but went with the Lieca CRF 900 and regular full sized bins. Price wise, the cost was about the same either way.

Hope this helps.

I haven't had a chance to try them side by side, and so would hate to make the call. They are both good glass--one thing about the optics market today is that it's really hard to buy mediocre glass even at $250 or so anymore.

Mule Deer,
This is a bit off topic but are there two of you? I know you are John Barsness, I have been a big fan for years and always appreciated that you were a Montanan. But do you also live in Alaska? I'm pretty new to the forum and am a little confused.

Thanks, John

I live in Montana and only in Montana--but there are other John Barsnesses that live here. In fact, when I attended the University of Montana there were three of us going to that school at the same time.

Glacier- are you referring to Mule Deer and muledeer?

Thanks for the replys, now I see there is Mule Deer (John Barsness) in Montana and muledeer (DS) in Alaska. I wasn't picking up on the different spellings. I'm kinda slow, glacier like.
John

Thank you for this forum and your answers - On your recommendation I just bought this binocular and am extremely impressed with the quality. One nice thing about Cabela's is their return policy and the fact that cheapskates like myself can use Cabela's Club points and often get gift cards from people who know we have this hunting and rifle disease - so binos like these can be had quite cheaply (and make the wife happy to boot!

John,
Any recommendations for 8x32 mid-sized binos in the <$500 price range? I'm looking for something that's not extremely heavy.

In that price range I would look at the better porro-prism glasses for an 8x32, such a Leupold, Nikon, etc.

Thanks for the response, John. Looks like Minox also makes an 8x42 porro that may be compact enough for me.

John,
I'm considering a Geovid BRF, but I�m not sure if I should go for the 8x 42 or the 10 x 42. Are the 8�s significantly cleared, with noticeable better low light capabilities? Is it really that much of an issue to hold the 10�s steady?

I'm leaning to the 10x's, but don't want to spend this amount of money on something less than optimal.

Your comments will be much appreciated.

Several years ago, I purchased a Pentax 8x43 DCF SP. Very impressive - bright and durable.

Mule Deer:

Are you reading your P.M. here?

Thanks,

Richard

Not very often.

I wrote the article for Rick several years ago, with the addition that I'd answer any questions on it. As noted, that was years ago. Anything about the optics tested then would be out of date, and I long ago ceased testing every binocular that came on to the market.

That may seem unprofessional, but I can assure you that it is IMPOSSIBLE to test every optic that comes onto the market. So I don't--and never have.

If you want me to answer the latest question, well I can. There just isn't enough difference in an 8x42 and 10x42 to agonize over. It's like the "difference" between the .270 and .30-06. What really matters is the quality of the binoculars (and most are VERY good these days) and how the hunter uses it, not whether it is 8x or 10x.

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Mule Deer, have you tried the Leupold 8X32 HD binocular? How does it rate against other 8X32's, such as the Nikon LXL, Leica Ultravid, or the old Leica Trinovid?

Mr. Barsness
Can you give a short idea of how "wide angle" binoculars "gain" the extra viewing area. I have a 7x35 wa that has ,or so it says,
a view of 488 feet at 100 yards.

Thanks,
W Dew

The wider view mostly comes from shorter eye relief, less magnification, or both. Compact binoculars also tend to have narrower fields of view.

A 7X35 is pretty much a "naturally" wide-angled binocular.

I sprung for a 6x30 Leupold Yosemite and at just at one pound they are so much better to haul around than the heavier 7x35 that I had been using for the last few years. Very clear and bright. Just right for the woods hunting I do.

That's been my experience too, as well as that of a lot of hunters!