Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Binocular upgrade?

I have a Pentax 8 x 42 DCF WP. Would the Minox HG 8 X 43 BR be a significant upgrade or do I need to keep looking up $$$? Any and all opinions are welcome.

John

I used the same Pentax for years and still think they are very good, but I had to know what I was "missing". I finally got Zeiss Victory T FL 8x42 they were used but in new condition for $1K. I love them they are "better" but there's no way I'd pay retail for them. If the Minox you are talking about are in the $1300 range new, I'd spend the same money on the secondary market (2 different ones here in classifieds in the last month). I think that's the best bang for the buck. That being said if I lost my Zeiss and still have my Pentax I would take my time replacing the Zeiss as I would not feel handicapped with the Pentax. Also, I really believe that only you can decide which glass is best for you.

I have a pair of HG's just sent you a PM

And the only way you are going to know is to go to a store and compare glass side to side.

I have never looked through my Leicas or Swarovski and said DARN, wish I had bought the cheaper ones. Buy the absolute best you can afford and you will never regret it.

I have never looked through my Bushnell Legend Ultra HD ED2 8X42 and said DARN, wish I had bought the more expensive ones. Buy the absolute best for our eyes and you will never regret it.

If you need to upgrade, I'd suggest the Pentax ED's. They matched my Leica BA in every test I put them through.
The only other binocular on my short list is the Cabela's/Meopta.
What is alot of fun is to try and see the difference between the latest of the so called Big 3, and these two. E

The Minox are nice, but I couldn't justify the $$$. I know I may get blasted, but I'm with ringman on this one. I've looked through better, yes, but you'll have to pay much more to get better than the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD binos (I've got the 8x42). Great bang for the buck. I'd also add that a sleeper is the Vanguard Endeavor ED binos are a better IMO over the Legends, but I was able to get a better deal on the Legends when I was buying a year ago. Now both of these have a $50 rebate on them.

They all look great to me...

Thanks for the laugh, shrapnel. Remember, I didn't say the Minox aren't great...I'm just limited in funds raising a bunch of kids. When I had to keep it under $300 I found the Legends are hard to beat...even by some that are $500+.

I can get you a set of Minox 10X42 binoculars that look pretty good for under $200.00...

It's cheaper in the long run to buy a really good pair than it is to upgrade every few years to something slightly better. A pair of used Swarovski's would likely be with you the rest of your life, you'd be done spending money on upgrading.

Gotta farm those kids out so that can make money for their Dad to buy better binoculars and hunting gear.