Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Which 8x32s (or 8x30s) Binos

I've had 'em all and still have several pairs of big three bincs; but for the dough Pentax makes the best budget glass bar none.
As was mentioned, the dcf sp series is excellent, and pentax's ED line (purchased right-otherwise it can be spendy) is as good as any out there.

I picked up a pair of used Pentax 10x50 EDs and in low light they are as good as my Zeiss victory 42s to my tired eyes. And I'm a Zeiss fan.

Look at the 8x32 pentax dcf sp. You'll like them.

Those Pentax ED are like $800+ or am I looking at the wrong ones?

The Zen Ray ED 7x36 are really calling me at the OP price point.

I did a comparative binocular review of $250 and under 8x32s back in October. I thought I posted it here but I might not have. Here is a link to the thread over on birdforum.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=269560&highlight=8x32

The Sightron is still my favorite but there are some other good 8x32 models out there right now. Regularly priced at $180 you would still have $220 left over for other things.

Thanks for the link. I actually found your review during my research. I guess where I'm at in the search is, I'm not looking to save money or spend down in effort to get "as good as" glass. I'm wanting the best glass I can get at my price point. I mentioned in the op that the weight was a consideration and one thing I left off the list was FoV.

So far, the Leupold BX-3s are looking very good. 17oz and 400'+ FoV from a reputable company. And they can be had for under $350. The Nikon Monarch 7s are in that same ballpark in all aspects. The Pentax DCF lack a little in the FoV dept but meet the other criteria and would save some considerable coin.

I'm going to take some advice and make the drive up through Maine in a couple weekends and hit Kittery Trading Post and Cabelas so I can check out this stuff in person. No rush on my end to make a purchase, time is on my side.

Rob

I understand where you are coming from. I have yet to try the new Leupold Mojave 8x32s but will see if the local Cabelas has them in stock. The Monarch 7's have created a bit of a buzz over on birdforum.

I would love to compare both to the Sightron. If you had a chance to read my original Sightron review you will see that they compare very favorably to other binoculars in your price range and actually do compare with 8x32s that cost significantly more. They are one of the true optical values out there. In other words, you don't have to spend $400 to get $400 performance...and maybe a bit more.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=211793&highlight=sightron

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=266644&highlight=sightron

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=227459&highlight=sightron

Owned Pentax WP DCF and really enjoyed them, my Leupold 6x30 Y and 6x32 Katmai's are what is used most now, but would look at Pentax again if wanting more glass on your budget.

Rob
There are a couple of other Celestron pieces that are closer to your $400 price point that I think are worth mentioning. These are the Granite 7 & 9 x 33. The FOV of the 7 is 477feet with eye relief of 15 mm. 5.5" inches in length weighing 21.2oz.
The 9x fov is 378ft, eye relief is 14.1mm, 5.4"inches in length weighing 20.1oz.
The 7 is my personal favorite.

Regards The Celestron rep in Alberta

Fock Celestron.

They are the group of crooks that bought Weaver several years ago and then refused to warantee or service their prodcuts.

I followed Scott's advice and am glad I did.

The extra $250; let's just say it got put to good use on other firearms related items.

Ok, I get it. But I don't think folks are really understanding my question. So let me re-phrase a little:

What I'm really looking for is this: the best binoculars I can own for around $400. I want to spend around $400 on a single pair of binoculars. If I can get $800 glass for $400, someone tell me where and what brand.

Does that make sense?

Thanks for the input everyone.
Rob

You sure that wasn't Meade Instrument?

for around 400 check out the meopta meopro 8x42. but if u want 32mm they make a 6.5x32. i own that pair and got it through cameraland. glass and build is incredible

Do not Fock Celestron they never had anything to do with weaver. G

I get it, that is why I made my suggestion of the Granite product. G

I bought a pair of Nikon porro 8x32 SE last year. I REALLY prefer porros to the other style. THESE are great and the street price was about $550. They are worth the time to compare.

http://www.samplelist.com/Pentax-8x43-DCF-SP-Binocular-DEMO-A-P64576.aspx
Check out their entire list...You should find something in that price range.

One other thing Rob.
Be patient with your search. I wanted a pair of big eyes to add to my optics collection and kept my eyes open for some time. Those 10X50 Pentax Ed's I referred to run around $1100, I paid $500.

What you want is out there, but be picky and patient. Combing all of the forums is pretty much mandatory for the best buys.

I wouldn't part with my Pentax 8x32 ED's great glass and they can take a beating ! I picked mine up for $650 back when they 1st came out

When I had that same question a few years ago, I called Doug at cameraland and talked with both him and Nick. Very helpful, and I ended up with a pair of minox 8 x 33