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Joined: May 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2011
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I'm looking to buy a 10x42 binocular and am interested to hear thoughts on which brands and models represent the best value for the dollars spent. Nothing is off the table but if I don't need to spend $2,300+ to get good optics, I see no reason to do so. Let's hear thoughts and experiences. Thanks
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Regular
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Wife bought me my FIRST pair ever a set of Leupold BX-2 Cascades I really like the optics for the price! AMRA
Molan Labe
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2011
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I found a Pentax DCF SP for a really good buy and have ordered it in. We'll see if it's as good as was written about. I'm still interested in looking further into this. I've heard lots of positives about the Meopta Meostar HD and have actually heard some good comments about the Minox (BL and HG models) but know little other about it.
I currently carry a Swaro 8x30 CL and like it very much but sometimes I feel the need for more power...
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28,297 Likes: 17 |
When someone uses the term "best value" with regards to binoculars, here is what that means to me: 1. great optics 2. exceptional build quality, toughness, parts working as they should, ergos, etc 3. lifetime transferable warranty 4. proven track record of company
I realize this criteria is subjective, but based on this I'll go with the Meopta/Cabelas Euro HD.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2009
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With all the good reviews I'm going to have to try Meopta again. The first try was less than exciting.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I have a pair of Cabelas Euro HD. Very nice. If they don't fit your face, return'em.
Have Dog
Will Travel
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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That's what I did the first time. May have to try the HD.
Leica to my eyes is the best by a long ways, but the warranty/CS pisses me off.
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My wife surprised me with a pair of Nikon Monarch 7's, she did a little work online, but admittedly didn't know too much about binos, just wanted to buy them for me. Anyway, they"ve been great so far, very clear with no blackout. They're kinda light, but fit my face very well. They haven't been wet or taken a big tumble, so can't comment on durability. To my eyes, they're much clearer/brighter than my Talons. So, at this point I'm very happy with them
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Joined: Jun 2012
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I have a pair of meopta 10x42 and very pleased with them. They are the b1 meostars. A lot for your money in the used market for sure
"If you got it, you got it!" In memory of Pops, gone but never forgotten
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Campfire Regular
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I had about 5 pairs of compacts and 8x40's, I sold them all and used the money to buy two pairs of leupold 10x50's, gave one set to my dad and they are worth every cent. A seller on Ebay had the best deals and gave me a little more off for buying two.
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Camera land has the Leica Geovid 10x42 binos for sale $1850 versus the normal price of $2400.
Goofy aka graybird on other forums
"Make no mistake, it's not revenge he's after ... it's the reckoning"
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Campfire Regular
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As mentioned previously the Pentax DCF SP and the Meopta Meostar binos offer a lot of bang for the buck that is tough to match.
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Joined: May 2011
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Campfire Ranger
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OP
Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2011
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Camera land has the Leica Geovid 10x42 binos for sale $1850 versus the normal price of $2400. That is a real good buy on Leica optics.
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1. Never tell everything that you know.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: May 2011
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I found a Pentax DCF SP for a really good buy and have order... +1...for the average guy who doesn't judge sheep, goats etc. on a daily basis this binocular is the best buy for the money in optics. It is a shame pentax doesn't market their sport optics more aggressively. I have Leica Hd and Zeiss FL now, but I'm looking for used pentax dcf sp for a knockabout pair....
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
Owned a 8x32 DCF WP - very good glass IMO, and would look at Pentax again if wanting a mid-priced bino 8-10x, which they would mfg a compact 6-7x on a 30-32 in a Roof.
Buddy had a Nikon Monarch IIRC, double vision, he was hard on gear, but I would avoid them.
Price aside, Leica and Swaro would be on my wish list...
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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In the lower price range Zen-Ray is hard to beat.
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Leica to my eyes is the best by a long ways, but the warranty/CS pisses me off. CS is HUGE with this type of purchase.
220 Swift still king.
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