Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
Best hunting binos in $500-$600 range? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
alter jaeger
Optics GrassHopper Joined: December/30/2009 Status: Offline Points: 2 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: December/30/2009 at 16:18 |
I'm looking for recommendations for the best deer hunting binos in the $500 - $600 price range. I would like to consider the following criteria in making a decision:
1. good with eye glasses
2. great low light performance at dawn & dusk
3. good clarity to evaluate antlers
4. relatively waterproof /weather resistant - ability to handle rain and cold weather
I've been considering the Bushnell Elites (not the E2s) because there are deals to be had out there around $600.
I'd also be interested in recommendations from you hunters whether to get 8x or 10x. My viewing situations are mix of in the woods and out in wide open spaces (I'm leaning to the 8x).
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, AJ
|
|
lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The Zen Rays have received excellent reviews, the vortex vipers are also pretty nice in the $500.00 range.
|
|
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
|
|
spf2
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/02/2007 Status: Offline Points: 169 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
second that opinion on ZEN. Get ED2. SWFA has it for $370-$412. |
|
SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Zen Rays
|
|
Tranan
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/09/2009 Status: Offline Points: 85 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You said "hunting binoculars" and the aspects you described will be answered very well by IOR BGA 7x40 and even better by Zeiss Hensoldt Marine 7x50. The IOR will probably be cheaper than your budget while the Zeiss will be around $600.
There is a whole bunch of other possibilities but these ones would be what I'd call: pure hunting binos.
|
|
CHARLIE DON'T SURF!
|
|
m_freeman
Optics Apprentice Joined: August/07/2009 Status: Offline Points: 69 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I started using the Zen ray 10x43 ED for hunting and scouting this year. No regrets at all far exceeds my expectations. If you buy the 10x might be a little tight for close in woods 7x better for that, if any range at all get the 10x. You will find your rifle scope the limiting factor in your optics setup not the ZR ED glass
|
|
mwyates
Optics Master Joined: June/15/2004 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 1196 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
No. 1 priority is "good with eyeglasses". That pretty much rules out the Zen Rays for me. They all have minimal eye relief, and the 10X43's are just inadequate. I've found to really be comfortable, I need 18mm (this will be different for everybody). Much less and I'm jamming them into my glasses. Vortex Viper 8X42 would be good, or look at some good porro prism binocs.
|
|
No man on his deathbed ever said "I wish I'd made more money".
|
|
Klamath
Optics Master Joined: May/20/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1308 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I read someplace the large ocular diameter of the ZEN ED tends to increase the angle of the EP light cone, somewhat reducing the need for "longer" eye relief. Don't rule them out for glasses without trying them out. They work fine with sunglasses which typically fit further from the eye than prescription glasses.
Edited by Klamath - January/04/2010 at 11:06 |
|
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron |
|
JGRaider
Optics Master Joined: February/06/2008 Status: Offline Points: 1540 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Did you actually look through them or just read the specs? ( No offense, just wondering). My neighbor who wears glasses looked through my 10x ED2 and all he said was "wow". He owns the SLC and EL. |
|
SChunter
Optics Journeyman Joined: December/02/2007 Location: usa Status: Offline Points: 376 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
thumbs up for the zens--10x--sunglass wear and our season runs Aug 15-Jan 01 for whitetails--hard use here in SC--I have been thoroughly impressed.
|
|
matchetman
Optics GrassHopper Joined: December/05/2009 Status: Offline Points: 29 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
i just got a pair of vortex razors and couldnt be happier
|
|
koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I have a pair of Hawke Frontier ED 8x43 that work fine with glasses (Zen Ray is very similar in that regard, I am testing ED2 7x36 right now).
Alternatively, you can just get Vortex Razor in either 8x42 or 8.5x50 configuration. There is a rebate on those right now, that will take down to your price range. Both are excellent especially 8.5x50 (if you can put up with weight). ILya
|
|
kingston
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/28/2010 Location: A, B, or C Status: Offline Points: 65 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
8x30 Steiner Hunting from SampleList if they still have them. Light weight, tough, good glass. I have Steiner 8x30 Tactical B. The only difference is the reticle on the tacticals. These are from the golden age of Steiner. I do not know why they got rid of them. Contact SWFA. They always seemed to have these at super reasonable prices on the SList.
|
|
davelandefeld
Optics GrassHopper Joined: March/11/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 36 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ditto on the Steiner Nighthunters in 8x30. When they came out with the XP model the price jumped a little and then they just kind of just disappeared.
One of the best things about the Steiners is the eyecups are shaped to your face and block out ambient light. They really are GREAT low light hunters.
|
|
It still holds true that man is most uniquely human when he turns obstacles into opportunities.
Eric Hoffer |
|
kingston
Optics Apprentice Joined: January/28/2010 Location: A, B, or C Status: Offline Points: 65 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Dave, I was talking about the Hunting, which was Steiner's top of the line sports bino prior to the the series that you reference. It has reg, non-contoured eye cups, which would be better for the OP who wears glasses. |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |