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Reasonably Good binocs without a Zeiss price tag |
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Foureyes
Optics GrassHopper Joined: November/03/2012 Location: Gainesville, FL Status: Offline Points: 2 |
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Posted: November/03/2012 at 22:14 |
I don't want to be too wordy here, so I will cut to the chase. I am trying to identify a pair of binoculars that I can buy and not spend "Zeiss Money", if you get my drift. At present, I am comparing the Alpen and Zhumell brands. I have read reviews of both and they apparently rate favorably among those who own them. Both companies have glasses that fit my criterion and budget. I want 8 X 42 glasses that are water and fog proof, gas filled, that have fully multi-coated optics, have a roof prism (BAK4). I use them primarily in full daylight, but occasionally use them in reduced light situations (shade or late afternoon/early evening) but rarely at twilight or dusk. Size and weight are not particularly critical to me, but I don't want to have to use a floor jack to lift them. My budget has a top line of $150.00. Is there anyone there who would be willing to provide me with an opinion as to the relative quality of the two brands? I am suffering from "analysis paralysis". I have spent too much time analyzing and need to make a decision soon. I would greatly appreciate any help you could provide.
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lucytuma
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: November/25/2007 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 5389 |
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You might want to add these to your list.
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"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
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Bird Watcher
Optics Master Joined: August/30/2006 Status: Offline Points: 1523 |
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Nikon would be a better choice than Zhumell. Stan
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FrankD
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/11/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 686 |
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.....and add the Sightron Blue Sky SII in addition to the SIIIs.
You can find them some places at that price point though they are typically about $20 higher. Another to consider would be the Zen Ray Vista at around $130. |
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Frank
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Alan Robertson
Optics Master Joined: October/31/2009 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 1763 |
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For your price point, porro prism binos will likely be a better overall instrument.
These Pentax porros are highly regarded, but $10 more than you want to spend. Mine have been through some tough tests in the field and remain unfazed, still providing very good views. I've used them for hours at a time w/out eyestrain. http://swfa.com/Pentax-8x40-PCF-WP-II-Binocular-P47959.aspx I realize this Pentax doesn't meet your criteria in 2 regards, but thought you might like a bit different perspective. Ps These are waaay better than the Nikons mentioned previously. Edited by Alan Robertson - November/05/2012 at 09:48 |
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"Garg'n uair dhuisgear"
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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Sightron 8x42 SIII Binocular •Rubber Armored •Waterproof •Was $311.95 Now $149.95 Sightron 10x42 SIII Binocular •Rubber Armored •Waterproof •Was $342.95 Now $179.95 |
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Alan Robertson
Optics Master Joined: October/31/2009 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 1763 |
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S IIIs win by a mile!
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"Garg'n uair dhuisgear"
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Bitterroot Bulls
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: May/07/2009 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 3416 |
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I would jump on those SIIIs, Foureyes.
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-Matt
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WJC
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/28/2014 Location: Twin Falls, ID Status: Offline Points: 328 |
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I have never had any good luck with Zhumell. If fact, one customer had me throw one away for him, although he walked past the dumpster on the way to his car.
Alpen was started by a couple of Bushnell ex-patriots who reasoned, "We can import this stuff, too, and not deal with your rat race while doing it." They import some marginal binos. BUT, at the right price point, you can get 97% Zeiss quality—although not the Zeiss guarantee—for about 1/3rd the cost. In Gainesville, waterproof/fogproof integrity is going to be more important to you than most. Zip lock bags with silica pouches or tab are also a goo way to store. |
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“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me |
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gunut
Optics Apprentice Joined: March/17/2016 Location: Wisconsin Status: Offline Points: 59 |
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The Minox entry level bf 8x42 was on sale for 120 or something like that...but I cant remember where....
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gunut
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DCAMM94
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/19/2008 Location: Fort Worth Status: Offline Points: 3491 |
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You guys realize this thread is almost 4 years old, right?
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Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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Time in a bottle! 🍸😎👍
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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WJC
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/28/2014 Location: Twin Falls, ID Status: Offline Points: 328 |
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"It is the same when you are stupid."
Or, perhaps, when you are new to the forum. And while I will be labeled as an optics grasshopper, I am pleased to say I earned my living by being an optics grasshopper . . . for 45 years. |
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“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me |
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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WHOA, WHAT BROUGHT THAT ON?
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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DCAMM94
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/19/2008 Location: Fort Worth Status: Offline Points: 3491 |
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Welcome to the forum, WJC. No offense intended, certainly. You will find that there are a lot of very knowledgeable optics gurus on here (of whom I do not count myself). Either way, there's a lot of good natured ribbing on here as well. Your 45 years of knowledge will be welcome, I am sure. Again, welcome to the OT.
Deck EDIT: Skip, I read that as him being self-deprecating, but I've been wrong before.
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Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement. -Winston Churchill
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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IN CASE YOU DONT UNDERSTAND I WAS REPLYING TO MY FRIEND DCAMM'S POST.
I'm sorry if that offended you. |
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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WJC
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/28/2014 Location: Twin Falls, ID Status: Offline Points: 328 |
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You will need more Wheaties to offend me . . . I've raised 3 kids to adulthood. I was just doing a reality check. Although I registered a few years ago, I haven't been using the sight. So, I'm not familiar with its ins and outs.
Can anyone tell me how to edit or delete posts; I've had a stroke, and my fingers don't always obey my commands. Finally, I would not dare deprecate on this forum . . . I'm a guest. Cheers, Bill |
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“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me |
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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Bill, you are a member, welcome.
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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WJC
Optics Journeyman Joined: May/28/2014 Location: Twin Falls, ID Status: Offline Points: 328 |
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Thank you, sir! I see you are a whitetail hunter. Have you read any of my stuff in Deer & Deer Hunting?
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“Water, water everywhere nor any drop to drink.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge
“Social media everywhere but not a thought to think.” — me |
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Peddler
Optics God Joined: July/04/2012 Location: Oswego,NY Status: Offline Points: 13526 |
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Tell me where to go😎. You could tell me that also. yes im a hunter and not a shooter like most of my cronies here. you will find more honest info here than you can imagine. please dont be afraid to ask them about anything, they will not let you down. Ok, send me there.🍸 |
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When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.
It is the same when you are stupid. |
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