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Low light Binoculars

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bhaven View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhaven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Low light Binoculars
    Posted: January/04/2016 at 09:54
I'm looking for the best 10x42 or 10x50 low light binoculars under $1500. I hunt woods & food plots so the area i'm looking at is under 300yds. would really like knowledgeable help.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldfortyfive Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/04/2016 at 10:31
You may better served with an 8x pair due to the wider field of view.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Outrider Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/05/2016 at 23:10
You might want to give the Meopta Meostar B1 8X-56MM a look. Certainly there are other low light binos out there that may be a little better, but with very salty price tags. I've used the B1 for three years now to see deer on green fields that I could not see with the naked eyes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhaven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 08:15
Thanks, I'll give them a look.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 09:08
Meopta HDs would probably be one of the best under $1500.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PhilR. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 21:35

I would not consider a 10x42 to be a "low light" binocular.  For that purpose, I would recommend at least a 5mm EP, or even larger if your eyes can make use of a larger EP.  Problem with 10x however is that if your eyes will dilate to 6 or 7mm's, a 60 or 70mm bino starts to become cumbersome.

There are however a good many choices in the 50 to 56mm range, and most likely your eyes can make use of a 5.0mm to 5.6mm EP.  If you have to buy something new, you can also consider the Doctor Nobilem, which is probably one of the more cost-effective 10x50's out there (2nd only to the Fuji porros, but you wouldn't want one of those because they don't have central focusing).  However, I would probably go with the Vortex Razor 10x50.  I liked the 10x42 version more than the Meopta (cabela's) 10x42 HD and the Conquest HD, and certainly it would weigh much less than the Doctor.  The 10x42 Razor is an excellent bino, which for me is saying a lot as I'm not a great fan of many Vortex products.

That being said - if you will consider a used bino, you would do best with a used Zeiss 10x56 Victory FL, which can be found in your price range if you are willing to do the search.  The Victorys are alpha binos, so you would not do better in your price range unless someone, for some reason, sells you one of the newest alpha 50-56mm bino for much less than they typically sell.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oldfortyfive Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/06/2016 at 21:49
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/midsizedbins2005_agingeye.html
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote coyote95 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2016 at 08:42
http://swfa.com/Zeiss-8x56-Conquest-HD-Binocular-P72775.aspx If you don't mine size these would work. Wink also on meopta's web site they are showing some new hd models.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhaven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2016 at 11:15
Thanks for all the reply's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2016 at 11:28
I have 10x42 Meopta binoculars and agree with others that a lower power would be better in low light. Much better would be to get the exit pupil up close to at least 6mm like an 8x56 or 7x42. My 7x42 Zeiss with T coatings are outstanding in low light and will isolate game from cover in any light and hunting times.
If you insist on a 10x get a 50mm objective.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roy Finn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2016 at 11:31
The Meopta's are excellent bino's in that price range. If low light viewing is first and foremost, I'd also look at Steiner's Nighthunter XP line as well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/07/2016 at 13:06
I forgot how really good the Steiner Military 10x50 was until I spent time with them last month in Florida. They are nice
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhaven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/08/2016 at 13:00
I guess i should have said my current Binos are Nikon monarch's 12x56 which I like. Would just like something a little better.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robster80 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/09/2016 at 11:28
i have the 10x42 meopta meostar HD and theyre excellent in lowlight. however if something like a 10x50 or 8x42 or 56 is significantly brighter i would go that direction.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Clark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/09/2016 at 22:11
http://swfa.com/Sightron-7x50-SII-Binocular-P9209.aspx

These cheap 7x50 binoculars are like night vision in the half hour before legal hunting.

We borrowed a pair and three of us shared them. We all had smaller exit pupil expensive binoculars that could not keep up in the early darkness. As soon as we got back, all three of us bought our own pair of 7x50 Sightrons.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gumball Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2016 at 21:32

If you are looking for excellent low light binoculars, (and before you spend over $1K) check ebay under "U-boat binoculars"  or "WW2 Kriegsmarine binoculars"

I have several binoculars from that era, and I fine them excellent (there was a reason the naval lookouts used these glasses)  almost equal to the binoculars sold today by Zeiss or Fujinon, but at a much reduced price.

Just my $.02 . . . . . . Smile

Leitz beh 7x50 U-boat
Leitz beh 7x50
Leitz 10x50 "WA"
Zeiss 10x50 (1917)
Zeiss 18x50 (1923)
Zeiss 7x50 "U-boat"
Zeiss 7x50 "Gas Mask"
Zeiss 7x50 "Smooth Ocular"
Zeiss 8x60
Barr & Stroud CF42


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whitefire Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/14/2016 at 22:04
Lots of opinions, and good information. I like you have an old Nikon Monarch, cutting edge technology 10 - 15 years ago but I can identify with wanting (needing) better glass. Many super suggestions above and you can get some mighty fine glass for $1500.
Anything I add would be redundant, so I shall refrain - thoroughly check your products before buying. SWFA is a great place to begin your search... Good solid and honest help you can take to the bank if buying online.
Wf
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhaven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2016 at 08:32
I appreciate all the responses. I believe I have it narrowed down to:
Meostar B1 8X56
Vortex Razor 10x50
Zeiss 8x56 Conquest HD
Zeiss 8x56 Victory FL (USED)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gumball Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2016 at 18:11
check ebay listings under "Zeiss Night Owl" binoculars.
These were the last model Zeiss made using leaded glass.
Possibly the best ever made, by anyone. 😊
Leitz beh 7x50 U-boat
Leitz beh 7x50
Leitz 10x50 "WA"
Zeiss 10x50 (1917)
Zeiss 18x50 (1923)
Zeiss 7x50 "U-boat"
Zeiss 7x50 "Gas Mask"
Zeiss 7x50 "Smooth Ocular"
Zeiss 8x60
Barr & Stroud CF42


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PhilR. Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/15/2016 at 21:34
Originally posted by bhaven bhaven wrote:

I appreciate all the responses. I believe I have it narrowed down to:
Meostar B1 8X56
Vortex Razor 10x50
Zeiss 8x56 Conquest HD
Zeiss 8x56 Victory FL (USED)




The Victory is far above the rest.  Not a surprise, since it is the only alpha on your list.  This is *not* to say that the others are not good.  They are all very good products, and certainly it will be easier to quickly find one of the others.

Since you have moved the goalposts from your first post by listing 8x binoculars, I will include the following: you are now looking at binos with a 7mm EP.  If you are a younger person, your eyes will most likely dilate to that diameter and you can therefore make great use of a bino of that size.  However, if you are an older person, then it is possible that your pupils will not dilate to that diameter.  If that is the case, then a 10x50 will be more useful to you than an 8x56.  With either size, you will only be making use of around perhaps 5mm of EP, but the twilight factor of the 10x will be more useful than the 8x.  Of course the substantial physical size difference between a 50mm bino and a 56mm bino will make the 10x favorable.

BTW - Vortex also makes a 56mm bino called the Vulture HD.  I have not ever seen or used one, but they might be something to investigate.  Personally though, I'm not a big fan of the lower-priced Vortex products.......


Edited by PhilR. - January/15/2016 at 21:47
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