Need some education on Binoculars

[Dragoon 45]

I need to get a set of Binoculars. As these will be for general use, some hunting, some range work, some scouting, some sporting events, etc. I am finding it hard to choose a make and model.

Addditionally I don't understand the difference between a poro-prism and a roof-prism. Does one type give better clearity than the other? In times past, I was warned against a variable power set-up, but now the manufacturers claim there is no difference between fixed and variable power?

Most of my experience with binoculars were with military issue ones. In large part they were large, hard to carry, and hard to keep stable. So I don't want to get anything approaching them in size.

I don't want to spend much over $200 on them.

Thank You.

[GaryN]

Roof prism are the straight barreled ones. All the smaller ones are roof prism. They are harder to manufacture because the tolerances have to be tighter to have the same quality of view. The porro prism are the older style that the military always used to use. I don't know what they use now. But porro prism were supposedly more robust. The last few decades the roof prisms have been getting better and better. I don't have a lot of money but I put some nice ones on layaway a long time ago and paid them off. I have never been sorry for buying expensive ones. I also like the small shirt pocket size ones because when I go hunting I'm always trying to cut weight down. The bigger ones get left at camp. The only problem with the small ones is they don't gather as much light. To determine the light gathering ability divide the objective lens size by the power size: 8x30=30divided by 8=3.75. Anything with a number higher than 7 does you no good because of the size of the aperture in your eye when fully dialated.Most people can't use more than about 5. As you get older your eyes also are unable to gather as much light. I have compared high quality binoculars of number 3.75 with ones that were 2.5(8x30 to 8x20) the difference was about ten to fifteen minutes of being able to detect an animal at the same distance. To me it wasn't worth the weight difference(when bow hunting). The bigger ones are slightly brighter when it starts getting dark. Rifle hunting I use the bigger ones. Bow hunting I use the smaller ones. There are many good brands now. About the only way to chose is compare features and narrow it down then find the ones you are interested in and compare them side by side with others. Pay attention to the edge of the field of view and how clear it is. The more you pay the more you get. I hope this helps.

[edler7]

The first number is magnification, the 2nd number is aperture...7x50 would be 7 power magnification and 50 (mm) would be the diameter of the front lens. For purely hand held use, 7 or 8 is about maximum magnification if you need rock solid steady images. Any more than that and your heartbeat will make the image jump with each beat. For aperture, the larger diameter, the more useful they will be in low light situations such as early morning or evening...they will let in more light and be useful for a longer period of low light conditions. I find the ideal binocs to be 7 or 8 x50's.

Be sure your binoculars have an adjustable focus on one eyepiece. It is essential for getting a good sharp focus. The way to focus them is use the main focus mechanism to focus the eyepiece without adjustment to a sharp image, then focus the adjustable eyepiece to sharpness. It's amazing how many people do not know how to focus a pair of binoculars.

Roof prism will allow a more compact binocular, but I prefer porro prism setups...mostly because that is what I am used to. You will loose some sharpness with variable power setups, but not enough to be noticeable on most things.

I had a set of Bushnell's for over 20 years that performed well with a lot of use. Unfortunately, they were dropped on a brick floor (always use the neck strap) and could not be repaired. I got another pair and they have held up well.

Quality optics always are pricey, and price is usually an indicator of quality. You should be able to pick up a nice pair for the money you are planning on spending. With normal use and reasonable care, they should last a lifetime.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

I have a pair of these bought about 10 years ago, Mine are the W series (WCPF) which designates full waterproof,
I paid almost 500 bucks for them at the time, the price has dropped a bunch!
Great glass, adjustable eye piece, and the biggest advantage for me, being a eye glass wearer, is the cups slide down for a full exit pupil without having to remove my glasses.
I can pick a antelope buck out of a herd at 1-1/2 miles with these, outstanding glass!

http://www.pentaxwebstore.com/product/9862

[DODGEM250]

I have a Tasco 20x50 set that I've had for about 20 years now. My buddy just bought a Nikon a few weeks ago. After some very minor debating with some other buddies who compared the two, we all agreed the 20 year old Tascos were much better than the "latest greatest" Nikons. Try before you buy, you'll probably find that buying a name is not as good as buying what works.

[NVcurmudgeon]

On my recent hunt in Alberta I neglected to pack my old faithful 1963 Bushnell 7X35 glass, so had to buy a substitute in Dawson Creek, B.C. I got a pair of 8.5X32 Porro prism binoculars for $150 + sales tax. They seem to be clear and sharp and very well made. They were plenty good at light gathering at both ends of the hunting day despite the arguably small exit pupil. I searched all over them for evidence that they were made in some third world buffalo wallow, but couldn't find it. The only thing that took a little getting used to was the modern focus adjustment, but the instructions cleared that up quickly. (Being old and Navy trained I lean toward individual focus adjustments, just like the B&L 7X50s I learned on.) My new binoculars are Vortex brand and the model is Raptor. I checked out Vortex Optics on the web and found that Vortex has been in business for 25 years in Wisconsin. They make binoculars, rifle scopes, and spotting scopes, priced from affordable to shocking. Their warranty is "no B.S." and transferrable. The instuction book says that they are inspected and assembled in Wisconsin, which likely means that the parts are made somewhere that hates us, but I couldn't find it.

[waksupi]

In a long ago conversation on the board, it was pointed out as we get older, our eyes will not gather light as well as they once did. For the large lens, anything much over 42 is wasted, unfortunately. Anyone remember all the details on this?

[Crawdaddy]

I cant add much to what has already been posted. What I have found is the GENERALLY the more you pay the better the binoculars.

I was using binoculars in the $100 range until I moved to NM where I was in the desert a lot. I was having a hard time making out points on antlers or even if they had antlers. Same with identifying antelope.

I bought a set of Steiner Predator C5's (10x42) and the difference was incredible. The clarity is unbelievable.

The downside is they were relatively expensive. If memory serves me correctly I paid about $750 for them.

You can get the smaller version of the Steiner's much cheaper but they will be 8x25 or 10x25 and light gathering capability at dusk or dawn will be less. Here is a link to the Steiners in your price range.

http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/steiner/7953+7954+8087+4295046090.cfm

I highly recommend Steiner.

One caveat I will offer is that fixed power tends to have better clarity.
Oops, one more caveat. The higher the power, the harder it is to hold still when viewing. Generally 8 power is sufficient.

Another thing to consider is lense coating:

Fully multi-coated is best. (all lenses have multiple coatings for optimal clarity , color and light transmission)

Multi-coated- lenses touching air have multiple coats , second best

Coated- some lenses with one coat. third best.

[winelover]

+1 on the Steiners. I have 2 pairs of the 8 X 30mm. Mine is the Military / Marine version and the wifey's is the Firebird Series. Most bang for your buck, IMO

Winelover

[jcwit]

I must be blind. I'm satified with a pair of 10 X 22 binoculars I bought E-Bay for $ .99 and $5.00 shipping. Work for me, not real sure how clear the are at the edges as I normally look at the center.

I can see a sparrow blink at 100 yards.

[1Shirt]

My preference for all around use would be 7x35's, and probably in Bushnell for under 200.00.
1Shirt!:coffeecom

[rbertalotto]

This is easy..........Nikon Monarch ATB......About $280..........nothing in this price range comes close. Next stop is $1000.

All the birders rave about them. And those folks are nuts about their optics. I have a couple friends that bought them and we were comparing them to Leica and Swarovski this hunting season and in some ways they were better than binoculars costing three times as much.

Few decisions in life are as easy as this one. Now all you need to decide is 8X or 10X...Black or Camo!

[c3d4b2]

There was an article in Precision Shooting comparing binoculars. I do not remember the price range, though I think it was low mid-range on the prices. I believe the author recommended the Leupold Yosemite from his testing.

[Ickisrulz]

+1 on the Steiners. I have 2 pairs of the 8 X 30mm. Mine is the Military / Marine version and the wifey's is the Firebird Series. Most bang for your buck, IMO

Winelover

I have the Steiner Military Marine 8X30 also. I like them a lot. Just the right size and very clear with good eye relief. They adjust for each eye individually too. They look indestructable, although I haven't abused them at all.

That being said...I have never looked through a high dollar set of binos. I have looked through very cheap ones though.

[GaryN]

"I must be blind. I'm satified with a pair of 10 X 22 binoculars I bought E-Bay for $ .99 and $5.00 shipping. Work for me, not real sure how clear the are at the edges as I normally look at the center."

JC: I don't know that he wanted to know about your binoculars. You stole 'em!

[threett1]

Please do check out before you buy. All these fine gents had good things to say. I have had a pair of Pentax porros for several years now. Check them out. Great bang for the buck.

[kodiak1]

Steiners all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken

[jpatm2]

I believe the author recommended the Leupold Yosemite from his testing.

I have a set of these and can attest to how good they are. I won mine at a Phesants Forever banquet with a rangefinder and I love them both. But I guess for $20, I can't complain about them.

[BOOM BOOM]

HI,
Had a Japanese made set of 7X50 , clear good optics, just grew too heavy & bulky for me when hunting. A set of 7X35 Mastercraft (British made)was given to me, not clearer but why easier to carry. Later a set of 8X30 Mastercraft was given to me , much better.
Looked at all the big name brands for 2 years, bought a set of Bosh & Lome 10X28 these were the best buy for the money. Very good quality, light & easy to carry, & strong.:Fire::Fire:

[gandydancer]

I need to get a set of Binoculars. As these will be for general use, some hunting, some range work, some scouting, some sporting events, etc. I am finding it hard to choose a make and model.

Addditionally I don't understand the difference between a poro-prism and a roof-prism. Does one type give better clearity than the other? In times past, I was warned against a variable power set-up, but now the manufacturers claim there is no difference between fixed and variable power?

Most of my experience with binoculars were with military issue ones. In large part they were large, hard to carry, and hard to keep stable. So I don't want to get anything approaching them in size.

I don't want to spend much over $200 on them.

Thank You.
there is a nice set (old stock) at my buddys gun shop here in town I forgot what they are I will check them today and get back to you. gandy

[Lloyd Smale]

I dont have any real expensive glass but do have a few sets of midrange bincoulars and have some opinions to share. I like porno prisims. Roof prisoms seem to be a bit better at giving a sharp image but thats only if your comparing bincos that are equal in price. Problem is many arent water proof unless your up into the higher end stuff and there heavier and bulkier. I own a pair of mid range minox 10x40s, a set of steiner 7c50 military and a sent of 8x42 nikon monarchs. Best one of those for the buck is the nikons. theyve got as good or better glass then the others and are about half the price. I also had a set of vortex razors 8.5x42s which are more expensive and had better optics then any of the other three. They were heavy and big though and someone liked them better then me and lifted them out of my truck right in my driveway. Ive looked through alot of differnt bincos and those razors would hold up to any of them at any price. Money will determine what you get and if your looking to get decent glass at the most reasonable price id go with nikons. There warantee is one of the best to boot. My monarchs were about 13 years old and i noticed last summer they were really focusing in right out past 500 yards. I sent them to nikon and within a week had a brand new set of there updated monarchs that were a model up from the ones i sent them. hard to beat that.

[Dragoon 45]

Thanks everyone for the information.

Is there any quality American made, not assemblied in America from imported parts, out there any more?

[jpatm2]

To my knowledge, Leupold and Redfield are made in Oregon.

[Dragoon 45]

Redfield is made in China and imported by Leupold, it is marked as so on their boxes. I have been told the although Leupold is made in the USA, they import most of their parts from China.


To my knowledge, Leupold and Redfield are made in Oregon.

[400short]

I recently had to replace a 30 year old pair of pentax 7x50's. I didn't like the current pentax lineup so I ended up with Steiners. Most important criteria was the quality of the glass. Very clear and bright. They fall down in the user friendly area. The eyepieces adjust individually, and the universal focus feature (great depth of field) really isn't. Having said that, I would buy again.

[jpatm2]

Redfield is made in China and imported by Leupold, it is marked as so on their boxes.

When I inspected my box, for my Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm, it says nothing about being made in China. In fact, with further investigation on the Redfield website, it says they are built in the USA. I take that to mean they probably are assembled in the US of domestic and foreign parts, but the scope as a whole is NOT made in China.

For the purposes of the question, is there a rifle scope made and assembled in the USA, the redfield would probably not fir the bill, but it is assembled in the USA.

**EDIT** Just called customer service, both Leupold and Redfield are made in US from all US parts except the lenses. The lenses are the only things that are imported.**EDIT**

[Dragoon 45]

I had looked at a pair of Redfield Binoculars at Bass Pro. The box had made in China printed on it. If what you were told by their customer service is correct, why was that printed on the Binocular's box? Unless some of their early products were made in China before production got ramped up here? Or it could be that the rifle scopes are as you say but the binoculars are made overseas? I really don't want to support the Chinese any more than I have too.

I was not sure about Leupold, but had read an article in one of the gun magazines that said most of their parts for binoculars were imported and then assemblied in the USA. I can't find find the article right now, as I either buy or subscribe to 15-20 of them a month. It will take me awhile to find the article.


When I inspected my box, for my Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm, it says nothing about being made in China. In fact, with further investigation on the Redfield website, it says they are built in the USA. I take that to mean they probably are assembled in the US of domestic and foreign parts, but the scope as a whole is NOT made in China.

For the purposes of the question, is there a rifle scope made and assembled in the USA, the redfield would probably not fir the bill, but it is assembled in the USA.

**EDIT** Just called customer service, both Leupold and Redfield are made in US from all US parts except the lenses. The lenses are the only things that are imported.**EDIT**

[jpatm2]

I can only speak as to the scopes, as that is what I either have or have asked about. However, if it was manufactued before April 2008, it may very well have been made in China.

As per their website "In 1998 Redfield closed its doors in Denver, Colorado marking the end of an era but leaving behind an undeniable legacy of manufacturing quality products for the American Sportsman. The Redfield name changed hands several times over the next ten years but never realized its potential to once again become a prominent brand among outdoor enthusiasts."

[MtGun44]

High end Nikon porro prism binocs are pectacular, but expensive. The wife has a pair of 8x32
Superior E (now called SE, I think) that are truly magnificent.

Go to Eagle Optics and look at what they offer in your price range in Nikon porro prism. If you
decide to go with roof prism (straight bodies, not offset) you typically lose image quality at
a fixed price point because the roof prisms are a good bit more expensive, so at the same price
something else has to give. Roof prism require expensive phase coatings to keep the quality good
that are not necessary with porro prisms.

US optics are nearly extinct, sad to say, but it is reality. Even the US makers are having the lenses
made overseas, probably in China.

Bill

[Lloyd Smale]

Like MTgun said if you go porno prisom you need to isure there phaze corrected. there are fairly inexpenive ones that are. Ill go right back to the monarchs. they can be had for under 250 bucks if you watch for sales and are water proof, phase corrected and have decent glass.

[Uncle Grinch]

Lloyd, porno prism binoculars?? :wink::wink: Think you mean porro prism....


My issue with binoculars are eye relief as I wear glasses. I've got a nice pair of Canon porro prism binoculars with the rubber cup on the eye piece end and find they work better for me if I simply slide my eye-glasses up on my head to use the binoculars.

[jcwit]

Reading thru this entire thread and got to thinking why I get along with such cheap binoculars. I shake so badly, nothing I can do about it, and its gotten progressively worse as I age. I had polio when I was 13 years old and shaking was one of the after effects I had. I controlled it most of my life but now its back.

For all of you out there that can tell the advantages of high priced glass you have my blessings.

[Jason30-30]

I Have A Set Of Leupold Wilderness Binos That Are VERY CLEAR They Set Me Back $300 Dollars But They Were Worth It . Think The Are Now Called The Gold Ring Model.

[Crawdaddy]

Lloyd, porno prism binoculars?? :wink::wink:

Where can you get a set of these?

[krag35]

I have a set of Leupold "Mesa" 8X bino's I bought several years ago. I highly reccomend them. I think they were $165.00 at the time.

[edler7]

Please do check out before you buy.

Excellent advice. I found several pairs of new binocs when I was looking for new ones that had double images due to one prism being out of alignment.