Since there are so many makers and types I would like for someone to offer his opinion as to the best power and brand for the money. I have seen some testimonials giving high marks to the Nikon Monarch 7 , this is about as much as I could invest but would also hope to spend a little less. Help, advice, experiences are much appreciated.
Binocoulars, question
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OLDSTER
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I own the older Nikon Action, I believe similar to the Monarch. Extremely good optics for the price. My hunting partner has a pair of Zeiss which have outstanding optics, but 4 times the money. There is a difference in brightness and clarity but not a heck of a lot. The Nikon, in the price range, is rated higher than Bushnell. 
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Recently purchased general purpose binoculars, very pleased with them. Went with [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Diamondback-10x42-Binocular/dp/B004803YTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453491113&sr=8-1&keywords=vortex+diamondback+10x42+binoculars"]Amazon.com : Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42 Roof Prism Binocular : Camera & Photo@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XOJ1YN77L.@@AMEPARAM@@41XOJ1YN77L[/ame].
johnnyflake
Member
7 X 50 is a good all around standard power to objective combo. Decent power with a nice wide field of view, good lighting as well.
For hunting and observing sports events, etc., I prefer an 8 X 30 or 8 X 40 combo. slightly more power and larger objects, in a somewhat smaller field of view.
Weiss is probably the best you can buy and they are expensive. IMHO, the best you can buy, in a reasonable price range, is the Pentax Brand, high quality coated lenses and very well made. Nikon would be my next choice.
For hunting and observing sports events, etc., I prefer an 8 X 30 or 8 X 40 combo. slightly more power and larger objects, in a somewhat smaller field of view.
Weiss is probably the best you can buy and they are expensive. IMHO, the best you can buy, in a reasonable price range, is the Pentax Brand, high quality coated lenses and very well made. Nikon would be my next choice.
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Image stabilized! When you get older it sure helps.
Some basics 1st.
The typical human eye's iris opens up to 7mm diameter under very low light conditions. Exit pupil diameter of a lens system(monocular,binocular,spotting scope) is determined by objective diameter divided by power(magnification).
Binoculars:7x35=5mm exit pupil diameter,7x50=7mm exit pupil diameter,10x50=5mm exit pupil diameter,10x70=7mm exit pupil diameter.
For normal use 7x35 and 10x50 are typical,for low light-dusk-astronomy 7x50 and 10x70 are typical. ship binoculars are normally 7x50,10x70.
The typical human eye's iris opens up to 7mm diameter under very low light conditions. Exit pupil diameter of a lens system(monocular,binocular,spotting scope) is determined by objective diameter divided by power(magnification).
Binoculars:7x35=5mm exit pupil diameter,7x50=7mm exit pupil diameter,10x50=5mm exit pupil diameter,10x70=7mm exit pupil diameter.
For normal use 7x35 and 10x50 are typical,for low light-dusk-astronomy 7x50 and 10x70 are typical. ship binoculars are normally 7x50,10x70.
DR505
US Veteran
When we were dating my now wife bought me some Zeiss binoculars for Christmas...now I won't own anything else. Of course now that we are married, if I were to try and buy new Zeiss binoculars, she would have an issue with the price!
johnnyflake
Member
Squarebutt
Member
Leupold and Cabela's have some highly-rated smaller models.
kozmic
Member
We have 3 pair of various generations/models of Swift Audubon binocs. I would suggest you look at the 820ED or their other Audubon series pairs. For birding and hiking or similar I like their 8.5 x 44 specs. Good magnification/field of view and very bright in all light conditions. Our first pair was a gift from my F-I.L before we got married (30 years ago) and they have always operated flawlessly in all conditions. We also have a Swift spotting scope. Their products are great.
I also have a pair of Nikon Travelites in 8x25. I carry them often in all conditions and often leave them in my glove box. I have a bunch of other Nikon stuff and trust them for quality and price.
I also have a pair of Nikon Travelites in 8x25. I carry them often in all conditions and often leave them in my glove box. I have a bunch of other Nikon stuff and trust them for quality and price.
I buy, sell, and trade binoculars all of the time...for what you get in return for what you get "I" think the Pentax DCF series are VERY under rated set of optics in particular the 10x42 H2O proof....
Nikon Monarch's are also outstanding in their value as are Vortex.I have also used the new line of Redfield binoculars...another under-rated binocular.
I also like Leupold binoculars in all models especially for their warranty. Essentially you get what you pay for.
Randy
Nikon Monarch's are also outstanding in their value as are Vortex.I have also used the new line of Redfield binoculars...another under-rated binocular.
I also like Leupold binoculars in all models especially for their warranty. Essentially you get what you pay for.
Randy
I have used the Nikon Monarch ATB, 10x50, for the past 15 years and have never been disappointed. That being said, I have been very impressed by the Vortex products, including their binoculars.
I have a Vortex Diamond Back scope on my DPMS Oracle 308LR and it has proven 100% reliable and repeatable.
I have a Vortex Diamond Back scope on my DPMS Oracle 308LR and it has proven 100% reliable and repeatable.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Carried Canon 8 x 30s for years. The ones I bought in the BX at Guam.
Finally moved up to the Nikon Monarch 10x50.
Finally moved up to the Nikon Monarch 10x50.
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I currently own a pair of Nikon, Minolta, a vintage pair of Military and my ALL TIME FAVORITE which is my Canon Image Stabilizer 10 x 30. Once you have used image stabilizer binoculars all others quickly become paper weights. I once had Zeiss Binoculars and while they were OK, I never used them after buying the Canon IS so I sold them.They are simply too expensive to use as a paper weight! They are so crisp, clear and easy to view through for long periods of time that you can easily watch a Bumble Bee or Humming Bird in flight. I would highly recommend them and while the list price was just under $500 bucks when they first came out, I think I paid under $300 on line. Canon's optics are also superb IMHO.
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I have been using Nikon 10X42 Monarch's for nearly 10 years, and they have the best combination of size, weight, and clarity (and price). For just under $300 you can look through them for hours (prairie dog hunting) and not get eye strain.
JJEH
Member
I'm not a hardcore hunter and I'm very pleased with the Bushnell PowerView in 10x42 and the attached Outdoor connection Bino/Camera harness. Nice little binocs for ~$100.
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Smitholdtimer:
I have been where you are and, luckily, you are not likely to go wrong. If you are looking at the Monarch 7's, then you are in a neighborhood where, in my opinion, you are splitting hairs among wonderful options.
When I conducted my search, I passed on the Monarch 7s for the Monarch 5s because I did not see the sight difference that would justify the upcharge of the 7s (they were newly released).
I bought a pair of 10x42 5s and have been more than satisfied. While holding the 10x steady offshore is a challenge, they've been great for all hunting and other land-based applications.
If you are looking for the best value, I would suggest that you narrow your search down to a few models that are strong contenders, then search Craigslist and/or bird-watching forums to find a pair that will work for you. Good luck and enjoy.
I have been where you are and, luckily, you are not likely to go wrong. If you are looking at the Monarch 7's, then you are in a neighborhood where, in my opinion, you are splitting hairs among wonderful options.
When I conducted my search, I passed on the Monarch 7s for the Monarch 5s because I did not see the sight difference that would justify the upcharge of the 7s (they were newly released).
I bought a pair of 10x42 5s and have been more than satisfied. While holding the 10x steady offshore is a challenge, they've been great for all hunting and other land-based applications.
If you are looking for the best value, I would suggest that you narrow your search down to a few models that are strong contenders, then search Craigslist and/or bird-watching forums to find a pair that will work for you. Good luck and enjoy.
Big Cholla
Member
For 8 years I worked in the desert as a Patrol Officer. I had to use binoculars every day and night. I tried Nikon and Leupold and was never quite satisfied. Then I tried a set of Burris and found that I really liked them. I first went with the 8x32 Individual focus and then with the 10x42 IF for the desert. I kept the 8x32s for my big game hunting trips. I am under the impression that Burris is not currently making binocs, but if you look on ebay, most everything is still available. I recommend them highly. ............
Faulkner
Member
I have three pair of Steiner 8x30 and highly recommend them. I'm another one of those that believe you get what you pay for with optics.
s&wbest
Member
Leupold Yosemite bk-1 $89 side by side were as bright as Steiner and Nikon for much more money.
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