I currently use 8 x 42 Nikon Monarch and I really like them. But, I'm looking to get another pair of 10x. I am open to suggestions, but I can tell ya this........Swarovski's, Steiners and the like are out of the question. I'm keeping this to under 4 bills so I'm looking at Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell and the like. Any thoughts?
Don....seriously check out vortex optics. I have a pair and absolutely love them. They also have a unlimited lifetime warranty that is full transferable, no warranty card to fill out, or receipt to hang on to. I've looked at Steiners and I'd say these are very comparable to them at a fraction of the cost. http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/binoculars
I tried out some binoculars this last weekend and I was impressed with the Nikon Monarch ATB's in 10x42 and a pair of 10x42 with the brand name of Alpen. I compared them to Leupold and Ziess and would have taken the Nikon or Alpen over the other two ANYDAY!
I've got a vortex binocular and just love it! The unconditional lifetime transferable warranty is pretty hard to beat, not that you'll ever need it! This is the last binocular I'll ever buy!
I was gonna suggest the Vortex line, but it seems I've been beat to the punch. I use the Vortex Crossfires and they are great imo. And they are certainly for the hunter on a budget. Oh yea, here's a link :D http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/binoculars
Honestly... for the money.. the Vortex line like already previously mentioned you cannot go wrong with. In lowlight conditions... I've YET to see better. And I don't even own a pair But this season.. I will finally pick one up. And.. they sell them right here at BH.Com:D
There's the endorsement I was looking for. If Duke says it's so....then by God.........You can TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!! Vortex 10 x 50 it is. Now, which one?
I seriously don't own a pair. But I've used them on several occasions.. and looked through them about 300 times while still attached to JZ's neck.. practically strangling him. They are VERY nice. I've owned several brands... and they don't compare at the same price. I WILL have them this year... especially since I just broke yet another pair just last weekend. Stupid Yukons.
I took Matt/PA's advice a few years and checked out the Pentax DCF-SP's while at Cabelas and compared them to Leica, Zeiss, Swarovski, and Steiners.... the Pentax's were every bit as good as the top name brands and cost around 1/3 the price. The Pentax aren't cheap, probablly in the $400-$500 price range, but the performance is something that you would expect from a $1,500 pair of binos. These bino's blew away the Nikon and Bushnell offerings They are really worth a look
I called Vortex about the warranty before I bought mine, they said they would have them fixed and sent out within 3 days of them arriving at the shop in Wisconsin, no questions aked on what happened, just what needs to be fixed no matter who's fault or what happened! That alone is worth every penny spent in my book! I called Nikon they said warranty service is probably 4-6 weeks depending on whats wrong with them! If my binocular is broke, I don't need it in 3-4 weeks, I need it now! Nikon can bite me! LOL!
At one time, I was a huge proponent of Leupold and Nikon. A couple of years ago they had the market cornered for glass under $500. Now......Alpen, Vortex, and especially Zen Ray have taken over. Just a few months Ago I decided to upgrade my 8x42 Monarch's because IBO lifted the 8x max rule. I looked through everything from Vortex Razors, to Leica/Zeiss/Swarovski, and my Zen Ray 10x42 ED II's pick up everything the higher end binocs did, in any light condition. They cost me at full retail price, roughly $425. The Razors were comparable in quality, but cost a LOT more, and the higher end stuff was 3x-4x as much $$$$. I will say that even though I couldn't see a difference in glass, the Leica's seemed to be more rugged in build. This wasn't important to me though, I was looking for the best 3d binocs for less than $500. These definitely fit the bill.
I have a pair of 10x42 Nikon Monarch ATBs and looked through Matt's Pentax 8x's the first year he was here hunting with me and I think his 8x's were maybe even a tad BETTER than my 10x Nikons.
