Binoculars - The best for the buck's?

M

Michael J. McCasland

New member
I hate to admit this but I can never seem to find the money for a decent binocular. I've heard all of the arguements and even supplied the arguements for spending until it hurts for a binocular. Now I find myself in the position of needing to replace my cheap old beaten up Baush & Lomb's. But with a couple of rifle building projects and vehicle problems I have very little extra money to fool with. So I'm asking for your help in narrowing down the choice list. Do any of you have information that I could use in selecting my next binocular.

What I'm looking for:

Price: $150 - $200

Power: one of the standards like 7X35, 8X42, Not a 10 Power

Coating: Rubber

THanks for your help
 
Mike-

Last Fall I bought a pair of Pentax 8x40's (PCF-5 porro prism) for $99 at "Popular". Those binocs typically sell for $160 even on the internet. Last time I checked Popular was still selling them at this price ($99). They are rubber coated, have a threaded tripod mount, and the focus slider is internal, not exposed.

I believe the Pextax bonics are better than anything under $500.

No comparison to B&L, Bushnell, Nikon, Minolta, Tasco, etc.

Do a Google on "Eagle Optics", they have good prices on their site + no tax (I think).

DC
 
Michael,

Check out the Eagle Optics 8X32 and 8X42 Ranger Platinum Class Binocs at the following:

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?page=2&dept=1&type=19&purch=1&mfg23=1#start

These are a litle higher cost ($359.00 and $379.00, respectively) than you were looking at spending, but they are excellent quality from a company with great customer service. The Platinum Class has a transferable, lifetime warranty.
A birder friend of mine who teaches biology and leads bird watching expeditions in Alaska, was so impressed with them that he traded in his Leica Binocs for a pair. I also have a pair with no regrets.

For a little less money, check out the Eagle Optics 8X42 Raptor binoc for $259.00.
 
This month's issue of Outdoor Life tests 15 pairs of binoculars.

Their selected Best Buy is Pentax 8x25 UCF X for $168.00. Pentax 303 799-8000.
 
I have never used Leupold's Windriver Binos myself, but there is an outfitter here in Cody, WY who swears by them. He says they are as good as Swarovski or Zeiss for a lot less money. I don't necessarily agree with that statement. Anyway-- SWFA has WindRiver 8x42 roof prism bino for $220.
http://www.swfa.com/
 
Nope,I have Windrivers and I have used Swarovskis
and Zeiss,the Windrivers are good for the money but no comparison to the others.Everyone knows you get what you pay for but nowhere is it truer than good glass,just wish I could afford it.
 
I would agree with looking at the Wind Rivers. They are good glass for the money. I have one set. However, I also have two sets of Swarovski's and they can not be compared to the Wind rivers. They are in a different class all toether.

Just my 2cents
 
I picked up a set of Stiener predators 8X30 that I just love. They are fixed focus so anthing that is within the first 15 feet is blury, but after that they are great, and no messing with any knobs. The also have a redish tinged coating to the lenses that really makes deer, elk and the like stand out from the foliage. They are just outside your upper end of the price range, I think I paid $235, but they are by far the best pair of binos that I own.
 


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