What Size/Magnification for Calling Binoculars?

MOFarmBoy

MOFarmBoy

New member
I'm in the market for some binoculars. I'm tired of swinging the gun around to look at things. What magnification do you all like? 8x? 10x? What about size? 32, 42, 50? These will be basically strictly for calling. I don't want anything too big or bulky, but I want performance.

I'm thinking maybe Vortex Viper HDs or lower end Cabelas Euro HDs.

What do you recommend for size and magnification for calling binos? Are there any better binoculars in the $500-$900 range?
 
I really like the Steiner 8x30, they a pretty small, light weight and have auto-focus. It really works no fuss and they come in several versions ie night, tactical, marine.
For quick stuff hiking or odd position a lower first number like 8 will not accentuate shake and will allow a higher exit pupil size.
I have used the 7x50 Steiner with super great success but they are bulky to be carrying.
Yes I have and have had many other makes and models of binos. One pair of Leica $2000 10x, great glass and great for horn hunting.
When it comes to the quick scans and light binos I have the Steiners at hand on and off season. I do use the model with round eyecups not the winged cups.

http://www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/tactical/mm30-militarymarine-8x30
 
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Originally Posted By: tripod3I really like the Steiner 8x30, they a pretty small, light weight and have auto-focus. It really works no fuss and they come in several versions ie night, tactical, marine.
For quick stuff hiking or odd position a lower first number like 8 will not accentuate shake and will allow a higher exit pupil size.
I have used the 7x50 Steiner with super great success but they are bulky to be carrying.
Yes I have and have had many other makes and models of binos. One pair of Leica $2000 10x, great glass and great for horn hunting.
When it comes to the quick scans and light binos I have the Steiners at hand on and off season. I do use the model with round eyecups not the winged cups.


I like the idea of having them autofocus. I need something like that at times due to bad eye sight. I would have suggested the 8X as it has a wider field of view and yet is powerful enough to help magnify the image. The more light the better if you are hunting at dusk and dawn which is the best times to hunt coyote in the daylight. But the weight increases as you increase the Objective Lens size too.

I have a pair of rubber coated 8x30 Burris Binoculars that came with my Burris Full Field II rifle scope that I purchased at Buck And Jakes in Boonville, IN years ago. They work pretty good and I like them a lot as they are lighter than my Nikon 10X40 binoculars. The Nikons are heavier and bulkier and I end up leaving them at home more often than not and just grabbing the Burris Binoculars instead.

I have the Burris Binoculars on a harness that keeps them right in front of me where I can get to them fast. The lens caps are mounted on the binoculars so I don't lose them.
 
The Cabela's Euro's blow the Viper HDs out of the country. And the 8x32's are not a low end optic. They're the same glass as the larger Obj ones. If you look through the Euro's, you'll like them. And I feel 8x is great for calling. Even in the prairies out here, 8x is plenty.

I feel the Euro's eclipse the Vortex Razor binos as well.
 
I have been using Nikon binos for the past 10 years, and they are a good optic with a fair price to match. I currently have a Monarch 5 10x42, before that I had 8x36 Buckmaster model, that I gave to my kid when I got the 5. They are both good.
 
Thanks for the input. I Was thinking the 8 power might be better to scan with over the 10 or 12 to have less movement with the larger fov and 42 mm a compromise on size.

Pantr760, I'm a bit worried about the Cabela Euro warranty compared to the Vortex.

I'm hearing good things about the Razors. What opinions do you all have about them?
 
Originally Posted By: MOFarmBoyThanks for the input. I Was thinking the 8 power might be better to scan with over the 10 or 12 to have less movement with the larger fov and 42 mm a compromise on size.

Pantr760, I'm a bit worried about the Cabela Euro warranty compared to the Vortex.

I'm hearing good things about the Razors. What opinions do you all have about them?

If you have any issues with the Euro's, bring em in and they get swapped. No questions.

The Razors aren't even as good as the Euro.
 
i use a pair of auto focus IOR's in 7x-35mm. they are esay to carry. For glassing out of truck i use a pair of Ziess 7x-50mm. personally i dont like anything over 8x. of course im not real steady handed. if i need more power i go to my swaro's 10x-42 but i use them with a tripod or window mount.
 
I bought my first bino's last week since 1994. Looked through a few at Bas Pro Shop. I got the Leupold 10x32 Acadia's from Cabela's for $139, (on sale). They are very clear, small but a little heavy. Probably not a problem at all sitting on coyotes.
 
Originally Posted By: fredhorace77btw. the cabelas "Euro" line of optics is contracted to meopta isnt it?

Yes it is. If you plan to spend $1000 or more on optics, you owe it to yourself to check them out. The 8x32's are around $750. The 42mm obj are $1100+

You would need to get Swaro EL's to beat them.
 
Originally Posted By: fw707Originally Posted By: pahntr760

You would need to get Swaro EL's to beat them.

What about the Swaro SLC's?

To me, the Euro's beat them...narrowly. I've taken them all outside in twilight conditions. Only the EL's picked up more light. Of course, optics are quite subjective and everyone's eyes are different.

But a $1000 savings says a bunch too. You really need to look at them yourself to make a personal determination. But, Jeff...them Euro are tough to beat.
 
From what I was told by the Swaro rep, the ELs have better coatings SLC's. (fluoride on the ELs vs Swarobright on the SLCs) I am not sure on the exit pupil specs...I'll have to get back to you on that.
 


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