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Binocs

timeout

Silver $$ Contributor
I'm in the market for a medium sized pair of binocs that are decent and not break the bank of a retiree. Does anyone have experience with these?
Vortex® Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars
I'm guessing buy once and cry once is probably the right approach here, but maybe?
 
In the 8-power category unless you need really serious low-light performance, I highly recommend the Steiner 8x30 Military Marine, also offered on Amazon as AZ830 (black) and P830 (gray). These are around $200 (MM) or $175 (P830) now but sometimes go on sale for under $150.00.

The big deal about the Steiners is that everything is in focus from 25 yards to infinity, all the time. You can't believe how much that simplifies scanning and makes life easy. No more constantly fiddling with focus. You just set the eyepieces once to match your eyes.

Here is the P830 version, now $174.95 on Amazon:

Link to product: http://amzn.to/2xqSpm3

41yon18ofbL.jpg
 
I've got a pair of the Steiner 8x30 Military Marine, they see lots of use in the field and get bounced around in the Jeep every day, could not recommend them more highly
 
I have a 8x30 Steiner and they are a good buy, but I much prefer my 10x42 Razor HDs, as they are relatively light, excellent glass and with a tripod, are better than lugging around a spotting scope, in rough country. Binoculars are like scopes, buy the best, you can afford.
 
I am a binocular snob (serious birdwatcher), and IMO the most impressive value in binoculars is the Zeiss Terra ED in 8x42 or 10x42. I have used them side by side with top-end Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, and would not bet that I could tell the difference in optical quality. If I ever have to replace my 20+-year-old Leica 10x42 Trinovids it will be with the Zeiss Terra ED 10x42. They are that good.
 
Years ago, (1998) when I purchased a Honda ATV I received as a bonus, a free pair of Steiner binos. Might be my eyes but I felt my Leupold binos offered a clearer view. I sold them suckers.
 
Toby Bradshaw said:
I am a binocular snob (serious birdwatcher), and IMO the most impressive value in binoculars is the Zeiss Terra ED in 8x42 or 10x42. I have used them side by side with top-end Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski, and would not bet that I could tell the difference in optical quality. If I ever have to replace my 20+-year-old Leica 10x42 Trinovids it will be with the Zeiss Terra ED 10x42. They are that good.
Click to expand...
I bought the Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 on sale a few years ago, love 'em.
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I have a pair of Steiner binos, a pair of Zeiss binos and a pair of Vortex Binos... I paid around $600 + for the Vortex.. Mine are the 10X42 Viper model. The Zeiss are the 10X30 model but I do not believe they are still made. My preference is the Zeiss, because it has such a good depth of field..The Vortex have a much shallower depth of field and I am constantly focusing them.. If I was doing it again I'd get a pair of 8X40's... Both are very clear, and are great bino's..
 
Forum Boss said:
In the 8-power category unless you need really serious low-light performance, I highly recommend the Steiner 8x30 Military Marine, also offered on Amazon as AZ830 (black) and P830 (gray). These are around $200 (MM) or $175 (P830) now but sometimes go on sale for under $150.00.

The big deal about the Steiners is that everything is in focus from 25 yards to infinity, all the time. You can't believe how much that simplifies scanning and makes life easy. No more constantly fiddling with focus. You just set the eyepieces once to match your eyes.

Here is the P830 version, now $174.95 on Amazon:

Link to product: http://amzn.to/2xqSpm3

41yon18ofbL.jpg
Click to expand...
I bought a pair of 10X50 Bushnells years ago with an "in focus" feature. The price was right. I used them as a carry in the truck binocs for coyote hunting. They work super for that. To carry hunting, they are too big and clumsy and not as clear as higher priced stuff of course. I would love to look through the Steiners. Mostly using them for carrying bow hunting and calling coyotes. May still have a trip out West in this old body?
 
Last edited:
brians356 said:
Uh oh. Searching for new Zeiss Terra ED 10x42, they seem to be going away (out of stock, discontinued, etc) all over. Better snag some if you can find them.

PS I found one on Amazon for only 81,562** with FREE shipping!

https://www.amazon.in/Zeiss-10x42-TERRA-Binocular-Degree/dp/B07143VMM5/261-1147864-3107101?_encoding=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0&portal-device-attributes=desktop

(** Indian Rupees)
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Click to expand...


I would prefer these and the price is right.. http://www.sportoptics.com/zeiss-terra-10x42-ed-binocular-5242070823.aspx
 
For the money you cannot go wrong with those Cabelas Euros...I have always been impressed with Meopta glass. That said, if you really want binos you cant wait to go out and use get the Leicas. They are unbelievable.
 
msinc said:
For the money you cannot go wrong with those Cabelas Euros...I have always been impressed with Meopta glass. That said, if you really want binos you cant wait to go out and use get the Leicas. They are unbelievable.
Click to expand...
I agree with the unbelievable on the Leica. Looked through a pair that a Fed employee had. Never seen such clarity in optics ever. Just don't really want to spend that much. I do have a Leica rangefinder.
 
Binoculars are one item where I prefer to go to a well stocked store and drag out every pair that fit my requirements and try them side-by-side. Even otherwise "identical" binoculars (same make and model) have significant differences.
 
There are many great binos out there and the best way to get a good deal is to get them used.

A few days ago I got used (very lightly used in 95%+ condition) Bushnell Legends Ultra HD 8x42 for $40 Canadian Bucks !

They are very good except their sweet spot ( distance that's in focus ) is a little narrow at closer ranges.
 
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