Which Binoculars for Christmas?

jfrazier30 · Dec 5, 2016

Wife asked what I wanted for Christmas....

I've been wishing for new binoculars for a couple years, but I haven't bothered to get any because it's too low on my priority list.

I would like something that is easy to carry while hiking, but optical quality is the most important.. even at the expense of light weight if necessary.

Anybody have a favorite pair they could recommend at less than 150 bucks??

jfrazier30 · Dec 5, 2016

This is the pair that I'm considering at the moment..

http://a.co/6DAepA0

jaybo · Dec 5, 2016

I don't have a specific pair to recommend, but rather specifications. When an adult pupil is fully dilated it's about 5 mm, so you want the power of the binoculars to be something like 7 x 35 or 8 x 40 (objective is 5 times the power). Anything less than that (say 7 x 28) and you won't get satisfactory performance in dim light. Also, make sure that the pupil-to-pupil measurement fits your eyes. ( I have eyes that are close together so some binoculars don't fit me.) Weight is your choice and with optics you pretty much get what you pay for. Also, remember that the higher the power the more jiggle you get when observing something. I have had 7 x 35 Nikon binoculars and am totally satisfied with them.

jfrazier30 · Dec 5, 2016

That's great feedback! Thanks!

skohl · Dec 5, 2016

"jfrazier30"This is the pair that I'm considering at the moment..

http://a.co/6DAepA0

I have used this pair for about 3 years and really like them. I have had a lot of compliments on the glass from other experienced users.

Guest · Dec 5, 2016

Disregard, apparently I have a reading comprehension issue... I did not see the price limitation.

Marksman3006 · Dec 5, 2016

Jaybo knows what he is talking about up there.
I wouldnt go any higher than a 10 power unless you plan on mounting to a tripod. A set of 8X42 or 7X35 would be optimal. Most leople can actually make out more detail with the 8 or 7 power while holding offhand. A set of 7X42 would be very comfortable to look thru.

sharroff · Dec 5, 2016

Wow, 150 is tough for good glass. I'd go here if I had to be under 150: Nikon 8252 ACULON A211 10-22x50 Zoom Binocular (Black)

If you want to give your wife a heart attack, ask her for a pair of these. After that, anything is going to look cheap.
Zeiss 20x60 Classic S Image Stabilization Binocular

jps2486 · Dec 6, 2016

Nikon Monarch 5 10X Best $ you ever spent.

Nueces · Dec 6, 2016

It's all about the glass. Lucky for us, computers are making glass now that used to cost more than regular folks could afford. Don't go for big numbers. All you will get is shake. Ask about depth of field. If the seller does not know what you are talking about ... leave.

JohnL57 · Dec 6, 2016

I have a pair of Nikon travelites that I use every day. They're super light and very compact, have decent glass and are around $100. I tuck mine into my camo shirt while walking. I almost never carry my 7x42 Swifts any more due to their weight.
https://www.amazon.com/NIKON-7278-Travelite-Binoculars-25mm/dp/B003828JXM
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jps2486 · Dec 7, 2016

Yah gotta look through them yourself. That's why I chose the Nixon Monarch. I ran into a birdwatcher who let me look through his binds. I was amazed. Yes, cost does matter. These now cost almost $300. I never regretted buying them. can you get good ones for $100? Without comparing side by side, I couldn't say.

Nueces · Dec 7, 2016

FYI: Since I contributed my minor comments on this thread I am getting adds for binoculars on other sites. hmmmmmm ..............

scrane · Dec 9, 2016

"jfrazier30"This is the pair that I'm considering at the moment..

http://a.co/6DAepA0

90 out of 90 satisfied customers is always a good sign.

jpcolt · Dec 13, 2016

For better field of view (hunting/spotting) I would stay at 8x

sharroff · Dec 20, 2016

Ok, thanks to jfrazier30, I now have a pair of the Vortex Diamondback 10x42s. I would give them 5 of 5 stars. Super clear, very good field of view, excellent focus from 5 yards on a bird on my feeder out to infinity. Easily adjusted for the focus between my two eyes. Very comfortable to carry and use.

Definitely a better buy for $170 than my Nikons (now sold).

Regal_US · Dec 20, 2016

"sharroff"Wow, 150 is tough for good glass. I'd go here if I had to be under 150: Nikon 8252 ACULON A211 10-22x50 Zoom Binocular (Black)

If you want to give your wife a heart attack, ask her for a pair of these. After that, anything is going to look cheap.
Zeiss 20x60 Classic S Image Stabilization Binocular

Holy toledo,

I'm just getting into FT quality scopes and rifles and thought that was expensive. For the price of these Zeiss binoculars, only $7,500 on Amazon, you could equip a FT team and have spare change

Dartagnan · Dec 21, 2016

Been using these this year and been to my liking. They're not binoculars but quality non the less.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004WFYG0Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482362317&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Vortex+Optics+Solo+R%2FT+Tactical+Monocular+with+MRAD+Ranging+Reticle&dpPl=1&dpID=41TI%2Bj-VaaL&ref=plSrch

jfrazier30 · Dec 29, 2016

"sharroff"Ok, thanks to jfrazier30, I now have a pair of the Vortex Diamondback 10x42s. I would give them 5 of 5 stars. Super clear, very good field of view, excellent focus from 5 yards on a bird on my feeder out to infinity. Easily adjusted for the focus between my two eyes. Very comfortable to carry and use.

Definitely a better buy for $170 than my Nikons (now sold).

Yep, I got em for Christmas... I am totally impressed. Very clear picture. Very solid construction. Definitely the best binoculars I've ever used.

Which Binoculars for Christmas?

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