entry/mid level binoculars

[JD338]

This
Several years ago I did a side by side comparison of Swarovski and Meopta outside sporting goods store. I bought the Meopta for half the price.

JD338

 

[PJGunner]

I have a Leupold Wind River MESA 10x50 that wasn't all that expensive and has been a good binocular. I used it on a couple of elk hunts and worked just fine. My biggest gripe is they're a bit too heavy.
On the way to another hunt, I discovered I left the Leupold at home and not wanting to turn around and drive a couple hundred miles back I spotted a Cabelas and went to see what was available. I got a Brunton 10x32and they're noticeably lighter. A bit less expensive than the Leupold as well.The Brunton worked just fine as it got dark although I admit the Leupold was better at last light. The Leupold is center focus and the Brunton you focus each eyepiece.
Granted neither may be perfect but all I can say is they worked for me just fine, IIRC, both were like about $250 or a little less.
PJ

 

[grry10]

I use a pair of German made Steiner Merlin 8x42 that have met my needs for hunting in Wisconsin and Maine for a number of years. At the time of purchase they were a quality mid-range pair that didn't break the bank. Unfortunately the Merlin model is now discontinued. If I were hunting in the West (open country) I think that I would want the added power and would jump to a pair of 10 power. I believe that with the quality of binoculars today it has reduced the need for spotting scopes.

 

[jimbires]

yes , getting glass outside is the key in seeing what you like better . when I bought my spotting scope from Eurooptics , they were in a small , back alley, building in the middle of town . I took a couple spotters out in the alley to compare . the only thing I could find to look at was a firehouse station siren across town . I focused in on the siren , and I could tell the screws that were holding it on . some were phillips heads , some were straight heads , and some were hex heads .

 

[KinleyWater]

Sorry I can't add much. My only pair of "nice" binos are a Vortex Triumph 10x42 and they serve me just fine. I confess I am learning much more from this than I can contribute.

 

[diverdown]

This
Several years ago I did a side by side comparison of Swarovski and Meopta outside sporting goods store. I bought the Meopta for half the price.

JD338

Jim, I had to chuckle over your comment. A good friend of mine purchased a pair of 10X42 Swarovski's and had been using them a couple of years for Elk hunting. As far as he was concerned they were the cat's meow and there was nothing better on the market. He paid a "lot" of money for them. Well, I had the opportunity to purchase a pair of Leica 10X42"s for Elk Hunting purposes and the price was definitely excellent. I did the same as everybody else and looked through them from the inside of a building, outside at the end of the day and whatever else I could put them through. To my eyes they were excellent and a purchase was made. My buddy and I went Elk hunting and or course Binoculars' were brought up. He started spouting off how great his were and I asked to see them. The first thing I observed was that my Leica's were brighter and clearer. I gave him back his binoculars back and said nothing. He took mine and looked through them. After about 10 seconds he handed them back and said nothing. He walked away and I figured it was better to say nothing. I have nothing against Swarovski and know they make a great product but I've also looked through Meopta and have a pair and they're an excellent glass.

 

[grry10]

I hear Leica and Swarovski but your not saying which models your using. That would be helpful

 

[diverdown]

I hear Leica and Swarovski but your not saying which models your using. That would be helpful

I believe my Leica's were the Trinovid. (my son has them now as He has taken over the Elk Hunting). I don't know offhand what my Buddy's Swarovski's are. I do know that he paid dearly for them.