entry/mid level binoculars

[tim629]

Sell me on what binoculars I should be buying.

Going moose hunting in newfoundland and I figure it would be a good idea to have a decent pair of glass. I put a leupold vx freedom on the rifle and i'm satisfied with the clarity of the glass, went into bass pro today to compare the Leupold BX-2 alpine, and the vortex diamondback hd but the people behind the counter couldn't be bothered even with their check-in system so i'm going to rely on you guys and another forum and roll the dice.

Hoping to stay under $300, i'm thinking a simple 10x42 but if you talk me into something else i'm game

 

[salmonchaser]

my Swarovski binos were stolen on my way to Africa, that hurt. I borrowed a pair of Vortex diamond backs, 200 dollar version my god they were awful. Please don't buy those. Bx 3 or 4 from Leupold would be a good place to start.

 

[Blkram]

If buying a less expensive pair of Leupolds, do yourself a favour and spend a little more to ensure you at least get a pair with the Bak4 prism. Your eyes will thank you after hours of glassing. 10x40 (or 42) are a great binos for glassing mixed terrain. Even when glassing close objects in the thick bush, you'll be surprised how much easier it is to resolve game or count points at close range than with a 7 or 8 pair of binos.
A major rule in glass: buy the best you can afford! (The only other item you should pay as much attention to is your boots! Buy good boots that fit you well and get them broken in before your hunt! Happy feet will make a huge difference in the quality of your experience on an adventure you spending several thousands of dollars on!)

You will spend more time glassing than anything else. Cheap glass will give you headaches and nausea.

Minox also makes great binos that are less expensive and perform well above their price point.

 

[jimbires]

10x42's are a good one size fits all . buy the best you can afford to start with , it'll be cheaper in the end .
Blkram has pretty much brought up my thoughts . when glassing for long periods of time cheap glass makes my eyes hurt . feels like my eyes are being pulled out of my head . watery eyes , headaches , it takes the fun out of it . my eyes get tired using good glass , but it takes a lot longer of time .

I've hunted moose in Newfoundland twice . I didn't need bino's . you might want to call the outfitter on this , if this hunt is your only need for them .

another good guy to talk to is Doug , at cameraland NY . Doug uses this equipment and seems to know a lot about how it compares to each other . I've bought a lot from cameraland . euro optics is another good place to buy , and I've bought a lot from them too . it seems the few times I've asked for advice , like this , they try to steer me towards vortex , because of the warranty .

I hate to make recommendations on glass because everyone sees things differently . what I have , and use , that I'm pleased with , are ;

https://www.eurooptic.com/zeiss-terra-binoculars

there are demos listed at your price point .

https://www.eurooptic.com/vortex-razor-hd-10x42-binocular-rzb-2102

heck of a price on these , but not in your price range .

Welcome to Camera Land NY

Camera Land offers top brands & low prices - cameras, repairs and binoculars.

cameralandny.com

 

[RememberBaker]

I have both Vortex and Leupold binoculars, they are both okay but that’s all. Both were in your price range but I’d love to compare them to a pair that cost in $500 range to see what you gain.

 

[JD338]

I am with the others. Invest in good optics and they won’t let you down, especially in low light. I have Meopta 10x42mm binoculars
and they have excellent glass.

JD338