Looking for a new set of binoculars

[Bryan78]

The one I have now is a Bushnell that is really for the most part too big and heavy to carry out in the field.  In an open field situation they work great as I can see far out even though they are not variable.

I want a new pair that is lightweight but yet can see far out.  Any thoughts?

[Cut N Run]

I have a set of Leupold gold ring compact binoculars that are 10 x 25, which I love. They stopped making them a few years ago, but make something similar these days. I love the Leupold guarantee and the fact that they are made in the U.S.. I have never had trouble with mine and if I ever did, they would be covered. Their compactness, clarity, and durability have made me a believer. I'm sure there are less expensive binoculars out there that might get the job done. These are worth every cent I spent on them.


Jim

[Dan Salmon]

True compact and lightweight binoculars are at best a compromise. 

Probably the best binoculars, IMO, for a hunter are fully multi-coated roof prism binoculars in the 8x40 or 8x42 range.  They will run in the 30oz. to 40oz. range in weight, but with a binocular harness in lieu of the provided neck strap, they become almost non-existent. 

I find 10x to be hard to stabilize while glassing without a solid rest.  The 8x binos don't, for whatever reason, seem to be as critical when used unsupported and you get the same amount of light gathering performance from 40mm lenses than 50mm lenses you'd need with the 10x binos. 

Now, you also have to keep in mind that I'm hunting woodlands and clear cuts, not vast open expanses of the west.  If I were hunting in the west, I would probably get the 10x and a tripod.

A good book article to read, if you are interested in doing a little bit of research before you buy, is here http://www.24hourcampfire.com/binoculars.html  the author has also written a book about binoculars, rifle scopes and spotting scopes that you can get at amazon, barnes and noble, etc.  I my opinion this is where you will want to start before spending any big amounts of money on optics.

[Bryan78]

Thanks guys for the responses.  The one thing is that I want to keep cost very low.

I know this is going to sound funny but has anyone ever used those 1050 binoculars that is suppose to let you see up to 35 miles?  If so, how were they and are they worth the money?

[Webyshops.com]

I am not sure what your price range is, but one brand that has been making a very strong entrance on the scene is Vortex. They come from the birdwatching background and their attention to quality is top notch. Keep hearing nothing but great things about them from customers.

Their Diamondback line is probably my favorite.