Binoculars for stalking

iwsf

Morning everyone,
can one of you recommend a good pair of binoculars for deer stalking ?
The one i have are no good in low light.
The budget is not unlimited.

Thank you

kowloon

And to keep it all in a single thread: where is a good cheap place to buy optics?

imme

www.binoculars.com are good, massive selection and they deliver to Ireland

.243 express

Steiner Safari 8x30 great starting off set of binoculars.Wont break the bank either.Good in low light as well.http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/acatalog/Steiner_Safari_8x30.html

iwsf

Thank you all for the replies
What about this one ?
http://www.binoculars.com/binoculars/hunting-binoculars/leupoldsportsopticscascadebinocularsblack1.cfm

welsummer

Swarovski 10x42 EL Binoculars are the best. there is an updated version coming out in 2010 which will cost you about 2 grand. They are worth it and have a life time guarentee

welsummer

Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 Swarovision Binoculars - inc Snap Shot Ref: EL85X42
The launch of this product has been delayed until 2010. Please keep checking back for updated information.

The Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42 Swarovision Binoculars - inc Snap Shot is the latest offering from the world leader in premium optics. Swarovski Optik are renowned as innovative pioneers in the world of sport optics and the new EL 42 binoculars reinforce their reputation as world leaders.

The new EL 42 range boasts the revolutionary SWAROVISION TECHNOLOGY, giving previously unequalled image quality. The combination of field flattener lenses and HD optic ensures an impressive image resolution across the entire field of view!

The image focus of the new EL 42 has never before been achieved in any binoculars. The field flattener lenses produce a virtually flat image. As a result, even the finest structures and smallest details are reproduced with razor-sharp clarity right up to the image periphery.

The fluoride-containing HD lenses minimise colour fringing (chromatic aberration) for contrast-rich images with razor-sharp outlines. As a result, significant improvements in resolution and contrast are achieved in comparison to conventional grades of glass.

Spectacle wearers are also well looked after and will benefit from the full wide-angle field of view due to the large eye relief. The removable twist-in eyecups are individually adjustable in three stages, fully in (for spectacle wearers), snap-in intermediate and fully extended.

The enhanced coatings of the lenses and prisms, (SWARODUR, SWAROTOP, SWAROBRIGHT), in the new EL 42 range guarantee lifelike colour reproduction and outstanding image brightness for spectacular observation experiences even at dusk. The SWAROCLEAN coating, on the outer surface of the lens, ensures a non-stick effect with obvious cleaning advantage in the case of dirt such as water marks, insect repellents and tree resin.

The new focussing wheel, with its unique combination of hard and soft components, is particularly smooth and tolerance free making the new EL 42 a both comfortable and precise all round observation experience. Only two complete turns take you from infinity to the unrivalled close focus setting of about 1.5m! Almost immediately the new EL 42 becomes a "magnifying glass" for macro observation of the insect world.

The time-tested EL design and ergonomically placed focussing mechanism allow operation with one hand, even when wearing gloves. All load bearing parts are made from high quality light alloys for maximum ruggedness and stability. The new EL 42 has an impressively low weight, due to the weight optimised magnesium housing, and the slender construction and easy-to-handle rubber armouring ensure a comfortable observation experience even over long periods of time.


Magnification: 8.5x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm

Prism type: Optimised roof prism with P-coating

Lens coating: Fully Multi-Coated Optimised SWARODUR, SWAROTOP and SWAROBRIGHT

Field of view: 133m @ 1000m

Exit pupil: 4.9mm

Eye relief: 20mm

Weight: 795g
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Deer Hunter DL

i bought these in 12x50

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0039904712580a&navCount=2&podId=0039904&parentId=cat601539&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat602006-cat601539_TGP&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601539&hasJS=true

and these in 10x50

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat21404-cat602257-cat602250_TGP&id=0049169712869a&navCount=3&podId=0049169&parentId=cat602250&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=OG&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

have to say these are great in low light conditions i am very happy with them

iwsf

I am afraid the swaro are way out of reach for me unless Santa brings them
The cabelas seem perfect, thanks Deer Hunter DL

Cass

I'm using these. They're light, armoured, good magnification and best of all not expensive. They have a wide field of view. http://www.camping-supplies-uk.com/binoculars/porroprism-binoculars.htm Its the middle one by the way. Got them in Tullamore in the army supply store. I'm sure other fish and tackle, army stores would have them.

CJhaughey

I would try a set of these bins if you only want to drop small money.

johngalway

I don't stalk, but, I've used my Opticron 8x42 BGA SE Imagic bins in low light looking for animals and I like them a lot. Cost me just over £300 off Ebay. They're not Swaro's or Leicas but I can't afford them either!

I see you're in the West, if you're anywhere near Clifden let me know if you want a look through them.

Deer Hunter DL

iwsf wrote: »

I am afraid the swaro are way out of reach for me unless Santa brings them
The cabelas seem perfect, thanks Deer Hunter DL

just read the reviews on them 2 pair of cabelas binos that will make your mind up

Glensman

Keep in mind that the Americans tend to rate average optics very highly. They reckon Leupolds are the dogs danglies- they're good but they're not great!

J. Ramone

To throw another one into the mix, Nikon Monarch. I have a pair in 8 x 42 and I like them. They are good up to the point when it's too dark to take a shot. I don't like the idea of hacking anything more expensive.

Prices vary a lot. I can't remember where exactly I bought mine but was online from the States. Cost me about €200. They are up to €400 here.

BoarHunter

Nothing better than Zeiss. The Victory model is IMO the Best. Better than the Conquest.

Zwaro are good too

sixpointfive

Buy the best binos you can rather than buying a cheapish set only to buy a better set as you get more serious into it, i have a set of Zeiss night owls in 10x50, quite good but but very bulky, didnt think about carrying them around all day when i bought them,also have Leica Geovid 10x42, way better and the best of them all in my opinion, also has rangefinder built in, pricey tho...

welsummer

i think zeiss use to be the best for many a year ,but they were relieing on their good name and other brands passed them out. when i bought my swarovski bionos there was no such think as range finders built in, and even the new model they are bringing out had no range finder which you would expect for the price.i did see the zeiss model at the cla in england and i think they were about 3 grand.
did you buy you Leica Geovid 10x42here.

ejg

I use zeiss hensoldt 8x30 military bino's. They are cheap second hand, durable, light and perfect for everything except the last light.

After spending three years at the IWA and checking almost every bino, I think the best value for money and weight are possibly the 8x42 Kahles binos. Not much if anything behind a swarovski. Half the price and less weight.
edi

DR6.5

I use Swarovski 8-32 el's, great pair of binoculars nice and light, you dont even know you have them on.

Was using a pair of Leupold Wind River 10-42 binoculars when the Swarovski were being serviced for the money there a decent set of binoculars.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-binoculars.html

DR6.5

hazza

J. Ramone wrote: »

To throw another one into the mix, Nikon Monarch. I have a pair in 8 x 42 and I like them. They are good up to the point when it's too dark to take a shot. I don't like the idea of hacking anything more expensive.

Prices vary a lot. I can't remember where exactly I bought mine but was online from the States. Cost me about €200. They are up to €400 here.

+1
Got a set of Nikon 8x42 from Frankonia €180 - a mate brought 2 pairs back.
Good glass & very clear.

jwshooter

8x42 or 7x42 in zeiss ,leica, swros .forget about jap and american shxt .

rowa

jwshooter wrote: »

8x42 or 7x42 in zeiss ,leica, swros .forget about jap and american shxt .

i have a pair of leica's 10x42 , they're reasonably compact and very solidly made, the performance is top class in bad light , when i was looking for a pair of bin's a lot of people told me to steer clear of the new lower end zeiss binoculars as zeiss don't make them themselves anymore , someone else is contracted and the zeiss name is put on them .

another good make is minox , they're cheaper and have excellent lenses too .

jwshooter

rowa wrote: »

i have a pair of leica's 10x42 , they're reasonably compact and very solidly made, the performance is top class in bad light , when i was looking for a pair of bin's a lot of people told me to steer clear of the new lower end zeiss binoculars as zeiss don't make them themselves anymore , someone else is contracted and the zeiss name is put on them .

another good make is minox , they're cheaper and have excellent lenses too .

i had some lads out this week one had a pair of zeiss ranger finder binos ,there a nice tidy pair .

rowa

jwshooter wrote: »

i had some lads out this week one had a pair of zeiss ranger finder binos ,there a nice tidy pair .

yeah the higher end of the range is really good , but the cheaper models i was told were not so hot ,

4gun

I have a pair of Steiner Predator pro 12 x 40 they have sports auto focus system, which means that you focus them to your eyes they will stay in focus no matter how far or near you are looking whict I think is the most important feature you should look for in a pair of binos. no constantly re-focusing while your are surveying a landscape for game, there is a coating on the lenses that makes red and browns contrast better and they are completely waterproof with a life time guarentee. the simplest guide to buying a good pair of bino is to buy the best you can afford if than several thousand euros or a hundred, but definately buy them on line from some american or euro based web site you will get better value for money check out optics planet and make your choice from there

iwsf

ended up buying the Cabelas XT 12x50 seclusion
Speedy delivery from Cabelas and nice pair of binoculars , all of this for a reasonable price.

Deer Hunter DL

iwsf wrote: »

ended up buying the Cabelas XT 12x50 seclusion
Speedy delivery from Cabelas and nice pair of binoculars , all of this for a reasonable price.

hope your as happy with them as i was with mine , also hope you didn't get hit for tax on them

iwsf

Thanks Deer Hunter DL.
yes i am very happy with them but i won't be able to use them till ...........Christmas :mad: Getting them from Santa !
Since Santa got them for me , no taxes involved

tomcat220t

there is a trader in the uk selling leupold binoculars for 399stg 10x50,a friend of mine bought a pair and they are crystal clear,

Traumadoc

Wife bought me a pair of Zeiss conquest 10x40, it really does make a big difference, I had steiner safari before and I thought they were good, but the difference is worth the extra cost.
you really notice the better optics in low light conditions.