Binoculars??

[RenegadeRN]

Just wondering if you use binoculars? Make? Resolution? and Magnification?

I am in the market for a new set of binoculars. I have a pair of $89 binos and want to move up. No, not gonna get or pay for one of the big three. My money goes into retirement funds and maybe that once in a lifetime Colorado hunt. I have been researching a variety of websites including hunting, birdwatching and other optic sites. I have an idea what I want to spend...but am wanting to get your opinions. What do you use?

After looking through some higher dollar models I can see my set, while functional, are nothing at all. The clarity is bad and low light is nothing. I want some higher magnification, better clarity, and better low light resolution. There are a number of sites recommending Meopta's or the Minox brands. Anyone have either of them?

(And I am trying to get ya off your butt to make this a site that everyone wants to come visit besides selling.....LOL!)

[SongDoghunter]

Renegade,

I have a pair of the Bushnell 10x50 perma focus deals that cost about $50 bucks. I've checked out the Nikon and Leupold and much like their scopes, there isn't but just so much you can do with a few pieces of glass. Around here, I've also noticed that most of our hunting is in thick enough woodlands that you just don't have time to focus and fine tune the binos after you spot a deer unless you are in a field. I use them primarily for making sure I'm not shooting a button buck for a doe etc. I say the permanent focused models like the Tascos and Bushnells are fine for the money.

[RenegadeRN]

Do you find that the higher magnification help? What about the extra movement when holding them? I looked through a pair of the higher mag glasses and noticed I was shaking like crazy and couldn't get a consistent rest. I thought about finding a pair that had a tripod screw mount...just wondering.

[RenegadeRN]

It's been almost a month and I broke down and bought me a pair of NICE binoculars. Yes, I did pay more than I way more than I wanted to....but they are the nicest binoculars, hands down, of all I looked through. I honestly contemplated spending this money for two days and just could not say NO. They were that much different between even Leupolds, Nikons, Bushnells, etc. but not that much different in the big three.

I broke down and bought a set of the Meopta Meostar B1 10X42's at Eastern Outfitters. I did look online, but prices were exactly the same and anyway...I try to support my local economy when it comes to hunting stuff. (If we don't, then when we need or want them they won't be there.) My decision was made after looking through and comparing over a half dozen pairs. I know they are well worth it. I compared during the day and was simply blown away at the clarity, the depth and 3d appearance at things over a 1/2mile away. When I got them to the woods is where they shined. Doghunter is right...there isn't enuff distance in the eastern US woods....but early in the AM or evening light...when the light is just starting to visit for the first time of the day and/or you cannot make out anything but shadows? I could make out what I was looking at.

Wanted to thank all those that gave input. And yes...I know I coulda bought anothe rifle...LOL!