#1697706 - 12/30/09 07:13 PM
Hunting binoculars...
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pass-thru
10 Point
Registered: 10/10/04
Posts: 3046
Loc: va beach
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I've never used binoculars, but I am thinking about maybe getting a set for next year. On the downside, it's one more thing to carry around and keep track of. But, there are times when I wish I had them, especially to determine the sex and age of antlerless deer...during both bow and gun season.
So what size magnification and objective lens are best suited for hunting archery and gun? Is 20 oz weight too big or just the right size? If you have a set you like, let's hear about them.
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#1697730 - 12/30/09 07:19 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: pass-thru]
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stik
TnDeer Old Timer
16 Point
Registered: 03/12/99
Posts: 18419
Loc: lenoir city,tn
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nikon monarch ATB 10x42. wouldn't be without em.
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experienced hunters know its not just a bushy white tail, its a big middle finger.
nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught
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#1697778 - 12/30/09 07:31 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: stik]
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jakeway
TnDeer Old Timer
10 Point
Registered: 11/22/99
Posts: 3447
Loc: Hendersonville, TN, USA
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I credit this morning's buck to my Nikon Monarch ATB 8X42. It was just legal shooting time and I was only glassing for a couple minutes when I saw a nice 8 point at 65 yards. I took the binocs down and couldn't even see the deer. I hadn't heard anything over there, just glassing.
That wasn't the first time that's happened.
I definately take binocs with me now, even when carrying a climbing treestand. When I had cheap binocs I seldom took them along. Do some research and get the best ones you can afford. You can't tell just looking in the store; the bad ones seem fine at first, but after a few minutes of steady glassing, the cheap ones can suck out your eyeballs.
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It's not rocket surgery, for crying outside!
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#1697783 - 12/30/09 07:32 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: jakeway]
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Boone 58
16 Point
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 13533
Loc: Food Plot
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8x42 steiner merlins, never intentionally leave them in the truck.....i have forgotten them once or twice...lol!!!
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Romans 10:9-13
NRA lifetime Mem & Crockett Friends of NRA
Hoyt Razor Tec
CVA Accura V2 Nikon BM BDC 3x9x40
Winchester Mod 70 Weather SS 270 WSM
Nikon Monarch 3x12x42SF
Carpe Diem.
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#1697789 - 12/30/09 07:34 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Boone 58]
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alwaysoutdoors
4 Point
Registered: 07/17/06
Posts: 387
Loc: Nashville, TN
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It's a good idea to add some to your gear and as mentioned get the best you can afford. I really like Steiners .
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#1697791 - 12/30/09 07:36 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: alwaysoutdoors]
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RUGER
Arachnophobic
Non-Typical
Registered: 11/19/99
Posts: 4097419
Loc: TN
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Brunton's.
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#1697797 - 12/30/09 07:37 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: jakeway]
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jakeway
TnDeer Old Timer
10 Point
Registered: 11/22/99
Posts: 3447
Loc: Hendersonville, TN, USA
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Oh, for bow hunting I use Leupold Yosemite 6X30. They are very light and bright, and are good for bow hunting ranges. They can be had for jsut under $100 if you shop around. If you want to see great detail beyond about 75 yards, though, I'd use at least an 8 X 35. 10s used to be considered too shaky for un-rested glassing, but later models seem to have that licked. The Yosemite 8X30 don't have a large enough exitr pupil for low light conditions. If you don't know what exit pupil is, just remember you need at least a 5.
_________________________
It's not rocket surgery, for crying outside!
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#1697801 - 12/30/09 07:38 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: RUGER]
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alwaysoutdoors
4 Point
Registered: 07/17/06
Posts: 387
Loc: Nashville, TN
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I bought some barskas from cabela's and used them one season. They're not bad.
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#1697947 - 12/30/09 08:22 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: alwaysoutdoors]
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Buck Nekkid
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/20/07
Posts: 42423
Loc: Jefferson County,Tn
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wife and kids bought me a set of redhead outlooks for christmas.heavier than my antique bushnells that ive been using for years.
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One half of "Man Purdy"
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#1698009 - 12/30/09 08:48 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: stik]
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Drop 4/5
6 Point
Registered: 06/23/09
Posts: 610
Loc: Morgan Co.
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nikon monarch ATB 10x42. wouldn't be without em.
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"Common Sense" it's not so common anymore
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#1698032 - 12/30/09 09:00 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Drop 4/5]
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Tree Tramp
8 Point
Registered: 07/22/09
Posts: 1560
Loc: Tennessee
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I would get the lightest thing i could find. I like 8X myself.
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#1698083 - 12/30/09 09:25 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: RUGER]
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Model70Man
12 Point
Registered: 09/30/05
Posts: 6099
Loc: Knoxville, TN
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I love my Brunton Epoch's. But I must say that my Promaster Infinity Elite ELX will give them a run for the money at a fraction of the cost.
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Winchester Model 70 Stainless Left Hand .270 Win.
McMillan Edge
Talley Lightweights
Zeiss Victory Varipoint #60 Illuminated
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#1698174 - 12/30/09 10:18 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Model70Man]
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Sako
10 Point
Registered: 01/19/05
Posts: 2756
Loc: Knoxville
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I have a apair of swarovski SLC 10X42s that I like alot.... but they are a touch heavy... I also use a pair of zeiss 8X20 compact binos that are very good as well (and a lot cheaper).... all in all when tre stand hunting with a rifle or mzl I generally use the Swaros... when bow unting I generally use the zeiss....
I would suggest getting the best ones you can afford... the better the pair the more likely you will use them more....
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If Thompson Center is America's Master Gunmaker... We are in alot of trouble
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#1698244 - 12/30/09 11:04 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Sako]
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pass-thru
10 Point
Registered: 10/10/04
Posts: 3046
Loc: va beach
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Looks like there's some good glass at a good price in zen ray binos.....but they're made in china. Don't know if I could swallow that.
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#1698554 - 12/31/09 08:16 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: pass-thru]
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utfan1
10 Point
Registered: 12/31/06
Posts: 3596
Loc: cleveland,tn
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slc swarovski first choice but the kahles 8x32 were on sale @ swfa.com for 399 new . got them and they are really nice.
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#1698563 - 12/31/09 08:23 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: utfan1]
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Winchester
Non-Typical
Registered: 12/05/03
Posts: 25229
Loc: TN
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8x magnification and tubes in the 36 to 40 mm size are best suited for most of my hunting, especially here in the hills of TN. This also keeps the size and weight manageable for long hours of wearing them. A good set of Bino straps (elastic shoulder straps) are a must as well and virtually eliminate the fatigue of carrying binos! I consider mine one of my most important items on most hunts!
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#1698619 - 12/31/09 08:47 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Winchester]
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megalomaniac
10 Point
Registered: 10/28/05
Posts: 4887
Loc: Mississippi
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I can't imagine you've hunted any amount of time w/o binocualars. They're one of my most important accessories on any hunt.
Personally, I use 2 pairs... I've got a lightweight pair of Swaro 8x30 SLC's for turkey hunting, elk hunting up in the high country, and midday deer hunts.
I've also got a pair of zeiss 8x56's for stand hunting whitetails in morning and evening (you can easily see in the dark with a quarter moon with these!)
For me, the 2 pairs works best.
If someone made me pick just one pair of binoculars for everything (and price were no matter), I'd have a pair of swaro EL 8x42... light enough for just about everything, but still decent enough exit pupil to be used in fairly low light.
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#1698738 - 12/31/09 09:27 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: megalomaniac]
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AllOutdoors
8 Point
Registered: 11/03/08
Posts: 2297
Loc: Tennessee
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For TN. I have no use for anything greater than 8 Power. For me I use a pair of Signature Select Burris 8X32 and they are the perfect size and weight for me. Bigger than the little compacts but much smaller than the 42mm obj. size. I use them turkey and deer hunting. They are durable and bright. You can see with them before and after shooting hours if that is important so you. Also check out the Vortex Binoculars. Just got dad a pair of 8.5X32. A mix up with the order through Bass Pro proved to me their customer service will be top notch.Bass pro ordered the wrong pair from the factory. When I received the wrong pair I called them and they immediately sent out the pair I wanted with overnight delivery and waived the 10.00 difference between the pair I wanted and the pair I received. The vortex 8.5 seem to use pretty good optics but I didnt get to try them in low light. The Vortex are around 100 dollars cheaper than the Burris.
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Looking to buy a Marlin 1894 FG 41 Rem. Mag.
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#1698751 - 12/31/09 09:40 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: AllOutdoors]
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KENBOB10
14 Point
Registered: 06/22/06
Posts: 8342
Loc: Benton tn.
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I've got a pair of compact Pentax 16x25's. The only problem I have with them is when see a deer and go to my gun with 9x it looks like it's a mile away. Good bino's though.
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The other half of "Man Purty"
EAST SIDE MAFIA TCB
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#1698758 - 12/31/09 09:48 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: AllOutdoors]
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51 pointer
4 Point
Registered: 10/03/09
Posts: 436
Loc: Tennessee
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binoculars are one of the most important pieces of equipment I have, And they are in my truck except when Im in the woods so Im prepared to glass random fields for wildlife, I went through many cheaper brands like simmons, bushnell etc. and its worth having good ones, I personally use 8X20 Ziess because I got them cheap and they are small but they are clear as a $1k pair, they just don't gather light as well, I suggest stiener, ziess, Swarovski etc. SPEND THE MONEY THE FIRST TIME and be done
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#1704085 - 01/02/10 10:09 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: megalomaniac]
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pass-thru
10 Point
Registered: 10/10/04
Posts: 3046
Loc: va beach
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I can't imagine you've hunted any amount of time w/o binocualars. They're one of my most important accessories on any hunt.
Well I have hunted 20 years without them, and haven't felt terribly handicapped. Until recently, it simply wasn't in my budget to buy decent optics. And cheap optics aren't worth carrying to the woods. I turkey hunt and deer hunt. I see no benefit to carrying binocs for turkey hunting.
More than 50% of my deer hunting is with a bow. I can count on one hand the times in a year when I wish I had binocs when bow hunting. Typically that is to confirm the age/sex of an antlerless deer that I am having difficulty with, which is rare when they are close to tag with a bow.
Most of my gun huntng is in thick timber. Again, most deer are close enough to size up with the naked eye. Only a small percentage of my hunting is in open areas where I could really benefit from a good set of optics. I can afford them now so will probably get some (not top end, but decent enough).
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#1704089 - 01/02/10 10:11 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: utfan1]
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pass-thru
10 Point
Registered: 10/10/04
Posts: 3046
Loc: va beach
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slc swarovski first choice but the kahles 8x32 were on sale @ swfa.com for 399 new . got them and they are really nice.
Great tip on the kahles....I haven't decided for sure yet but these are on the short list.
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#1704127 - 01/02/10 10:59 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: pass-thru]
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Hatchee
6 Point
Registered: 12/16/08
Posts: 847
Loc: West Tennessee
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Get one of those good shoulder harness things whatever glass you get. Makes the binos much easier to use/carry and don't wear your neck out. I don't leave the truck without mine, hunting or scouting.
Like everyone else I had a few cheapo's. Finally got a mid-price range (for me) Nikon and was amazed.
Looked through a pair of Swaros last year and they made my hands shake I wanted them so bad!! They were simply amazing.
That's my next BIG purchase.
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Don't care how ya'll did it where you came from
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#1704294 - 01/03/10 07:52 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Hatchee]
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Double-D-Team
10 Point
Registered: 12/18/02
Posts: 3483
Loc: God's Country
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All I can tell you is buy the best you can afford. Another thing if you take them in use them and get use to them. Believe it or not you have to make yourself use them till you get in the habbit. You will see things you never have before...LOL!!
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Don and Dee (DOUBLE-D-TEAM)
THE RICHEST VALUES OF WILDERNESS LIE NOT IN THE DAYS OF DANIEL BOONE NOR EVEN IN THE PRESENT. BUT IN THE FUTURE--LEOPOLD
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#1705629 - 01/03/10 08:40 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Double-D-Team]
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Boone 58
16 Point
Registered: 06/23/04
Posts: 13533
Loc: Food Plot
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If you are trying to weed out marginal buck shooting then they are a must to identify bucks that arent really the shooters of today if they are in thick cover and long range. It took me years to afford the pair i wanted but i never intentionally go with out my Steiner Merlin 8x42's.
_________________________
Romans 10:9-13
NRA lifetime Mem & Crockett Friends of NRA
Hoyt Razor Tec
CVA Accura V2 Nikon BM BDC 3x9x40
Winchester Mod 70 Weather SS 270 WSM
Nikon Monarch 3x12x42SF
Carpe Diem.
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#1706197 - 01/04/10 09:27 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Drop 4/5]
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Tnyoteboy
6 Point
Registered: 11/01/06
Posts: 666
Loc: Bartlett
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Leupold Wind River Mesa 10x. The small size and a set of Crooked Horn straps and you never notice you're carrying them.
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#1706266 - 01/04/10 10:14 AM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: 51 pointer]
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Timberdoodle
6 Point
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 796
Loc: Cookeville, TN
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10x42 Zeiss. Great for tn & out west!! Great light gathering.
Had a guy ask me one time, Do you want to buy Binoculars or glass, big difference!! in both results and price!
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EXPERIENCE, I could tell you about it, but it just would'nt be the same!!
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#1744392 - 01/24/10 08:40 PM
Re: Hunting binoculars...
[Re: Timberdoodle]
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pass-thru
10 Point
Registered: 10/10/04
Posts: 3046
Loc: va beach
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So this is what I went with: Swaro EL 8.5 x42. Expensive but awesome. I can see clearly at night with just minimal ambient light from streetlights. A little big for bowhunting, for which I got a Zeiss Victory rangefinder, 8x26. The monocle is more than enough optic for bowhunting, and the rangefinding is awesome for both bow and gun...both ranging and optics smoke the Leupold that it is replacing. Only downside is that it is about 50% bigger.
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