Best Binos for $400?

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blackops

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Guys, I need the best binos possible for 400. Looking for opinions from guys that have actually put their eyes through the glass they have experience with. Glass is a tough one to choose from because you can't put your eyes through everything. Want to stay with 10x42 for hunting.

I've been looking at;
Zeiss Terra ED 10x42 Binoculars (can you go wrong w/Schott glass??)
Sightron SIII 10x42mm Phase Coated / Roof Prism Binoculars SIII1042RM
Brunton Eterna Mid Size 10x32 Waterproof Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42mm ATB Binoculars
Steiner 10x42mm Predator Xtreme Roof Prism Waterproof Binocular
Leupold BX-3 Mojave 10x42mm Roof Prism Waterproof Binoculars

You guys have an opinion?
 
I have been very happy with the Zen-Ray binos that I have. I have a pair of their ED2 in 7x36 and a pair of their ED3 in 10x43. I think the ED2 have been discontinued and the ED3 run right around $400...less if you buy a demo pair from Zen-Ray. The 7x36's I bought were demos and I could not tell them from new. The description on them said the box may have damage, but mine was no worse looking than the boxes on the Cabelas shelves. If you are a LEO or military, they have a 20% discount (you have to email them).

The bad thing about Zen-Ray? Unless you are close to one of the few dealers that sell them, you will not be able to try them. They do have a 30 day return policy if you are not satisfied but it's still a big leap (for me anyways) to spend $400 sight unseen.

When I bought the 7x36's, I was actually looking for a pair of 8x42's. I went to our local retailers and tried out all the brands they had in the $250-500ish range. Nikon, Vortex, Bushnell, Leupold, Steiner, Cabelas brand, etc. After buying the Zen-Ray (both pairs), I can say that they are most comparable to the Vortex Viper HD and Talon HD series of binoculars (both in the $450-550 range). I think I paid $240 shipped for the ED2 7x36's demos and $360 for the NEW ED3 10x43's after the discount. Excellent quality for the price and I have no regrets over the purchase. Clear almost edge to edge, great in low light, and seem to be of great build quality.

Of the 10x42's that I tried at Cabelas, the Vortex Viper HD, Talon HD, and Leupold BX-3 Mojave had me most impressed. The Mojave were not in the same league as the Vortex Talon/Viper but they were on sale for $280 at the time and for that price, they looked like a great value. The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD had me least impressed and I thought they were pretty horrible even for $250 glass. The Nikon Monarch 7's and 5's also left me less than impressed for the price. My handling of all the listed binoculars (except the Zen-Ray of course) was limited to indoors only.
 
I can't help you with 10X42's as they are far bigger than I'm willing to tote around hunting. I've found anything above 8X to be more trouble than they are worth because it is harder to hold them still without some type of support. I have some good 8X42's made by Pentax, and even they get left at home most of the time and some of the 6X-7X bino's get carried. I've never felt shorted on power.

In addition to the ones listed I'd look at the Vortex line.
 
Appreciate the feedback fellas. I've never put my eyes through any vortex glass. I'll have to see if someone local has a pair. The 10x42 are a little annoying to hang around the neck, but I'm in big canyons. The extra power can be a deal breaker. It's not uncommon to make a 500 yd shot. Anyone else?
 
Vortex makes 10x32 binos that are much lighter and more compact than the 10x42, and they are really great glass, too. I don't miss the weight or bulk at all.
 
I have the Nikon Monarch 7 8x. I think they are pretty good glass for the money and I'm very happy with them, but if I was buying them again today I think I would go for the Zeiss.
 
I'd not hesitate to mention the Legend HD Ultras. I compared it to a number that are in the $400 range and feel there wasn't enough difference to justfy the cost. Take a look at them. Right now you can get them for around $200. The harness, strap, and storage case are all pretty good quality too.
 
If you can find switch power or dual power binoculars check them out. I have had many since the 1950's including Hensoldt.

The Leupold 7X-12X Switch Power X 32mm are my favorites. They are small enough to carry yet powerful enough with great resolution.

I was hunting on a large open area. I spotted some deer in a group about a half mile away. I was only going to shoot a buck and I could not make out if there was one there with the 8X's I had.

The Nikon Zoom's are not very good. They have a narrow field of view and are heavy.

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I have the Nikon Monach 8x42's ($300) and a pair of Leupold Yosemite 6x30 ($100). I use the Leupolds more often hunting because they are smaller and I hunt in the woods mostly. I only know about the binocs I own and have used. I'm very pleased with the 6x30's.
 
Savage, I guess we're kind of overlooking the 400 dollar thing huh?:) I'm just not a fan of bushnell or Nikon really.
 
I tried a few sets of binoculars before buying the Steiner Predator model in 8x42. I tried the ten power, but I shake too much to get any use out of them. The 8x is the highest I can manage without getting disgusted. My scope is set to 6x.

What ultimately swayed my decision was my ability to discern colors better than in the other models that I had tried like a Nikon, an "inexpensive" Zeiss, and a Leupold. Animals seem to pop a little better from the foliage. I don't know how to express that in better technical terms, but I am happy with my choice. Of course, a Coke bottle bottom would be better than the halfpenny plastic Bushnells I was using before.

Good luck with your choice.
 
Ive got a pair of monarchs, minox and stieners preditors. Out of the bunch the stieners have a bit better glass, the minox are probably at the bottom of the comparison for low light. The monarchs are the clear winner. Glass is just a hair away from the stieners and they cost less then either of the others. Bang for the buck id take a pair of monarchs for sure. Z rays are another top choise. If you go to cameraland they still may have some non hd models left at close out prices which would put them right in the running for bang for the buck winner. The ones ive looked through probably beat all 3 i own in optical qualilty.
 
skoro, VERY interesting! I have some homework to do. I imagine they aren't waterproof. I'm wondering how robust they are?
 
Well, mine haven't gotten any real hard usage - just carried casually on short hikes. But I will have to say that the stabilization really works well. I'm at the age where magnification over about 8x gets shaky for me, so these make the shakes a nonissue. And the Canons have good glass, too. Put together, it's a real fine combination.

I also have the Canon 15x50IS that I use for stargazing. Outstanding binos, but way too heavy for field use and WAY more than $400 these days. The 10x30IS is small and light enough to be practical for scouting.
 
Seeing great reviews for them, just don't know any hunters recommending them. Also debating a used pair of Leicas for 5-550. Dang, this is tough!!!
 
Blackops,

I use Pentax 8X42's. I use these for both birding and hunting.

- Picture quality is awesome.
- They are tough.
- They can be carried around the neck although a little bigger than I like for hunting but cannot afford a dedicated pair for each discipline.
- The are waterproof .... in fact everything proof.
- The can be used with or without spectacles on your face. The eye piece screws in and out.
- Had mine for 7 years now and they do a lot of work.
- 8X because at 10 times one tends to shake a little more and clarity suffers as a result.

Here they are;

http://binoculars.toptenreviews.com/binoculars-review/pentax-dcf-cs-8x42-details.html

Don't think the prices are valid anymore. You won't be sorry, no need to pay more than you have to, great band for your buck.
 
I am very fond of my Vortex Diamondback 8x32. Nice and compact, and the picture is very clear. Plus definitely doesn't break the bank. Their warranty is pretty great too, I had my spotting scope crack the lens after it fell, called them up and they repaired it for free.

The only glass that would be comparable based on your list that I've used was a mid range Zeiss model but I cannot remember the model of that one. I've got pretty good eyesight, so I didn't notice any huge differences between them and my Diamondbacks. YMMV
 
I'm not too familiar with Pentax and vortex. Where is there glass made? Probably china as are most. Are the frames durable/well made?
 
About 16 years ago, I bought my Minolta, Classic 10 X 50W for around $59.00. Of course they are now discontinued. They are unbelievably clear, even in moon light. They can be bought used for about $40.00 to $50.00, and are worth a look. I assure you, I would not sell my pair for $200! Not a chance. Best binos I ever owned!

Before being discontinued, they were priced at about $300.00

Geno
 
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I just bought a pair of sub $400 8x42 binoculars. I spent a bit of time researching mid priced binoculars. In the beginning I thought the Pentax DCFs were the class of the field. They have gotten some nice reviews.

Then I saw these Vanguard Endeavor ED binos. They got a great review here: Birdwatching.com . The birdwatching people are very persnickety about their binos and spotting scopes. I respect the birders opinions concerning optics.

The main points for the Endeavors were the ED glass at this price. ED glass really helps in correcting chromatic aberration; usually seen as purple fringing around objects. ED glass is rare in this price category. Also the price was right. The Endeavors usually sell for around $350 which is a bargain in this category. But Vanguard has a $50 rebate until the end of the year so they are a bigger bargain. Then Amazon had a sale at $250. So the Endeavors were $200 with the rebate. I pulled the trigger on that price. It was almost half price.

After I brought the Endeavors, Amazon had something called a one day "Gold Label" sale at $160. That was half price. This sale repeats every so often. A great deal if you're willing to wait.

After I got them, I was very happy. I spent hours looking at things through the Endeavors and comparing them to my Leopold 8x40s. The Endeavors looked much brighter and clearer. But they seemed to me to have about the same resolving power.

The Endeavors are probably the class of the sub $400 category. I'm glad I got them especially at the price I paid.
 
I can't help you with 10X42's as they are far bigger than I'm willing to tote around hunting. I've found anything above 8X to be more trouble than they are worth because it is harder to hold them still without some type of support.
Click to expand...

This^^^^!! A full day of glassing with 10 power glass will give a case of eye strain they just shake to much. My preferred config is an 8 or 7X42 more power than that and you really do need a tripod to do serious glassing work.
 
blackops said:
I'm not too familiar with Pentax and vortex. Where is there glass made? Probably china as are most. Are the frames durable/well made?
Click to expand...
Vortex optics are made in Japan or the Philippines, depending on the model. The entire Vortex line carries an "everything/any reason/forever" warranty, and their products are well made. You can run em over with your truck ten years from now, and Vortex will replace em free. I owned a Vortex Diamondback riflescope I was really pleased with. Only reason I sold it was because I sold my only rifle at the time, too.
 
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