Best binoculars on a budget?

For example , this is pricing here

http://www.grouseriver.com/Binoculars_s/34.htm

 

Another vote here for Nikon, these will probably be my next pair

http://www.grouseriver.com/Nikon_10_x_42_Monarch_3_p/opt-000513.htm

 

So , as far as sizing , is 10x42 a good general purpose size ?

 

I have a set of

$699 7x50 FMTR Binocular

Fujinon Polaris Marine 7x50 that I've been carting around for about 14 years now. Fully rubberized with integrated lens caps. Super bright/clear optics and these things have been bulletproof. If they ever get swiped or anything, I'll definitely pick up another set. Plus they fit nicely in my center console.

 

I have a Nikon builder's level , the optics are amazing

 

Yep. I wouldn't go smaller than 42 for their light gathering capability unless you're looking for something particularly small/light for stuffing in your pocket. And 10 is a great magnification.

 

I caught some leupold binos from Cabellas for that price....I used my 20% off coupon and they were blowing them out.

 

I'm now leaning towards these

http://www.grouseriver.com/Vortex_15x50_Viper_HD_p/opt-000389.htm

 

Looks like a nice pair. 15x is an excellent magnification, but not something I couldn't make use of without a tripod. The higher the magnification, the harder they are to hold the image steady. I shake like a hound dog shitting peach seeds so for me, it'd be like trying to see while sitting on a paint shaker.

Something else to consider is those will have a small exit pupil (actual image size in the eyepiece). That's figured by dividing the objective lens by the mag power: 50/15=3.33mm, which is rather small. When your eyes are dilated in dim light (oh, I don't know... say in a dense PSW forest at dusk or when it's overcast) the image area coming out of the binos will be smaller than your eye pupil so it'll appear even darker and make stuff harder to see. This is also why the 'standard' marine size is 7x50. It gives an exit pupil of 7.1mm which is usually larger than the eye pupil. Even though it's now "wasting" light because your eye isn't seeing the whole image when it's bright out, it makes it easier to keep a view because it allows room for your eye to move (bouncing around on a boat) without losing the exit pupil.

I've probably just confused this shit more than you wanted, but just throwing a couple things out to consider. It'd suck to drop that kind of coin and not be completely satisfied with the results.

 

Thanks for the info

I want a set that I can use for general daytime hand held use and with a tripod for occasional astronomy viewing , would a 10x50 make more sense ?

 

It would. IMO 10x50 is a good balance between astronomy and handheld use. Still a good exit pupil size too. 7x or 8x will be easier to keep steady when handheld, but if that's not a issue for you, then by all means. For astronomy stuff optical quality is a bigger deal too so stick with good brands.

Is there anyone that you can borrow a set from to see how you feel? Or maybe a sporting goods store somewhere that'll let you step outside with them?

 

Following this post too, since I just started some Birding with the kids. I have some Nikon 10x50's, but need something smaller to have in the truck. Probably a set of 10x40's or 42's.

 

I have a pair of ""Bushnell® 7x50mm Marine Binoculars with Compass and Ranging Reticle"" that I use out on the lake and keep in the truck. I like them a lot. I'm sure you can find them for less $200, I saw $150 somewhere online. As stated here in the thread, my only slight complaint with them is that the lens caps don't stay on very tightly. However I always store them in the bag, the lens caps just come off when removing from the bag.

 

I ended up getting the Vortex Viper HD 10x50's afterall , just showed up 2 days ago

Thanks again Bob

 

I got some steiners for a good deal on ebay. They are similar to what we use in the military and have amazing depth perception.

Edit: you already got some... By bad.

 

Very nice! Let us know how you like them. I've read a lot of great things about Vortex.

 

Just from the few times I've used them I'm already pretty impressed

 

One thing to do is to go try ones you might like, target some smaller, fine lines. look though them to see which one gives the best details.

I have a cool set of Pentax 20x60 for some light range work, minor astronomy fun, and long range viewing. They aren't waterproof but it isn't critical. They fit on camera mounts with the 1/4" threaded mount.

10x42 leupolds is what I carry around, you can find cheaper ones that are just as good overall though.

 

Right on, glad I could help!