Time To Update The Kit - Binoculars?

[TurkeyRookie]

The one thing I don't have, nor have ever had, is a good pair of binoculars.

Always had "okay" or "decent pairs"

looking for some make/model suggestions on a good pair, I don't need to be able to count the number of rocks in a moons crater with them, but good enough to see across the turkey and deer fields, or spot / id birds on the water.

And the biggest thing, no fogging!

Hoping around the $200 - $250 mark.

Thanks.

[trimmer21]

Canadian Tire has the compact Bushnell Marine rubber-coated 10X50. The last time I checked they were under $100. I use them for everything and strongly recommend them.
I just did a quick check,TR,and the type I have aren't listed on the CT website. They have the 'bushmaster" type which,IMO,are cheap junk,however,they still carry Bushnell compacts which should be excellent.

[MikePal]

Watch the magnification TR.....alot of guys like to do the x10+ only to find it's too hard on the eyes to 'glass' a field for very long.

The military issues x8 Bino's for general use based on the ability of the eye to be stay comfortable for longer periods of time.

The Optics are important and pretty much driven by cost .....a budget of $200-$250 will get you a good quality pair.

[Rugger]

My dad (getting shaky) bought a pair of bino's with a built in image stabilizer. I was shocked at how well they work. Very impressive but you're looking at $400+

[terrym]

I have a pair of Vortex Viper 8×42. Great set of binos which are above your budget but they have some in your price point which are quite good. Best warranty in the business too.

[rick_iles]

I have a pair of Vortex Viper 8×42. Great set of binos which are above your budget but they have some in your price point which are quite good. Best warranty in the business too.

I second the vote for Vortex. I have always had crappy binos, so I finally invested in a good pair. What a difference good optics make !

[TurkeyRookie]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, checked out the vortex, yikes, that may be a Christmas gift from mom and dad

[MikePal]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, checked out the vortex, yikes, that may be a Christmas gift from mom and dad

Yea there's paying for quality and then there's paying 'stupid' for no reason.

If you have a chance, swing into a Henry's store and check out their Binoculars. They sell a good quality line of Nikon bino's that will meet your needs at the right price point. I picked up a pair many years ago and the still work great.

http://www.henrys.com/76871-NIKON-8X...BINOCULAR.aspx

[Ahuntr300]

With optics, you get what you pay for; get the best pair you can afford.

[MikePal]

I always find it interesting when you look thru the unbiased reviews on things like Bino's. Outdoor Life does a pretty good job at looking at what is important to an Outdoorsman.

This review is telling in that you have to look beyond brand names etc....

The most expensive, Swarovski’s, gets the same 'price/value' rating as a much cheaper, Bushnell one at 1/4 the cost.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/ga...eview/?image=1

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/ga...eview/?image=3