cart SHOPPING CART You have 0 items
SELECT CURRENCY

Discussion Forums

Search forums
Forum Index > Optics > What binoculars are hunters using?

What binoculars are hunters using?

13 Jul 2014
@ 04:10 pm (GMT)

Shawn Bevins

What binoculars are you guys using? What power preference and weight do you think is the best for extended carry? I currently have a 10x42 that I am thinking about replacing.

Replies

13 Jul 2014
@ 05:42 pm (GMT)

John Smith

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I also have a 10x42 that I am thinking about replacing. Too hard
to hold steady. I think an 8x will be my next binocular.
13 Jul 2014
@ 11:48 pm (GMT)

faulkner

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
guys I've been using a 8.5x42 Swarovski since 2006. The image and colour are excellent and I have spent days behind them and not once ever had eye strain. The 8.5 power compared to the 10 power I prefer for the bigger field of view and I seam to get less visual disturbance from my shaky hold with the 8.5 if that makes sense. There are occasions that more power or more compact would be nice but for a do it all, go every where I have been very happy. They where a lot of money and still are but I have never once regretted buying them!

PS a range finder built in would be nice;),,,,, Cheers Aj
14 Jul 2014
@ 01:47 am (GMT)

Les Mulloy

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
G'day Shaun
My preference are Nikkon Monarch 's - I have 2 pairs , 8x42 for hunting , 10x42 for Birdwatching - they are very light & compact compared to many other makes and are extremely good value for money
14 Jul 2014
@ 02:43 am (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Hi Shawn, I am using Leica 10x42 BRF. Took us a year to save for. As a guide, these upped my success rate- finding game for clients. I cannot speak highly enough of these.
14 Jul 2014
@ 06:16 am (GMT)

Shawn Bevins

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I've used my 10X out west where the extra magnification helped. I spend most of my time hunting NY in fairly dense woodlots and old growth. The spot and stalk type hunting is aided greatly by a pair of binoculars. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to pick out an eye or an ear moving and be undetected. I borrowed a pair of binocs last year and saw something I've been missing.. The colors popped out. I'm guessing this was a difference in coatings. My wife noticed it immediately. They say women have better color perception. Unfortunately I can't just try binoculars out.

Nathan..You're killing me budget.. :-) Between the parts for a custom rifle coming together and a few other things, I've been skrimping.

Thanks for the replies..much appreciated.
19 Sep 2014
@ 10:17 pm (GMT)

robert meikle

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
have a pair off opticron verano 8.5x50 which are realy good jap glass had Swarovski. and for the money the opticrons are far better. Swarovski kales leica are all good glass. but are they worth 3times the price I think not. I like stuff that works and if it cost less and can do the job im happy. and if opticron manufactured rifle scopes id have one on my gun.in a flash
26 Nov 2014
@ 08:57 pm (GMT)

Randal Graham

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Saving up for a new set of good eyes, but i got this old set of Barska 10x42 bino's that were bought on a whim as a knock-around set...and they have actually been great, and were cheap. Good solid spare set. Certainly not world-class clarity but really quite good for throwing in the bottom of the bag just in case.

I'm tempted by the bushnell rangefinder binos.
26 Nov 2014
@ 09:04 pm (GMT)

Randal Graham

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Quote:
I've used my 10X out west where the extra magnification helped. I spend most of my time hunting NY in fairly dense woodlots and old growth. The spot and stalk type hunting is aided greatly by a pair of binoculars. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to pick out an eye or an ear moving and be undetected. I borrowed a pair of binocs last year and saw something I've been missing.. The colors popped out. I'm guessing this was a difference in coatings. My wife noticed it immediately. They say women have better color perception. Unfortunately I can't just try binoculars out.

Nathan..You're killing me budget.. :-) Between the parts for a custom rifle coming together and a few other things, I've been skrimping.

Thanks for the replies..much appreciated.


Shawn, I live in Nova Scotia,pretty much the same kinda brush I hunt in.
The very biggest and bestest thing I Did here to increase hunting success was to get good glass, and I have always liked 10 power the best, with a good fine focus, you can see through holes and gaps using the focus that is almost like x-ray vision.
I can't imagine hunting without good glass at all anymore.
27 Nov 2014
@ 02:41 pm (GMT)

Mike Davis

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
early on I had compact 10x that were good but drowned then in lake while duckshooting so replaced them with waterproof 8x...nowhere near as good for out in open country and my 9x40mm scopes are better.
I have a very old pair of Zeiss 10x50 binos at a guess they were made 60s or 70s (leather hard case)and Ive put them up against modern high priced glass and they are as good if not better.
I can sit and glass for hours without eye strain. tip I learnt from thar hunter is to lie/recline on your back up against a tussock bush or something similar to rest the back of your head on and brace elbows on your chest...sure takes the strain out of it and neck wont end up aching.
the big heavy binos are great if close to wagon and come if going to be out in open for day but wee compacts get the nod if bush hunting is order of the day.
27 Nov 2014
@ 02:52 pm (GMT)

Robert Adamson

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I've been using a pair of Swarovski 7x42 SL for about 10 years, I saved for a long time to buy them but of all the shooting gear I've brought I've never regretted getting them.
I also tried 10x bino's but found the field of view too small.
27 Nov 2014
@ 05:17 pm (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Hi Shawn
The best I've used are Minox HG 8.5x52 BR excellent!!
I've just bought a pair of Bushnell Fusion 1600 range finding 10x42 binoculars. The optics are not as good as the Minox but I'm happy with them. I've ranged out to 1400m
I've been told that the optics in the newer 1 mile model are not as good?
Cheers
Bob
27 Nov 2014
@ 06:35 pm (GMT)

Bryan Webster

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Swarovski EL Rangefinding Binoculars 8X42 is what I use presently.

Best equipment I have ever owned. Also used to use a set of 8X42 Bushnells when I worked with the BC Fish and Wildlife Branch in Northern BC, but after a few years bought bauch and Lomb 10x50 binoculars and found them far to bulky so only used them when using a vehicle or on horses.

Will not likely ever change from what I have now.
29 Nov 2014
@ 11:36 am (GMT)

Shawn Bevins

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
For hunting from my rig I am using a pair of Pentax 10x50s . Too heavy to carry but decent glass. My carry pair is cheap 10x42s. But I am seriously considering going to 8x for hunting the brush. I have to tuck them into the coat after using them to keep them clean. Currently doing a lot of coyote hunting which is run and gun style hunting. The less weight the better.

Appreciate the responses. I plan on saving my change for this pair. [b]
29 Nov 2014
@ 10:55 pm (GMT)

Jim Dunbar

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I am looking through MINOX BL 10x42 BR model binos and i Love them. They easy on the eyes - Light and very Clear !
Cheers Jim
04 Jan 2015
@ 06:03 am (GMT)

joshua sutcliffe

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I have looked through alot of binoculars i currently use swarovski EL range 10x42 , i have owned leica swarovski meopta & steiner, if you are need one with a rangefinder built in get the EL range 10x42 and if you dont require a built in rangefinder get Meopta meostar 10x42 HD, they are not far at all behind the swaro optically and are quite a bit cheaper.
05 Feb 2015
@ 10:36 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I decided that I would make some "Life time purchases ". Of which a range finder and binoculars where on the list. So I now have a pair of Leica 10×42 range finders. At 1400yrds you can clearly see the individual flower heads on the scotch thistles. They are so clear to see thru. My hunting mate was amazed although looking at the moon I can't see the Apollo landing craft . I think it's money well spent as now I have them for life.
05 Jul 2016
@ 01:35 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Has everyone stopped buying binoculars? Or have they brought good ones and are so happy with what they have? Remember to change the batteries and probably good to corrosion proof the contacts inside the battery compartment and lightly WD40 the batteries then wipe before installing? An ounce of prevention's better than a tonne of cure?
05 Jul 2016
@ 02:02 am (GMT)

Shawn Bevins

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I am saving my pennies. Buy once, cry once. My current binoculars aren't awful so I decided to use them until I can afford some good glass.

I haven't used WD on batteries before. Will give it a try.
05 Jul 2016
@ 05:50 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Yeah just a bit on a rag and wipe batteries Don't want to contaminate the internals . A dab of rubber grease on the o-ring seal to stop friction binding and ensure waterproof seals maintained by the battery cap, may be cheap insurance ?
05 Jul 2016
@ 07:36 am (GMT)

Chris Murphy

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
I'm running bushnell fusion 10x42 not the greatest optics but they range very well I've had 1800 yard on a road sign
05 Jul 2016
@ 07:57 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
So you're the bugger that's been shooting out the road signs eh Chris?
05 Jul 2016
@ 01:02 pm (GMT)

Ricardo Laborin

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Hey Shawn, as the guys say, it all depends on the type of hunting.

I carry stock 10x42's in the bikini setup (Swarovski SLC) AND pack the Big Eyes SLC 15x56 tripod mounted for extended glassing sessions. It would be an understatement to say that we now spot 500% more game with this setup when compared to the pulse held binos.....I cannot recommend this "dual loading" enough.



05 Jul 2016
@ 04:38 pm (GMT)

Shawn Bevins

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Does anyone use a spotting scope? I found them tiring to use.
07 Jul 2016
@ 10:15 pm (GMT)

Tom Dixon

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Im using the Vortex Talon8 X 42, amazing value for money, they are around £400 here, and are up there with European glass of 3x the price. If your budget is really tight the vortex diamondbacks are great too. I bought my Mum a set as a gift for bird watching, they are first rate for less than £200. The way the pound is going that's probably about 200NZ dollars so maybe buy from the UK lol.
08 Jul 2016
@ 03:46 am (GMT)

Warwick Marflitt

Re: What binoculars are hunters using?
Quote:
Im using the Vortex Talon8 X 42, amazing value for money, they are around £400 here, and are up there with European glass of 3x the price. If your budget is really tight the vortex diamondbacks are great too. I bought my Mum a set as a gift for bird watching, they are first rate for less than £200. The way the pound is going that's probably about 200NZ dollars so maybe buy from the UK lol.


£400 is $712NZD
 

ABOUT US

We are a small, family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing, and rifle accurizing.

store