Image stabilization is the near future for binoculars. I played with Sig Zulu 6’s a few weeks ago. The stabilizer was impressive. I’m going to wait for Swaro to catch up to Sig.
First pair of binoculars recommendation?
- Thread starter Wellzbells
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shrapnel
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If you can't tell the difference, buy the cheap binoculars, but don't say Vortex and that ilk are in the same solar system in optical quality!
you don't need swaro/leica/zeiss to be a successful hunter, end of story.
there is no "need" to upgrade if you start with mid or even low tier optics.
i think the reality is some people realize they'd like to upgrade their glass after their initial setups because few people can and are willing to afford top tier out of the gate, and that's fine. but it's that first upgrade point, that's the point where you really need to consider paying for alpha glass IMO.
everyone's gotta start somewhere, newer hunters or newer western hunters should just get some affordable glass and go hunting. realizing that nothing can compare to and that you should probably fork out for some alpha glass when the point comes is a rite of passage.
even then, mid tier optics do the job just fine if you let em. you just simply don't need swaros to go out, find animals, kill them, and have a good time.
there is no "need" to upgrade if you start with mid or even low tier optics.
i think the reality is some people realize they'd like to upgrade their glass after their initial setups because few people can and are willing to afford top tier out of the gate, and that's fine. but it's that first upgrade point, that's the point where you really need to consider paying for alpha glass IMO.
everyone's gotta start somewhere, newer hunters or newer western hunters should just get some affordable glass and go hunting. realizing that nothing can compare to and that you should probably fork out for some alpha glass when the point comes is a rite of passage.
even then, mid tier optics do the job just fine if you let em. you just simply don't need swaros to go out, find animals, kill them, and have a good time.
Chama Grande
Well-known member
I think the first pair I bought was a cheap Vortex 12x50. I learned that I didn't really like that size, and 10x42 just felt nicer. I'm glad I eased in, learned what I liked and what I didn't and then invested.
I've used them all and own several different types including Swaro's.
If budget is important I think you'll be more than satisfied with some economical Vortex, Leupold, Steiner or similar.
Move up to premium grade stuff when you can afford it or just keep using the more economical stuff. The important thing is to get out there and go hunting.
If budget is important I think you'll be more than satisfied with some economical Vortex, Leupold, Steiner or similar.
Move up to premium grade stuff when you can afford it or just keep using the more economical stuff. The important thing is to get out there and go hunting.
Laelkhunter
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I was going on an Alaska Cruise and wanted to bring my binoculars. I didn't want to chance bringing my Swaro, so I picked up a pair of Vortex Crossfire at the local Cabelas store. The quality was quite surprising and they were on sale for $149 and I had some Cabelas points so I got them for right around $100. I don't regret it, they are quite decent. They certainly aren't even close to my Swaro, but I used them for extended periods on the cruise, and I am quite happy with them. They will be perfect for my Grandson during deer season.
seeth07
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I find it interesting on how everyone just jumped right to what they use and how they love them rather than focus on trying to figure out what the OP really needs in a set of binoculars. There is a huge difference in what a "good pair of binoculars" looks like based on what its intended use will be. Maybe he is going to be mostly just sheep hunting and wants to be able to pick out sheep 2 miles away while glassing. Recommending Swaro's makes sense. Or maybe he is a meat hunter and is going to be hitting river bottoms with does tags and will be mostly just still hunting or stand hunting in which case a $50 Bushnell's will do just fine and be a good enough pair to have.
Even beyond those extremes, there are a lot of ways to hit the mountain/woods and go on a hunt where you aren't sitting on a ridge and glassing for hours. You may also not be picky and trying to decide whether its a 250" bull or a 300" bull and the quality of the binoculars just isn't going to matter as you quickly determine if that elk is worth pursuing at a mile away.
What is way more important as someone starting to gear up is the footwear and clothing. Preparing yourself with comfortable, dry apparel means more time of enjoyment out there. Not the minor difference from what a $300 to $3000 binoculars will do.
Even beyond those extremes, there are a lot of ways to hit the mountain/woods and go on a hunt where you aren't sitting on a ridge and glassing for hours. You may also not be picky and trying to decide whether its a 250" bull or a 300" bull and the quality of the binoculars just isn't going to matter as you quickly determine if that elk is worth pursuing at a mile away.
What is way more important as someone starting to gear up is the footwear and clothing. Preparing yourself with comfortable, dry apparel means more time of enjoyment out there. Not the minor difference from what a $300 to $3000 binoculars will do.
300stw
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i have the slc and tract toric 10x, i really like the tracts for 500 used, im afraid to leave the slc in the truck anymore,
ive owned most all the popular binos, i wouldnt take any free vortecs, leupolds, nikons ect, the meopta, or tracts are my 2nd favortes
ive owned most all the popular binos, i wouldnt take any free vortecs, leupolds, nikons ect, the meopta, or tracts are my 2nd favortes
I'd rather be comfortable and have middlin optics than the other way around.
noharleyyet
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Need a grin icon
Yep. mtmuley
noharleyyet
Well-known member
^^^^
WVmike
Well-known member
I started out with a pair of vortex crossfire 10x42 and they did the job for a while. Just upgraded this season to a pair of Leupold BX-4 and they are night and day better. If I would saved up more money I could buy a pair of swaro or something equivalent. It depends on preference, budget and how much you are going to be using them. Especially starting out, you may change your mind and say hunting isn't for me, but if you're moving to WY, I'm jealous and that is a dream of mine to do someday. I've used Schmidt and bender optics, nightforce, trijicon, etc while in the military and sure they are some of the best glass I've ever used, I am in no way going to go spend $3,000 for a scope to put on my rifle to use in my current living situation. Maybe if I'm a millionaire and just farm and hunt for a living, sure, but otherwise I'm not. I also would be divorced. 
Just by saying that I'm not saying leupold is better vs so on and so forth. Go to a store that sells optics and see what you like and things like that.
Just by saying that I'm not saying leupold is better vs so on and so forth. Go to a store that sells optics and see what you like and things like that.Bro. I bet you burn the shit plate too.
Dude wipes brah. mtmuley
I fear you have become an influencer with your trendy butt wiping and use of vernacular.
I bet you don't even have your 1983 Bushnell's any more. Sad. Low light transmission. Not very good ocular fitting!
Ha. Still rocking a early 2000's vintage Leupold Wind River 10X42. With a backup. mtmuley
Johnny Bravo
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Exactly...I have a spotter and binos from them and I have not used them enough to say how much better than X they are or equal. I do have a pair of NL pure's and I plan on testing them this year....I'm just lazy....
