binocular help
 

I have a L.L. Bean gift certificate for $150.00. I want to purchase some binoculars for hunting. I hunt in Missouri so lots of deep woods. I have found some Nikon Buckmasters for $150.00. They are described as 10X36, field of view 293 ft. @ 1000 yards. I don't know what that means. Are these okay binoculars, or would I be better off to purchase binoculars elsewhere and get myself something else from L.L. Bean? Sorry if this is a repost. :)

I bought a pair not too long ago, but I can't see a damn thing out of them. You look through them and it's just black.

Take off the lens caps.

Bogie, I would suggest Stieners and nothing else. You'll need to add a bit to your GC, but down the road you will be more than glad you did.

I have a pair of Steiner Safari binoculars. Great optical coatings - and they are the cheaper Steiners. Game really stands out with them. Not only that, I don't have to focus them. They are crisp from 15' on.

After a short perusal of LL Bean's site, I see Steiner isn't an option so I'd say buy something else with that GC and get some Steiners someplace else.

Here's my Binos: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm


*Note, not all Steiners are auto-focus. If they don't have a focusing knob in the center, then they are.

It was a joke Chet(s).

Not to be impolite but I've heard better jokes.

Were you using them at night?

Thank you so Pastor. This is exactly the kind of info. I was looking for. I appreciate it!

Hey Bogie, did you get some binocs yet? What did you end up going with?

BUSHNELL binoculars, proud to call Kansas City home.

I did Pastor. I ordered the exact pair you suggested...
STEINER 9x40 SAFARI BINOCULARS DRK BRN
I received a confirmation email today, that they shipped today. I'm very excited!
Thanks!!!

I was going to suggest Steiner as well. Best glass for someone on a budget. I'm not sure if $150 will get you much, but about $300 will get you a nice set.

As someone who has bought the the cheap pair, only to end up regretting it and getting a good pair, I recommend you take your time shopping around, and don't settle for lesser glass because of price. Better to wait an extra season to get the pair you really want.

Go to a store and just look through a lot of sets. Slowly weed out the lesser ones until you find something that looks great and fits your budget. A big store like Cabelas or Bass Pro will give you room to really recognize the quality at longer distances.

I wouldn't own another pair of Bushnells. Optic quality is poor, I had a pair that had no lens coatings whatsoever, and when they broke, even though they were under warranty, Bushnell wouldn't even look at them.

You can spend $50 every year or two on cheap binoculars or you can spend $2-$300 once.

I was just repeating what I heard on the radio ads.

I hope you are as satisfied with yours as I am with mine. I might also suggest Butler Creeks Bino Buddy:

Bino Buddy Link

They keep the binoculars strapped to your chest without pulling on your neck but because of the elastic, they allow you to pull the binoculars up to look. Mine keep my binoculars snug even when I am crawling through the brush.

Don't look though the Swarovzkys or Ziess though! The guy that sold me on the Steiners said he looked through a pair of Swarovskys and they make his Steiners look cheap. 'Course they cost a grand.

Thank you sir!!!

Bino Buddyz are the ticket to keep your binocz snug to your chest, I've had mine for 3-4 yearz, their Grrrrrrrrrrrrreat!

Stalkers

My advice is you look in small end and it makes things look bigger.

I received my binoculars today and they are great!! Also, ordered the Bino Buddy today. I'll be completely set up. Thanks again for your help.

GREAT!!!


A word of caution, if you are road hunting with a friend, don't put the Steiners on the dashboard 'cause your buddy will usually try to grab them before you do whenever there's something to look at.

Glad you liked them!

Bumpola..

My parents want a set of Binoculars for Channukah. I'm looking to spend around $150. They will be using it on their cruises, and for football games (probably), and whatnot.

Can anyone recommend a set? I see Steiner recommended alot, but when I look those up, they are more than I want to spend.

Burris and Leuopold are VERY quality as well.


http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...sku=0002453696

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...ku=00023300192

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...ku=00023300193

I have a pair of the Burris Landmark 10x42 that are MUCH, MUCH better than any Bushnells you can get from Wally World. They do not compare to my Steiners though.

Nice call for the money Mike..............I agree.

'Course, if he REALLY loves his parents...

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...sku=0005558061


:)

How do these look?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...529&hasJS=true

Waterproof is definately a big thing since they will be taking it on cruises, and well..uh..you never know.

What does the "power" mean? I have 2 choices , 8x23 or 10x23?

Leupold is QUALITY. You won't have to worry about ANY of their products. If you want to save $10 ($20 on the higher power) look here:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.co...sku=0002453534


One thing people don't normaly realize though is the compact binoculars don't let as much light in so you can't use them early or late in the day. Compacts are great if you carry them a lot and look through them occasionaly. Full size binoculars are better if you are going to do a lot of viewing.

Yeah, they won't be viewing through them a whole lot.

Thanks for the advice, i'm going to go with the Leupold. :)