Best under $500 and $1,000 (1 Viewer)

[jer03]

Thinking of binoculars for general use including hunting, bird watching, and for car trips.
Size and weight are factors, and I have found that anything over 8X is too difficult to hold steady if used off hand. I also think that something under 40mm objectives is better for my use than 40+.

Considering the above what are the three best binoculars
Under $500
Under $1,000

This is more an old man's contemplation than an intent to purchase.

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Sancho]

In the U.S., check out the websites of Zen-Ray and Vortex. They´ll have a wide selection in both price ranges. Or look at Cameraland.ny who have great deals on demos etc.

 

[jer03]

Thanks, but what I am looking for is the considered opinion of the folks here as to the best in the stated price ranges.
Regards,
Jerry

 

[ceasar]

The 3 best 8 x 30/32 binoculars under $1000.00 are probably these porro prisms:

Nikon 8 x 32 SE and Nikon 8 x 30 EII and the Swarovski 8 x 30 Habicht, They don't sell the Nikon EII in the USA anymore and the Nikon SE is hard to find. I own both of them and I'm very glad that I do! :t:

The Swarovski is available but often it requires a special order and it costs slightly more than $1000.00. I don't own it and have never used one.

The 2 best Roof Prisms I have used (and which I own and like very much) in the under $1000.00 range are the Swarovski 8 x 30 CL and the Kahles 8 x 32 which is also hard to find although Eagle Optics had one on sale recently for about $750.00. Meopta also makes a highly regarded one, the Meostar 8 x 32 in the $800.00 range. The Vortex 8 x 32 Viper HD is priced at around $550.00 at Camera Land but it also might be regarded as the best under $500.00 8 x 32 at that price too. I have never tried the Meopta or the Viper.

I'm not going to get into any 32mm binoculars priced under $500.00. You can get some pretty good ones at 42mm though. And there are some 8 x 36 out there that might fit your criteria.

Bob

 

[eitanaltman]

I'm sure you'll get some other responses, but these are my choices at your two budget points, focusing on 8x32 given your criteria:

$500 = Vortex Viper HD 8x32 or Alpen Rainier 8x32
$1000 = Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32 or Minox HG 8x33

If you want something even lighter and cheaper with close to the same optics the Sightron SII 8x32 is under $200.

 

[PhilR.]

Considering the above what are the three best binoculars
Under $500
Under $1,000

Hmmm.... 8 or less X 39 or less.... a few come immediately to mind:

Under $500
1. Vortex Viper HD 8x32 (or Talon, if one prefers an open bridge)
2. Meopta Meopro 6.5x32
3. Nikon Premier 8x20

Under $1k
1. Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32
2. Meopta Meostar 8x32
3. Nikon SE 8x32

 

[Tantien]

Alpen 8x42 Rainier HD-ED Binoculars?

http://www.sale-telescopes.com/products/Alpen-8x42-Rainier-HD-ED-Binoculars.html

Subtotal: $575.00
Shipping (Flat Rate Per Order): $135.00
Grand Total: $710.00

This site has the best price for one of the top binos reviewed at Allbinos and also the second highest result of their endurance test, edged out by the Carl Zeiss Victory 8×42 T* FL.

Anyone have/used/reviewed one of these binos?

 

[eitanaltman]

Yes, that bin has been discussed plenty but this thread is not the right place for that

There is a search feature on this site, shouldn't be hard to turn up a couple of threads. There's even one already there asking the same question on the first page of the binocular forum: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=257164

Consensus is that it's nearly alpha quality in both optics and build, just a bit on the heavy side. Alpen makes a really good product and has a great warranty too.

 

[Tantien]

Yes, that bin has been discussed plenty but this thread is not the right place for that

There is a search feature on this site, shouldn't be hard to turn up a couple of threads. There's even one already there asking the same question on the first page of the binocular forum: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=257164

Consensus is that it's nearly alpha quality in both optics and build, just a bit on the heavy side. Alpen makes a really good product and has a great warranty too.

Thanks for that link eitanaltman! :t: Yes over 29 oz is a bit too heavy.

 

[jer03]

I am grateful for the responses. I have a high opinion of the assessment of those here. My own use has been primarily hunting, and I have not needed the power to see small birds and at various hours of the day. Accordingly, above 8X has never been needed, and especially since I carried a spotting scope to judge the animal.

I note that Vortex and Nikon are highly thought of, and are available in various price ranges so that one can find one to fit his needs.
Yes, the weight of the Alpen rules it out for me.

The Vortex Viper HD is often mentioned, and that is significant. Thanks for the help.
Jerry

 

[ceasar]

I am grateful for the responses. I have a high opinion of the assessment of those here. My own use has been primarily hunting, and I have not needed the power to see small birds and at various hours of the day. Accordingly, above 8X has never been needed, and especially since I carried a spotting scope to judge the animal.

I note that Vortex and Nikon are highly thought of, and are available in various price ranges so that one can find one to fit his needs.
Yes, the weight of the Alpen rules it out for me.

The Vortex Viper HD is often mentioned, and that is significant. Thanks for the help.
Jerry

Here is Allbinos ranking of the 8 x 32 binoculars. It might interest you.

The exteriors of Kahles and the Viper look very similar. Others mentioned here are also rated and ranked.

http://www.allbinos.com/allbinos_ranking-binoculars_ranking-8x32.html

Bob

 

[jer03]

Hi Bob,
Thanks that is good information. I appreciate it.
Jerry

 

[Tantien]

Hi Bob,
Thanks that is good information. I appreciate it.
Jerry

Hi Jerry: A couple of more for you.
Best High end round-up
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2012highendbins/review.html

Mid Range https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/explore/optics/8x42-mid-priced-binoculars-reviews.php

I decided on my own Viper HD 8 x 32s based on this site, and I am very happy with them. Let us know what you decide and would you even review them here?

 

[jer03]

Hi Jerry: A couple of more for you.
Best High end round-up
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2012highendbins/review.html

Mid Range https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/explore/optics/8x42-mid-priced-binoculars-reviews.php

I decided on my own Viper HD 8 x 32s based on this site, and I am very happy with them. Let us know what you decide and would you even review them here?

My question was primarily just meditating. Since I don't hunt or hike anymore I do not need another pair. However, since I broke my Bushnell Custom Compacts purchased around 1972 I wanted another pair to replace them.
I ended up buying the Vortex Vanquish 8x26. I had never heard of Vortex until I visited here.

They were a good choice for me, and do what I need which is sitting on the patio and observing the bird feeders, or driving through the country. I don't think they are better than my old Bushnell compacts, but would need to have them side by side, which I cannot.

If I were to get a larger pair, I think the Vortex Viper 8x32 would be my choice for an outdoor bin.

I also decided to send my old Bushnell 8x30, purchased in 1958 and which had some problems, to Bushnell to see what can be done with them. I doubt that they will do anything except send them back to me. However, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." so we'll see.

I do have a pair of Nikon 7x35s purchased around 1968. Actually they do what I need, but I wanted a pocket size bin like my on Bushnell.

Thanks again for the help.
Jerry