Looking for everyone's input on what binoculars to purchase next. My son unfortunately broke my old set. They were Cabelas Intensity 10x50 HDs. I would like to stay with 10x50s. They also need to fit in a Marsupial, Small, Enclosed Chest Pack. Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
What binos to buy next?
- Thread starter patboos44
- Start date
alf
Well-known member
I'm a big fan of Athlon's Cronus 10x42's. I actually sold my Swarovskis after I bought these:
athlonoptics.com
I recommended them to a friend for his guided deer hunt, as his Swarovskis needed to go back to the factory, & he's thinking about selling his too when he gets them back.
Cameraland has them on sale for a killer price right now:
Cronus G2 10X42 High Power Binoculars from Athlon Optics
The Cronus G2 10x42 binoculars use a Magnesium chassis to reduce weight while keeping the chassis rugged to withstand the scrapes and bumps of constant use.
athlonoptics.com
I recommended them to a friend for his guided deer hunt, as his Swarovskis needed to go back to the factory, & he's thinking about selling his too when he gets them back.
Cameraland has them on sale for a killer price right now:
Hecouldgoalltheway
Well-known member
Just an idea. I went to ranfefinding binos probably 6 or 7 years ago, and I can't imagine life without them now. The vortex set is good, better than you think. Sig has some refurbs on their site (or did last week) for an absolute steal. I'm using the leuopold BX4's now, and they are spectacular.
It all depends on how much you actually intend to use them. If you intend to spend hours and hours on a spot glassing then eye fatigue and quality glass is very important. The price point options will not be very enjoyable if your glassing for an extended time. If your ever considering a western hunt and are looking for a lifetime investment then bite the bullet and get some European glass, its the best in world for a reason.
I'm a snob for quality glass and anything from Swarovski, Meopta and Leica will serve you well. They all make rangefinder incorporated options as well if your wanting that.
For simple "truck" binos to leave on the dash or backseat to look through from time to time opens up a ton of options to fill the bill, Vortex, Leupold, Athlon and many others have very capable options. These are also suited to carry to the deer or coyote stand where your only using them briefly to check things out.
I'm a snob for quality glass and anything from Swarovski, Meopta and Leica will serve you well. They all make rangefinder incorporated options as well if your wanting that.
For simple "truck" binos to leave on the dash or backseat to look through from time to time opens up a ton of options to fill the bill, Vortex, Leupold, Athlon and many others have very capable options. These are also suited to carry to the deer or coyote stand where your only using them briefly to check things out.
longrange454
Member
Swarovski. You won't be sorry.
wolverines
Well-known member
Like others have said, we'd need to know the intended use in order to make good suggestions. I think everything above is spot on, but I wouldn't invest $1K+ on a pair of binos for the truck. For me, I use 10x40s for bow hunting. I just don't like the bulk of 50s on my chest when shooting a bow. Rifle hunting, I use 12x50s. If I'm going to carry the bulk of 50s, I might as well go with the 12 power. Mine fit in a Hornady bino chest pack just fine.
Hecouldgoalltheway
Well-known member
I'm sorry every single time I spend $3k+ on anything..
I'm typically not a bino guy but have bought a few sets. Years ago I gotta half-off coupon for Alpen Optics and bought my wife a set of their top of the line binos, at the time top rated by birders. She used them for birding and as a truck pair in her RV. 10x42's and are really nice.
A few years ago I needed a set of bino for the truck, the Bushnell's my parents gave me for Christmas in the 80's had lived their life. I bought a set of mid grade Athlon 8x42s and they are as good or better than my wife's at 1/3 the price.
Two years ago I needed a smaller set for hunting, even in a chest pack 8x42s are too bulky for ME. I wanted something that fit in a belt pack. I use them just for glassing while hunting javelina. I don't use them predator hunting as I calling them and they are trying to find me, I don't have to find them. I bought a set of 8x32 Vortex Crossfires and am very pleased with them, they do everything I ask of them. They are light and it took me a little to get used to that but I can sit on my stool and brace them with my shooting sticks.
Like others have said without knowing your needs it is hard to recommend. Around here a lot of the guys are using there BinLs mounted.on tripods and spend hours glassing single mountain.
A few years ago I needed a set of bino for the truck, the Bushnell's my parents gave me for Christmas in the 80's had lived their life. I bought a set of mid grade Athlon 8x42s and they are as good or better than my wife's at 1/3 the price.
Two years ago I needed a smaller set for hunting, even in a chest pack 8x42s are too bulky for ME. I wanted something that fit in a belt pack. I use them just for glassing while hunting javelina. I don't use them predator hunting as I calling them and they are trying to find me, I don't have to find them. I bought a set of 8x32 Vortex Crossfires and am very pleased with them, they do everything I ask of them. They are light and it took me a little to get used to that but I can sit on my stool and brace them with my shooting sticks.
Like others have said without knowing your needs it is hard to recommend. Around here a lot of the guys are using there BinLs mounted.on tripods and spend hours glassing single mountain.
I hunt in the SE, combo of hardwoods and pines. For me, 8x32s are the ticket. Wide FOV, nice size. Take a look at the Leupold BX4s. Decent glass, especially for the money. I have a pair of 8x32 Zeiss Conquests, but don't know if your budget will allow.
I also have a pair of 10x40 Leupold BX4s. They will fit in a small Marsupial. I use these when hunting clear cuts and power lines.
I also have a pair of 10x40 Leupold BX4s. They will fit in a small Marsupial. I use these when hunting clear cuts and power lines.
K22-hornet
Active member
With optics, money talks.
The more you spend, the better the glass.
Years ago, I read an article about some Coues Deer hunters in Arizona, that put two Swarovski spotting scopes together on a jig, and made them binoculars.
The more you spend, the better the glass.
Years ago, I read an article about some Coues Deer hunters in Arizona, that put two Swarovski spotting scopes together on a jig, and made them binoculars.
longrange454
Member
Last edited:
Hecouldgoalltheway
Well-known member
Did you mean to say something?
skinney
Director
I wouldn't let the size of your bino pack limit your binocular choices. I do understand your concern, but there are a lot of options that will accommodate various sizes. With that said, whats your budget? We've ran a ton, in the 8x42, 10X42, 10X50, 12X50, and the larger 15X56, with the majority having rangefinder capabilities.
Biggest thing is what’s your price range? And would you be interested in range finder built in with ballistics or not? Athlon Cronus gets lots of good reviews, another close second would be gpo passion ed, these are 500-600 I beleive. The vortex range finding are very good for the price specially if you want ballistics. I have a pair of Leica 3200.com glass is great range finder is very good and ballistics have been spot on. Only thing I wish they had applied ballistics in them without bluetoothing to a separate device.