Binocular Help?

[JoseyWales82]

Im thinking of purchasing a new pair of binocs.

Im looking in the lower range of $250 and below. (so dont suggest swarovski please)

The models im interested in are:

Nikon Monarch 3 atb 10x42

Leupold BX-2 Acadia 10x42

Vortex Crossfire 10x42

Vortex Diamondback II 10x42 (not sure the difference between crossfire and diamondback)

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Catcher20]

I have a pair of Leupold Mojave 12x50's I bought a few seasons ago and they are worth their weight in gold! I cant remember how much I paid for them, but compared to my fathers swaros, they are right up there in quality, but only a fraction of the cost!

[LloydMcCoy]

Swaro..... Never mind. Save another year and get a better pair. Optics are almost as important as your weapon of choice

Good huntin and good luck

[YLEKeyeOT]

I've used Nikon Monarch 5 10x42 for several seasons now...been happy with them. They're a little more than the Monarch 3 and I don't know the differences - but like I said, I've been happy with them. I don't treat them nicely and they seem to hold up well. If I totally trash them, I'll just get another pair. I'd be madder-n-a-wet-hen if I trashed some swaros or other high-dollar binos. I know they've got the warranties to back them but you've still gotta deal with sending them in and waiting for returns potentially right in the middle of a season.

[JoseyWales82]

thanks yall.

[mojorider]

I love my Vortex glass!

[JoseyWales82]

I love my Vortex glass!

Do you know what the difference between the models I listed?

[systemnt]

Vortex diamondbacks...

PM Arrowsmith

[SwampRabbit]

I have the next model up from the Acadia... the Cascades. I really like my binos. They are nice. I only paid $275 for them from Amazon (I think they are usually 300). I tried the Acadias (same weight and feel) but the Cascades had a noticeble crispness.

Keep in mind that the higher the objective lense, the more light you let in (50 is better than 40) however, the higher the magnification, the more your shaking causes blurry images. Most recommend to not go much higher than 7. I think mine are 8s. I borrowed a buddy's 12s and didn't like it because of shake. If you want that magnification, carry a spotting scope with a tripod and get better magnification.

[VorTexan]

Diamondbacks best bino in that range up to a $100 or more higher. Not a fan of the crossbacks spend more for the Diamondbacks then get on here and talk high pitched like a school girl on how excited you are with your purchase and how impressed you are. Yes I can say that I've heard it dozens if not a hundred times over the years they ARE that good and the warranty should you ever need it is the best out there.

[systemnt]

Diamondbacks best bino in that range up to a $100 or more higher. Not a fan of the crossbacks spend more for the Diamondbacks then get on here and talk high pitched like a school girl on how excited you are with your purchase and how impressed you are. Yes I can say that I've heard it dozens if not a hundred times over the years they ARE that good and the warranty should you ever need it is the best out there.

I dont talk high pitched like a sch... yeh ok.. you got me...about the diamondbacks i do...

[mojorider]

Do you know what the difference between the models I listed?

Not sure. PM Arrowsmith. I saved up and purchased a pair of Viper HDs and love them!

[JoseyWales82]

How about 8x VS 10x?

I want compact and light so Ill be looking at a 42mm objective max.

[JoseyWales82]

Lots of people like this Vortex company.

My brother bought a scope and he cant stop talking about it.

Im usually a Nikon guy, but vortex is getting a lot of attention lately.

[mojorider]

How about 8x VS 10x?

I want compact and light so Ill be looking at a 42mm objective max.

I went with a 10X42. I do quite alot of 3D shooting and the extra magnification really comes in handy. For me, works great hunting as well.