Looking to buy a pair of binoculars

[Buckhammer]

Buy a pair of Vortex. Their customer service is outstanding. Lifetime guarantee. Doesn't matter if you break it or it is a fault of theirs they will fix it for free. Your house could burn down and all you send them is a molten pair of binoculars. They will send you back a brand new pair

 

[Ultradog MN]

Have been buisy and kind of dropped the ball on this. Spent some time on youtube learning stuff tho.
We're going up to the property on Thursday and Cabellas is on the way so we'll stop in there and actually look through some different powers, etc. Will look at some spotting scopes too.
Also been looking at Craigslist and Marketplace. There's lots of used ones for sale . Am rather parsimonious so probably will buy used.
Rifle deer season is still a month out so I have time.
I appreciate the help so far.

 

[bmack95hd]

I’ve also been looking for a pair of binoculars but I don’t understand the ??/?? numbers. Looks like the 10/40 is a popular choice.

 

[scootergmc]

I’ve also been looking for a pair of binoculars but I don’t understand the ??/?? numbers. Looks like the 10/40 is a popular choice.

In your more open country of Western Colorado I would want 10x42 (magnification x lens size). In that case, it would be 10x power of magnification, and a 42mm objective lens (lots of light). Those would be good for spotting those wolves as they chomp on your cattle.

 

[bmack95hd]

In your more open country of Western Colorado I would want 10x42 (magnification x lens size). In that case, it would be 10x power of magnification, and a 42mm objective lens (lots of light). Those would be good for spotting those wolves as they chomp on your cattle.

Thanks for that explanation of the numbers. Down here we have more coyotes, elk and plenty of open space.

 

[scootergmc]

Thanks for that explanation of the numbers. Down here we have more coyotes, elk and plenty of open space.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pair of mid level Vortex 10x42 if I was in your shoes.

 

[bmack95hd]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pair of mid level Vortex 10x42 if I was in your shoes.

, already started looking.

 

[SETX]

Buy a pair of Vortex. Their customer service is outstanding. Lifetime guarantee. Doesn't matter if you break it or it is a fault of theirs they will fix it for free. Your house could burn down and all you send them is a molten pair of binoculars. They will send you back a brand new pair

I have Nikon binocs and love them. Clear as a bell.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

Try the local ArmyNavy surplus store.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Try the local ArmyNavy surplus store.

I came up north yesterday evening.
Stopped at Cabelas. It's right on my way.
Been by there 70? times in the 8? years since I stopped in there.
Went to the optics section and a very knowledgeable fellow about my age answered a lot of questions and let me look through some binoculars and spotting scopes. There was a stuffed albino mule deer there and I looked at it. I guestimated it was 50 yards from where we were. The salesman grabbed a laser range finder and it registered 47 yards which made me happy cause I guessed pretty good.
The place is huge. You could measure 90 yards from one end to another.
I didn't buy anything.
Will start looking at auctions...

By the way
I stood that lookout watch with those giant binoculars maybe 50 times.
The only thing I ever saw that was of any interest was between Key West and somewhere - maybe near Gitmo.
I reported a shiny object to the bridge.
It was kinda flashing cause of the waves and the early sunset.
I gave them an estimated range and relative bearing. About 3 minutes later the ship changed course to go for a look see.
They stopped a couple hundred yards away from it and let down a motor whale boat to investigate..
It was a typical Alumacraft type rowboat. The styrofoam under the seats was keeping it afloat.
They hauled it aboard.
I think the Bosuns Mates probably stole the thing.
But I never got anything out of my find.
They were a bunch of shysters anyway

Thanks to all!

 

[NoDakInMN]

With binoculars, you get what you pay for. For years I had lower priced sets, then I bought a Scheels branded pair that were made by Vortex, spent about $250 on them around 10 years ago, the comparative Vortex brand was about $100 more. This set has such superior optic quality, especially far greater light gathering capability at dusk or dawn making it look like midday, I find myself getting far more use out of them. I keep them handy around home for looking down the river that borders my homestead and they pretty much go with me in my truck everywhere I go, you never know when you might spot something interesting. So to sum up, I wouldn't go cheap or used and would never buy on eBay because you can't look through them before buying. Yes, buying a set from a Scheels or Cabela's is more expensive, but you get a great warranty and they stand behind them, but I found that if I divide the cost of the higher quality ones by the hours of use I get out of them, they then are the better buy because I'm getting a better return on my investment.

 

[drsportster]

What were the german ones the cops used in the book BACK TO BLLOD. The cops in the book said they were the best I forgot the name but it was two words

 

[Ultradog MN]

What were the german ones the cops used in the book BACK TO BLLOD. The cops in the book said they were the best I forgot the name but it was two words

Carl.Ziess?
I am bidding on a pair of those.

 

[Square Eye]

Possibly Zeis Icon.

 

[drsportster]

The ones the cops used in the book were Steiner Used for marine and inner city surveillance and stake outs Thought they were German made