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AR15.COM
11/14/2010 8:08:04 AM EDT
Looking for a pair of serviceable compact binos for deer hunting. Like to spend less than $200.

Anyone have any recommendations based on personal experience?

Thanks for any help.
11/14/2010 11:17:41 AM EDT
[#1]
Ive been using the Leupold Yosemite binos for about 4 years now. They are very light and clear while very affordable.
11/14/2010 7:54:26 PM EDT
[#2]
I have a pair of Nikon Monarchs that are awesome.
11/15/2010 4:11:56 AM EDT
[#3]
What power range are you looking to stay in?
11/15/2010 4:52:10 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
What power range are you looking to stay in?


I'm not too sure. Most of my hunting is in thick, brushy areas, I'm looking for something that can help me distinguish a deer's ear flicking from a bird at relatively short range (40-70 yards) through thick brush.
11/15/2010 5:10:33 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
What power range are you looking to stay in?


I'm not too sure. Most of my hunting is in thick, brushy areas, I'm looking for something that can help me distinguish a deer's ear flicking from a bird at relatively short range (40-70 yards) through thick brush.


I have bought several pairs of 8x21 or 10x25 cheap shit, rubber armored Tasco, Vivitar, Barska to keep in various bags, vehicles and in all honesty they have all done exactly what I have needed them to do which is pretty much what you are wanting them to do(and none have broken or otherwise failed). No one is going to be impressed with them, but they do what they are supposed to do. If I was going on a African safari I would probably upgrade, but for dropping in a cargo pocket and going walkabout you really can't beat them.
11/15/2010 5:20:55 AM EDT
[#6]
A pair of Steiner 8x30 Military marine binos aren't bad for the price (You can get them for 200 bucks new).

They are individual eye focus, so to use them you close one eye, look at an object approximately 50 feet away and turn the eye piece until the focus is correct for that eye.  Do the other side and then you don't have to fiddle with them again.

The field of view is large and to use the binos you just look through them.  Everything from approximately 15 feet out to infinity should be in focus.  No knobs, etc.

This is fast and it works well for deer hunting.  The binos are also lightweight (polymer body and simple construction), water resistant (but don't take them swimming) and the optics are acceptable for hunting use.

Everything is compromise- stick to 7-8 power in order to preserve a good wide field of view and to minimize hand shake.  30mm or larger objective lenses are good as they will give you a decent exit pupil size for use in low light.  

Good luck with your hunting season!

11/15/2010 6:55:10 AM EDT
[#7]
I have a pair of Steiner predator pro 10x26 that I'm very happy with.  I think they were about $150.