Binoculars for dad???

[Dan Brelje]

Here is the thing, my sister and i have yet to get my dad a xmas gift. Our mom said he has mentioned a new pair of binoculars lately, however, we know nothing about them. I think our budget would be right around $100. Are there some decent pairs that you can get in this price range? If any of you have any insight it will help. Recomendations will help. Anything to help me start looking will help. Thanks in advance.

[LABS4ME]

A very good set of binoculars for a reasonable price would be Carson Optics. I hust read a report where they had the second highest light transmission beating out other "big" name high end glass like lueopold and stiener. There are different websites that have good prices on the YK series for just over a hundred bucks. I think I'm going to order a pair for myself for bow hunting next year. Do a google search for Carson Optics and there is a site that has some big discounts and free shipping.

Good Luck!

Ken

[harvey lee]

http://optics4hunting.com/

This company is a sponsor for FM. I have bought items from Nick and the service has been very good. He could suggest the best set for the money you want to spend.

[lawdog]

Always good to support the site sponsors right Harv?

I see they have the Carson Optical 10x28 YK Waterproof

for $109.99 asking price on their sight too Labs.

I don't know anything about that brand, but for $100 they'll set you up with some real decent serviceable glass for your dad. Not like Swarovski stuff, but very decent serviceable field glasses. As I've said a lot before, I've really gotten partial to Nikon for the price vs. quality comparison I think its hard to beat...

[Ufatz]

This is an area where a guy has to proceed with caution. It is not neccessary to buy the MOST magnification so don't just go for some 10X50's or something like that. Believe it or not Pentax makes some nice reasonable glasses. So does Nikon. The danger of the low end glasses is that they may not last long. I'll be the honest guy here and tell you that you are simply not going to find a lot in that price range. Maybe something else for a gift and Dad can buy the glasses for himself later?

[prov1900]

I have a pair of the Steiner Safari's. I am real satisfied with them, other than the fact that you have to re-adjust the eye piece every now and again. They are real sharp. Relatively close to the price you are looking at. If you are going to spend $100, spend just a hair more and get him something that will last a lifetime. (Or buy him a cheap pair and spend the extra on yourself) Like everything else in our spendy sport, you get what you pay for. Nikons are great too. Go to the store and check them out before you buy any glasses, you can get a pretty good feel for quality, even in the store. Research the magnification, power/etc and compare to what your father requires/wants. You cant go wrong with quality.

[delmuts]

i won't get into the brands. but some thing you need to consider is how he will be using them. does he do more glassing of open aeas, or longer distances? then a 10x 50, or a variable set mite be an option, but if he is glassing more of a brushy area,timber or even using them to watch golf tournaments, then something a little less power but more of a wide angle would be great.if using them for hunting, then a compact , or smaller size could be good.

[JBinSD]

My advice would be get him a gift card from Cabelas or some place and let him pick out his own. I have never seen a very good pair of binoculars for $100. He may want to add a little to the price to get something he will actually enjoy using.

[Whoaru99]

Quote:

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This is an area where a guy has to proceed with caution. It is not neccessary to buy the MOST magnification so don't just go for some 10X50's or something like that. Believe it or not Pentax makes some nice reasonable glasses. So does Nikon. The danger of the low end glasses is that they may not last long. I'll be the honest guy here and tell you that you are simply not going to find a lot in that price range. Maybe something else for a gift and Dad can buy the glasses for himself later?

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I agree with the Pentax. I have a compact binocular from Pentax, DCF-something or another, that is on the order of 8x25. I bought these in Cabela's bargain cave for $70 or $80 if memory serves me.

It all really depends on what they will be used for. If it's early or late hours, then something with larger objective lenses, larger exit pupil, and the more expensive fully multi-coated lenses will gather and transmit more light.

I do have a pair of 10x50 and they gather the light pretty well, but they are large and not very convenient to lug around.

In addition to the brands mentioned, I've seen some nice Burris binos too.

If he wears glasses be sure to get some with long eye relief so he gets a full field of view.