Binoculars

[Seabass77]

I am considering some Nikon Manarchs for scouting and was wondering what everyone here uses. I am looking @ the 10 x 42's which is a pretty typical hunting noc from what I am told ( I am new to this lingo) but since these will be used mostly for scouting ducks, 12 x 42's seemed like they might better for finding ducks on the water.

The clerk mentioned though that the 12 x would have a smaller field of view, be harder to find moving targets, and have more visible "shakiness"

Any feedback on the brand and/or level of power is appreciated.

Thanks

[lawdog]

Hand holding anything over 10 power is tough in my opinion and yes you do lose some field. Talk to the site sponsor at Optics for hunting and they should help you out.

The Nikon Monarch is a great choice in binos by the way.

[fishonnopeoff]

I use Leupold Wind River Cascade Binoculars 10X42. And love them

[Gofishleech]

I have both the 10 and 12 power Monark's and I cna't really tell the difference with these old eys but both are great binos

[xedge2002]

I am planning on getting a pair of monarch's as well. I've never heard anything bad about them. My dad has a pair of Tasco something or other and those are suprisingly clear for the price. I think he paid around 50 or so for them they are 10x42. not quite as good as monarch's but for someone looking for a decent pair that's fairly light and not gonna break ya they are pretty good.

[jlm]

I have both sets mentioned as well. Great glass for the money. Either choice is a great one! Good luck!

[Ufatz]

Well Seabass....I'm gonna say this and leave it at that. Two things: You are looking at too MUCH magnification first. Second, buy ONE pair of Zeiss glasses and use them the rest of your life. Buy the 7X42 or 8X56 armored. The older generation if you can get your hands on them. The price will scare &%$#$% out of you but you'll never buy another pair and you'll be stunned by the difference when you look through them.

Okay. I've done my good deed for the day and my conscience is clear.

[harvey lee]

I believe that for the average hunter you dont need to go broke buying a pair of field glasses. There are plenty of very good options for the average joe to buy and not break the bank.

Its great if you can purchase a set for mucho bucks but for the average hunter I think there are options that will do just fine without spendy all your cash on 1 set. I would call Optics for Hunting and see what they suggest and how much they would run.

www.optics4hunting.com

[Seabass77]

Great feedback, keep it coming. Thanks again.

[jlm]

I agree, high end glass like that is out of reach for most average hunters. They sure are awesome though!!! For most, Nikon and similar brands will also last a person the rest of their life if they are taken care of. If you want larger magnification without the big price tag, take a look at the action series from Nikon. Not as good of glass as the Monarchs but if you are using them for day time scouting, they will work great!

[Dag_1979]

I bought a set of Leupold Cascade 10x42 last year before the hunting season.. Great investment for finding sleeping mid-day muleys in Wyoming sage, and also seem to be be perfect for my MN bow hunting/slug hunting.

[bigyooper]

Here is the breakdown on the Monarchs, years ago they were some of the best binos for the money. They were made in Japan and had some great optics. Now the switched to China, which there's nothing wrong with Chinese optics.What this does is puts Nikon in a level with a bunch of different binos that are made in China. I am a huge Zhumell and Vortex fan in this catagory. I hope this clears up the Monarch thing, don't be closed minded on the Nikon's if you are looking int he $300 market.

[JDM]

I have a pair of Nikons and the Leupolds. I prefer the Leupolds because the go up to my eyes better (I wear glasses), they seem to be better in low light, and I can pick out pieces of game from the brush better than the Nikon. For scouting waterfowl, either one should work.

[harvey lee]

I purchased a pair of Zhumell's from Optics 4 hunting and am very happy with them. I bought them from Nick and he was very good to deal with. I believe either a 25 year warranty or lifetime.

[BLACKJACK]

Harvey what size Zhumels did you get? Do you wear glasses, if so, how did they fit?

What size would people get, the 8x42 or 10x42?

[bigyooper]

All the bino's I use are 8 power, the 8's are easier to hold steady.What you gain in steadiness and light intake with the 8 power is not worth the 2 power you gain with the 10.

If you are interested in the Zhumell's I can get FM members a really good price.

[harvey lee]

Blackjack

Yes I wear glasses and they work pretty good. They are a bit better if I take my glasses off. Sometimes I do and other times not. I have the 10x42. They are pretty clear glasses. I am happy with them and they are the best I have ever owned.

I was going to take another look through them with my glasses on, but they are in North Dakota.

I have looked through some pretty spendy binocs and for the money I dont know if you can beat the Zhumells.