What optics do you use?

bonepicker · Dec 16, 2010

Hey guys, I'm looking for some experienced input here. I'm looking to get some new binoculars for shed hunting. I've had my 7.5 Nikon binos for 10 years of abuse and the finally gave out. (for $70 I'm definitely more than satisfied, hate to have to get rid of them) I'm looking to upgrade magnification and maintain or upgrade some in the glass quality. My budget is 200-500. I want something that is not too cumbersome but I don't have to have a compact set. I'm not afraid of a little extra weight and size for a good set of binos.

What do you guys use?

Cahunter805 · Dec 16, 2010

In that price range check out Vortex optics!

Idahoshedhead · Dec 16, 2010

I cant wait to see the flood of responces all saying the same thing. Swaros, Zeiss, Vortex, and Steiner. Truth is you dont need the top of the line binos to find sheds, you need a good eye and good boots. I will never spend more than $200 on a set of binos becuase you dont need em. So while you guys are sittin on the hill pulling your exspensive binos out of your little protector bag to glass for two hours i will be walking right by you pickin up those sheds your trying to glass. Oh by the way ALPEN is the best buy for your money.

hornkiller · Dec 16, 2010

Hahahah Heman super hiker hero thats why you do alot of walking and probley by alot of horns 2!!

Hey bud i got some binos im about to sale. Less than a year old and real good price! I will pm you with details.

Longun · Dec 17, 2010

I bought a pair of lightweight Zeiss 10x42's 12 years ago and have had them refurbished twice now free of charge thru the company. They have found hundreds of antlers and cost me $350.00.. Of course my wife picks up a pile of antlers too when I park my butt on a ridge like a big assed vulture waiting for a road-kill...

Epointer · Dec 17, 2010

>I cant wait to see the
>flood of responces all saying
>the same thing. Swaros,
>Zeiss, Vortex, and Steiner.
>Truth is you dont need
>the top of the line
>binos to find sheds, you
>need a good eye and
>good boots. I will
>never spend more than $200
>on a set of binos
>becuase you dont need em.
>So while you guys are
>sittin on the hill pulling
>your exspensive binos out of
>your little protector bag to
>glass for two hours i
>will be walking right by
>you pickin up those sheds
>your trying to glass.
>Oh by the way ALPEN
>is the best buy for
>your money.

Silly guy, If you had some nice binos, you could sit on your butt, and find lots of bone. I find more horns through my binos then I do walking.

rackman · Dec 18, 2010

Vortex would be your best bet for that price range.

fatrooster · Dec 19, 2010

Also, Zen Ray is also another good choice in that price range. fatrooster.

HiMtnHntr · Dec 19, 2010

Your Nikons should have come with a 25 year no-fault warranty. I have sent two pairs of Nikon Monarchs in to be fixed, which has been done both times free-of-charge, and in one case they sent me a new pair. Binos are a must IMO!

bonepicker · Dec 20, 2010

Thanks, I may try to send them back to get them fixed as a backup pair.

bonepicker · Dec 20, 2010

Thanks for all the input guys! I do alot of walking but I always glass when I have a good vantage point. I find probably 1/4 of my antlers by glassing. For me they are vital. This gives me some good info to move forward with.