Looking for really good binoculars for hunting. Need ones that gather light really good but also really crisp and clear. I have Nikon monarch 10 x 42 and they did not cut it when I went moose hunting. You glass miles away and my eyes hurt so bad at the end of the day. The guide could spot and see the moose. I could see it after he pointed it out but not very clearly. I can't afford $2000. I understand there are some really good ones out there with great optics under $1000. Can you make suggestions? What do you have and what is your recommendation? Thanks in advance.

I bought a pair of Steiner Predator 12x42 for a moose hunt last year. They were great. The extra 2 power made a big difference. Of all the gear I bought for that hunt (and there was a lot), those binocs were some of the best.

I have some steiner predator's as well and love them. There are other good brand's out there, I'm just speaking of the ones i have had the most experience with. If i lost mine, would not hesitate to replace them with another set of steiner's

I have meopta 10x42 for around 850 They are the only 10x pair I don't get eye strain from. I M O there are no better than those for the money. They compare to swarovski. If you don't know about them check ebay under meopta, sports. or google euro-optics. Good luck

I like the Nikon Monarchs

go to academy and try some out

About four years ago I bought a pair of Alpen. They were recommended by a bird watcher friend of mine. They have done well, are bright, clear, and durable. Mine are designed for more brush country, and not glassing for hours. But they make them in all types. Originally I was going with Nikon or other well known hunting brand. But side by side, dollar for dollar, these outperformed the others. JMO.

Go to the bird forums and check out what they recommend. The "best bang for the buck" these days are in Chinese made optics. A company called Zen Ray is probably the leader although there are several clones that are all pushing the top level binoculars at a fraction of the cost. Either the Zen Ray ED or the Atlas optics model sold by Eagle Optics will fill the bill for less than $400. Others you might consider are Minox, Vortex, Pentax, and Cabelas (Meopta). All make some good glass.

I bought a set of Alpens when Sportsmans warehouse was in town. I thought they were the best in the 200 dollar range I spent.

Leupold 8X32 Mesa compact around $100.00

+1 vote for Meopta's, also try Minox HG's.

leupold gold ring 10x42, this is what i have and they are awsome

Those are good too.

How do the Leupold Wind Rivers measure up against the rest?

MINOX, MINOX, MINOX, MINOX!!!!!!

Have heard nothing but good things about them from people that can afford anything they want and who already have a pair of Swaros, Zeiss or Leicas. They're really supposed to be "that good". I have two pair of Leicas and they'll be the next glasses I buy.

Contact GR8FULDOUG here on the forum. IMO he has the best prices and service.

Regards,
Scott

Yep, Doug @ Cameraland has some great prices, and has some Minox on special right now.

I also have Alpen's. Decent glasses for a lower price. The focus on mine can be a bit stubbon occasionally.

I've been using the 8x42 WR Mesa for several years now and really don't care for them all that much. That's why I'm checking out this thread too.

The plastic coating has worn off the barrels just from handling them, and I am always having to fiddle with them to refocus, and even then they never seem to focus just right.