Anyone experienced with binoculars?

[jzmtl]

So I want to upgrade my knockoff bushnell with something decent, I want the same magnification and objective, 10x42. Unfortunately nobody has the 10x42 version of the model I want in stock, only the 8x42, and I've been looking for a month now.

It will be used for general purpose from birdwatching to scenery, no hunting at the moment but I don't exclude the possibility in the future. I like the detail provided by 10x42 and don't find holding it steady to be a problem, so if I were to get 8x42, would I be disappointed by the lose in magnification? I've googled a bit but opinion is pretty polarized, some say it makes no difference while others say they can see details with 10x but not 8x.

[KDX]

Check some of the birding forums for reviews of different models. Optics Planet may have some as well. Cameraland is pretty good to buy from. Poro prism is the best bang for the buck.

[stealth007s]

I own the Leupold Cascade binos. I really like them a lot. You can get the BX-2 model for $300 or so at Cabelas depending on the color (black or Mossy Oak Break-Up). Here's the link:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Leupold-BX-2-Cascade-Binoculars/1166877.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dleupold%2Bcascade%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=leupold+cascade&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[jzmtl]

Just checked opticsplanet, apparently they had set up a canadian site front, but still rapes buyer on shipping so it's cheaper to buy locally. Leupold also charges the foreigner tax, the BX2 is $100 more expensive here.

Never thought it would be so difficult to buy a good set of binoculars.

[Suveges]

I've had really good luck with CameralandNY, plus their staff is really knowledgeable.  birdforum.net has a huge forum, they like binos as much as we like multitools.  What brands were you shopping?

If you're in the Calgary area I'd be happy to let you try some of mine.

[stealth007s]

Just checked opticsplanet, apparently they had set up a canadian site front, but still rapes buyer on shipping so it's cheaper to buy locally. Leupold also charges the foreigner tax, the BX2 is $100 more expensive here.

Never thought it would be so difficult to buy a good set of binoculars.

Sorry, wasn't paying attention that you are in Canada. Leupold is still worth it IMO. You may be able to even go with Swarovski if the Leupolds are that much more, if you're willing to fork out the extra $$$

I have friends swear up and down Bushnell. They do make good stuff, just not as clear to me.

Good luck searching!¡!

[jzmtl]

Don't really have a brand in mind, still looking around, swarovski is way out of my price range though, they start at $1000+ here.

Bushnell does appear to be the best performance for the money so far.

[stealth007s]

Don't really have a brand in mind, still looking around, swarovski is way out of my price range though, they start at $1000+ here.

Bushnell does appear to be the best performance for the money so far.

My thoughts as well. I had the extra cash to spend on the Leupolds, so I got them.

[Suveges]

What is your budget?  I can recommend some models if I knew.

[jzmtl]

I don't have a strict budget per se, it's dependent on the quality/price ratio. So far from the bushnell models, legend ultra HD can be had for around $250 depends on 8x or 10x. The Elite 8x is about $375, although I'm not sure the increase in price is worth it as the reviews of it and legend is mixed, some say good improvements some say not much difference, although the eye relief is great for eyeglass wearers (i.e. me). Nobody has elite 10x in stock.

Also looked at Nikon monarchs, the FOV is quite small, and a lot more expensive than legend even though both are made in China so it's pretty much out of consideration. Steiner predator's eyecup doesn't work with eyeglasses and military/marine is too expensive.

[Suveges]

Check out Zen-Ray, also China made but really good bang for the buck I find.  I have an 8x42Ed that I love.  They've made improvments since then as well. 

[KDX]

I have 2 different Nikon binoculars and think they are pretty decent for the price. The Travelite EX is nice for driving/hunting as it will fit in a jacket pocket if you are ever in the market for compacts.

[jzmtl]

The zen ray prime looks interesting, although quite big. Too bad there is no good source for it, coming from US I'd get nailed hard by customs and postal agent.

[Suveges]

The zen ray prime looks interesting, although quite big. Too bad there is no good source for it, coming from US I'd get nailed hard by customs and postal agent.

Such is life for us Canadians    If you want to source from Canada check out http://workwearcanada.com/products/category.cfm?category=54

A friend of mine has the Meopro, excellent glass for the money.

[Pacu]

I used issued Steiners back in the 90's. I remember them being awesomely clear and well built.

http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/home

[stealth007s]

We were issued Steiners with our vehicle kits when I was in the Army. Good optics

[jzmtl]

Update. I ended up getting a pair of bushnell elites, was going to get legend, but hell, it's my 30th birthday, so going to treat myself a bit.  Going to carry it for birds etc. when I go snowshoeing this winter (if it ever snows, sigh...). It turned out to be heavier than I expected, so I'm not sure if I can take the weight, or get another compact bino.