Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm not a hunter, but I figured you folks would know of this.
I live in high-elevation New Mexico, and am surrounded by wildlife and scenery, and want to take advantage of this: in my backyard for the nearby mesas and canyons as well as local travel. Looking at birds, animals and scenery.
What's a good set of entry-level binoculars, new or used? Good construction and travel-ready for the field is a necessity, as well as some weather-resistant and drop-resistant materials (I'm a klutz, though they don't have to be bulletproof).
Make and model, please. Bang for the buck is good, too.
Thanks all!
In theory 7 x 50 is better for low light conditions (objective lens = magnification x 7, more than that doesn't pull in any more light) but they're a LOT bigger and more expensive for the same quality of optics.
More than 7X, handheld becomes difficult. At 10X or so you're going to want a rest or tripod. So for the general ”observe wildlife and scenery” I'd get a good pair of 7 x 35s. Later on if you have specialized needs, you can get a second pair.
I agree with Rabbit33. The 7x35 binoculars are the best all-around kind for what you have in mind. I have a set of the 7x35 and a set of the 10x50. While the 10x50 are certainly better for greater detail at long distance, they generally require a support of some kind to hold steady and aren't well suited for general viewing.
In addition, the 10x50 are about twice the size and weight of the 7x35 which makes them bulky and heavy for hanging around your neck or carrying. I haven't checked prices lately, but for general viewing, you don't need the most expensive binocs made.
You can get a Nikon in the above recommended magnification for relatively short money. If you want to see really clearly, take a look through a Zeiss binocular. Expensive but excellent. In general, avoid compact binoculars.
Of course for used, look in pawn shops and etc. I have found that the Tasco brand offers quite good quality for a surprisingly low price. But of course if you are looking used you won't be shopping brands. If you get the chance to look through a high end glass like Ziess, do that, even if you don't buy one now it's good to know what true excellence looks like.
A really good glass lasts the rest of your life if you take reasonable care of it.
Many years ago my in-laws got me a Nikon 10-something (forget the model) and they suited me well. That’s until I started hunting with a buddy with a Swarovski EL. I started calling my Nikons ghetto glasses after that, lol.
I’d say Leupold or Vortex are good option, especially used. Another friend has Vortex and they’re better than Nikons (I think). Go to a reputable sporting goods store and look thru some glass. Do it twice, once during daylight another at dusk. Sportsman’s Warehouse and my local gun store let me do that. Find which you like best and hunt for deals.
My wife and I now own Swarovski NL Pure 10x42 and its phenomenal
Of course for used, look in pawn shops and etc. I have found that the Tasco brand offers quite good quality for a surprisingly low price. But of course if you are looking used you won't be shopping brands. If you get the chance to look through a high end glass like Ziess, do that, even if you don't buy one now it's good to know what true excellence looks like.
A really good glass lasts the rest of your life if you take reasonable care of it.
Even budget binoculars like Tasco can last 40 to 50 years with reasonable care. I know because I still have some that work like new.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
