Binoculars for Hunting?

From: Chad
Subject: Hunting Binoculars

I am looking to buy a new pair of binoculars for hunting and I'm considering a couple of different pairs. I hunt in a wide variety of places, both wooded and open and leaning towards 10X42. I'm looking at the Leupold Golden Ring HD, Vortex Viper, and Nikon Monarch X. I don't know how much experience you have with the newer Nikon binoculars but wanted to see if you could point me in the right direction. Which do you think is the best? I'm sure you like the Vipers but is it worth the extra cash for the Golden Ring HDs? Also, I know the Monarch X are new but wanted to see how they stacked up against the other two models. And are there any others I should also consider? I am willing to go as high as $800 but if the $500 binoculars are just as good why pay the extra money?

Thanks for your help,

Chad

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Hello Mr. Leksan, thanks for the email. Of the three binoculars you mention, I quite like the optics through the Golden Ring but many people think the Vipers are a great value. I have looked through the Monarch X and though the optics are nice, I don't see added brightness like I would expect from their larger objective lens. I also didn't care for the feel of the Monarch Xs in my hands, but that is very subjective of course.

There are some other nice models to possibly consider, but they are just slightly outside your price range. I'm thinking of the Meopta binoculars and Minox HG binoculars. Both models offer slightly better optics (better resolution and contrast) than the three models you've been looking at, the Minox HG is also an easier weight than the Leupold and Meopta models.

Hope this helps!

Leupold Binoculars?

From: Jonathan
Subject: Leupold Binoculars

I am looking at Leupold binoculars and I'm torn between the Mojave 12x50 and the Olympic 12x50 for my next set of binoculars. These will be used mainly for hunting (long distance glassing). Which set would you recommend and why? Thanks for the help!!

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Hi Jonathan, though both of those Leupold binoculars are quite nice, I think the 12x50 Mojave is the better of the two. I took both of them out earlier today and was very impressed with the Mojave. For about $50 more than the Olympic, the Mojave is a much better binocular, offering a brighter, more contrast-y image with far fewer chromatic aberrations. Though the Mojaves are a bit heavier than the Olympics, I had an easier time steadying the binoculars in my hand thanks to the Mojave's open-hinge design.

There are some other noteworthy binoculars in the same price range as those Leupold binoculars, check these out too:

- Vortex 12x50 Diamondback - A bit less expensive than both Leupolds, but still very good image quality.
- Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 12x50 - Similar in quality and features to the Olympics, though with a more comprehensive warranty.
- Burris Signature Select 12x50 - A bit nicer even than the Mojaves, though with a more traditional single-hinge design.

Help with Binoculars and IPD

From: Alexandra
Subject: Help with Binoculars and IPD

Hello,
I'm in the field in Alaska. I'm wondering if you have a list of binoculars that includes their specs for Interpupilary Distance (IPD). I have very close set eyes, and have a difficult time seeing binocularly through most binoculars. I currently have a pair of Nikon binoculars which I am looking to replace with a substantial upgrade. I was able to try out a friend's pair of Leica Ultravid 8x42s and could see well through them (the IPD was fine) but I am looking to spend not more than $800 to $1000 on this new pair. Would it be possible for you to provide a list of 8x and 10x binos in that price range with an IPD at least as small as the Leica Ultravids? I am a professional bird biologist, so I'm looking for a pair of binoculars that will be rugged in addition to being good quality.

Thanks very much,
Alexandra


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Hello Ms. Rose, thanks for the email. I measured the IPD for 8x and 10x42 binoculars in your price range to check out, here are some of the highlights to look at:

1. Vortex Razor 8x42 Binoculars (or 10x42 Razor Binoculars)
2. Minox HG 8.5x43 Binoculars (or 10x43 HG Binoculars)
3. Meopta 8x42 Binoculars (or 10x42 Binoculars)

Of these I really like the Minox Binoculars in terms of optical prowess, in my opinion it has a slight edge in contrast and color fidelity over the others. The Vortex Binoculars have the most comprehensive warranty of the three models though.