I have been lurking here at this forum for some time since it appears to have very good info on binoculars. I am planning a trip to Colorado soon and expect to to do lots of wildlife watching. I am also a hunter but I primarily hunt in the eastern US so it is at much shorter ranges than Colorado but usually in darker woods. My eyes are getting worse and I would really like to see what I have been missing.
I have decided on a pair of 8x42's for the light gathering ability. I would like to spend between $400 and $500 for a good pair of binos. Here is my short list with the prices I have found online. Can anyone give me an idea how these compare. The only ones I have been able to find near me are the Kowa's and the Steiner. Any help would be appreciated.
Vortex Viper 8x42 $400
Minox BD 8.5x42 BR $450
Pentax DCF SP $430
Kowa 8x42 $440
Swift Eaglet 8x42 $400
Steiner Merlin $450
I had also thought about a pair of porro's like the Swift 820ED for $350.
I need something light, clear, waterproof, rugged and good in low light.
Once again I would really appreciate any help from the knowledge base at this forum. Without this forum, I would not have known enough to even pick the items above.
Thanks
I have both Viper and 7x Eaglet. I have not yet seen an 8x42 Eaglet actually in stock, but maybe that has changed in the last few days. The Eaglet and Viper are very good glass. So is every Pentax SP and Minox I've ever looked at. I have to say I've never seen a Merlin or a Howa. You will have to get to 2x or more in dollars above these to improve much. If you find one you like at a dealer and it suits you, I'd just get that one and be happy with it.
The first three look good. Try to get 25 oz or less. I just got a harness for my 29 oz pair.