Best Value for money Bins at around 300usd?

[ESTEBANNIC]

Hello all,

Looking into getting some new bins. I have been looking at the nikon atb monarchs and the pentax dcf range. Any opinions? Also for general birdwatching which is best 8 x 42 or 10 x 42?

Thanks for any feedback

Steve

[Timedrifter]

Hi Estebannic! If you get a chance have a look at William Optics 8x42 APO. See this site in Spain http://www.imvo-roure.com/
Personally I have gone from 10x42 to 8x42 and don't regret it. I am using the above WO bins and am very pleased with them. But please look at them first before you buy any of them. Also see this Birdforum review http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/showproduct.php?product=117

[FrankD]

At US $300 I would definitley be buying a set of the Nikon Monarch 8x42s. I think their optical quality coupled with their overall design (weight, ergonomics, etc...) make them the best buy in that price range.

[Tero]

Also for general birdwatching which is best 8 x 42 or 10 x 42?

We have been thru this a hundred times. The answer is: it is a personal preference. If you said 8x25 vs. 10x25, I would have taken the 8x25. This is more complicated.

[horukuru]

how about the bushnell excursion ?

any difference between excursion n monarch ?

[Otto McDiesel]

how about the bushnell excursion ?

any difference between excursion n monarch ?

the Monarch is better built and the optics are better.

[ceasar]

the Monarch is better built and the optics are better.
The optics are fine but I'm not sure about them being better built.

I was visiting with a friend in from the west coast today. He has had a pair of 10 x 42 Monarchs for 6 months or so and he loves them, especially the eye relief, as he wears glasses. I don't wear glasses. When I screwed the right eyecup out, it fell apart in my hand. We were able to fix it and it is no problem for him because he keeps them screwed in all the time. It would be a BIG problem for me though! Optically, the bins were great, as far as I could tell with 10 minutes use. I'll know more tomorrow when we go to Hawk Mountain. We can compare them with my 8 x 30 E2,s and 10 x 35 E's, both of which have problems with their rubber coverings!

Bob

[ESTEBANNIC]

Thanks for the info

Finally gone for a pair of Nikon atb 8x42. Will see how they perform.....

Cheers

Steve

[FrankD]

I think you made a good choice.

On the Excursions, I tried them about a week or so ago at the local Cabelas. I was particularly interested in their close focus distance as there were some comments to the negative about it here on the forum. I actually walked away liking the bins somewhat. The resolution wasn't there compared to the Monarchs or any of the other mid to high priced glass but they did present a reasonably bright image with an exceptionally wide field of view. If I had only $200 to spend then it would be a tough call between them and the Nikon Sporters.

[Saphire]

I don't think you can get better value then I got this week a pair of 10-30x60 rubber coated Bins from ALDI. They are crystal clear at all distances which was a big surprise. They are called Traveler, 5yr warranty, by Foto-Elektronik-Vertriebs GmbhiF, Germany. I Paid £14.99p how's that for a bargain.

[horukuru]

thanks n hope i can try the nikon monarch soon :o