First I’d like to say thank you. I’ve read this forum for a long time and relied upon the birding communities wisdom to choose optics. It is fairly obvious that you all are a very educated bunch and the standard for optics doesn’t get higher than birding.
I am looking for a good 8x32, or 8x30, or 8x28 (midsize) bino that i can use while hunting timber (sightlines are typically 100yrds or less) that will give me good light gathering at dusk. I can’t afford swaro, Leica, or Zeiss. I’m really trying to stay $500 or under. My current hunting binos are vortex viper HD 8x42.... great binos, but I’m really wanting smaller profile glass that i can also go turkey hunting with, but will give me good light gathering at dusk to spot deer. I have a pair of maven b3 10x30 and vortex viper 8x32 on loan to try out, but want to see if you kind folks have any other suggestions for me to look at.
Thank you in advance for the help.
Hi!
The Vortex Viper HD 8X42 IS a nice binocular....you probably can't do a lot better if any for an 8X42 for the money....
So you are looking for a smaller profile glass....I can understand that.. ..I'd drop the idea of a 10X30 though.....I just don't think it will be bright enough for your uses. I also think an 8X30/32 WILL probably be bright enough for you to do most things you are wanting to do and in most low-light situations. If not, you still have the 8X42. I think it will be interesting for you to compare between the two..
Here's the ones I'd consider(no certain order):
1. Maven B.3 8X30 OR 6X30
I had the B.3 8X30 for a short time. For the money, I thought it was really a great binocular. I wear glasses and the eye-relief wasn't quite enough. Otherwise, I would have kept it. I feel pretty good about recommending it even in the short time I had it. Everyone that has the 30mm B.3 seems to really like it. You might even consider the 6X model for your uses....more FOV and a little more light....
2. Nikon Monarch 7 8X30.... I haven't used this one much...I saw a deal on it so I bought it. Really nice binocular as well. I wish I would have had the Maven 8X30 and the M7 8X30 at the same time. What time I have had with this binocular it comes across as a nice one for the money...(BTW...look on BF classified ;0 )
3. Vortex Viper HD 8X32.... I've had this binocular for quite a while. It's not flashy or a very "sexy" choice but quite honestly...it's a really good binocular for the money. I will say the one I have is the "Made in Japan" model which NOW they are made in China....so the Japan model is the one I'd feel comfortable recommending....
OTHERS....
Opticron BGA Classic 7X36....
gcole has one of these for sale on the BF classified. I don't know a thing about it personally but I'm betting it would be great for your needs. Gwen has never said anything but good about it. You might send gcole a PM with any questions... It's all I can do to not purchase it myself...
Vortex Viper HD 6X32....
Gilmore Girl has THIS one for sale on the BF classified. She's giving it away practically.
Sidenote:
Do you ever take a birding ID guide with you while hunting? IF not, I think you SHOULD!
I'd like to recommend Kenn Kaufman's "Field Guide to Birds of North America." It's cheap, small, and has about everything you need. Learn all the birds around you while you are out in the field. Impress your buds! :t: