Binoc Rec for the rivah

it should go without saying but water proof is a must... If they're always buried in a dry box they'll never get used. I can't speak for just boating but good quality optics make a huge difference. You'll see more detail with zeiss 8 powers than 12 power tasco's...

I like 8 to 10 power, 40ish mm objectives. If I were buying new binoc's I'd be hard pressed to not buy a pair of Vortex. They have an unlimited lifetime replacement warranty and are really good optics for the money. I have a scope that I'm blown away with. As far as model get the most your budget can handle, you will not be disappointed. Diamondback 10x42, Talon 8 or 10x42 or viper 10x42. If you want smaller you could go down to the 8x32's (wouldn't do 10x32) but you'll loose a lot of field of view. Since they're not around your neck all day the 42 is just about right, good light gathering ability, can go higher mag and keep decent FOV. The bigger 50mm objectives just get huge and cumbersome. Vortex is also an American company if that's your thing... Leupolds are also great optics, add 20% for the name, similar warranty though not quite as good. Nikon - overrated poorly designed. Bushnell generally suck, thought they do make a few high end glasses that are awesome and fairly priced. Tasco's - don't waste your money. Zeiss, Swarovsky, Leica if your budget is big! Leica Geovid rangefinding binoc's are the shit. If I ever had 2400 to waste on opitics that's what I'd get in a heartbeat.

What is your budget and what do you think you want to look at?

Here is a decent article I found that might answer some questions for you.

Buying Binoculars - Animals and Wildlife - About.com



I have several pairs and I rarely use more that the 8 power. Don't get those zoom binos that are in sporting goods stores. They generally aren't that high of quality and it is hard to free hand them above 10x. Using binos in the boat is challenging as the target is moving and the boat may be spinning and bobbing.

When you try out binos, see how they fit in your hands and how does the focus work with your hands. Lighter can be better if you get serious about bird or wildlife viewing.

If you have a big budget, I have been told by some knowledgeable people that HD glass is a waste of money for men. Somehow the cones in our eyes are different than women. But not sure if that is a wives tale or not.

I agree with Elkhaven that expensive binos are nice. It is amazing the detail they can pick up.

In general there is a big jump from mid to high end (~$600 upper mid level to $1K+ for lower high end) so Id guess your looking in the $400-600 range. If you've got time look at some in the store, check 'em out and find something that fits your face well and is intuitive to adjust - fit will be different for everyone as will eye relief needs. Check them with and without glasses (even sunglasses if you don't wear prescription)

It's a little thing but being able to use them with or without sunglasses is really nice, especially on the river, looking at bright cliff walls, sky, water glare, etc. Since it sounds like your OK with spending the money, I'd look at Vortex Talons at minimum, maybe a Viper HD. Vipers are honestly as clear as mid level Zeiss and low end Swarovski and cost half to a third as much. They really are great optics.

There are several other brands with similar pricing, I believe all make good optics, but I've had several Nikons that failed and both had bad eye cups that broke after a few years. They did warranty them both times, the second time with a new pair that I traded for my current pair (as the eye cups were the exact same design).

ironmanbldr said:

So - do I need to start over here? The first requirement of any option would be water resistance/proofness. What options are still on the table?

Click to expand...

Most good binoc's are waterproof to some level. I would discuss the details with sales people or search by model on the internet reviews. Vortex, Nikon, Bushnell, Leupold for sure market as waterproof, but I have not seen a depth listed. There is of course no use for submerged binocs so that's not what there made for, but I'm sure most would handle a few PSI at least (1psi=2.41 feet of submergence). In an upside down boat they should be ok but I wouldn't want them to be that way for long, probably just because they may not be there once the boat is righted. I have mine carabinered to my frame most of the time, but when things get hairy, I'll put them in my day box. I have bushnell elite 10x42's FWIW-got a great deal otherwise I'd have Vortex Viper's due mostly to warranty. Unconditional, lifetime of the product - not original owner. Best warranty in existence and since I want them out sitting next to me in the boat that would be outstanding peace of mind. Mine (bushnell's) have seen two boating seasons (in the boat ~50/50), 3 hunting seasons and they live in my truck in their case. They still look nearly new. Hope that helps. Bushnell advertises a good warranty, but the forums tend to indicate not such great service. I got mine for very cheap so I thought I'd chance the future warranty issues...