Stillhunting binoculars.

[Bushleague]

I've finally decided to upgrade my binoculars this year. Being a still hunter my typical needs are not extreme, I basically use them to inspect "stump deer", or verify the presence of antlers, or lack thereof, depending on the tag I'm filling. Usually at fairly close range, and low light capabilities are generally not an issue. My old Bushnell 8x46's do the job quite well, but they are dang heavy, so my main concern is getting something lighter.

I think I'd like them 8x or less, and with lenses in the 32-25mm range. At this point I've been looking at the Nikon pro staffs, and the Steiner Millitary-Marine models, but would welcome suggestions in that general $200-$400 price range. Thanks.

[blgoodbrand1]

I’d go with the best glass you can afford in a 8x42. Anything smaller is an effort in futility


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[obsessed1]

For still hunting I love my 10x25 vortex monocular. I attached a clip and wrist strap to it so it can clip on my pack strap or just let it hang on my wrist. My brother has the 8x36 tactical That has built in stadia lines that double as a quick range finder. I find my binos (10x42 and 8x36)are just too big/ heavy and unnecessary for still hunting

[Smoky buck]

Might seem like a bit much to some but I like my 10x42 vortex vipers

[Iceberg]

I just bought the Nikon ProStaff 5 10x50 binos on sale at Cabelas and I love them. Went out for a whitetail hunt just to get out last week up in the 500's. A decent buck came out of the timber 2 minutes before legal light and with those binos I could track him and size him up, where with the naked eye I could not see a thing. I highly recommend Nikon products.

[Bushleague]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Might seem like a bit much to some but I like my 10x42 vortex vipers

I often end up using mine close enough in that even the 8x feels cumbersome. Not interested in more magnification, if I could find 6x binos I would probably go that route.

[Pudelpointer]

I think you are on the right track Bushleague. 7x32 to 8x42 are a good range for still hunting forested areas.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

I often end up using mine close enough in that even the 8x feels cumbersome. Not interested in more magnification, if I could find 6x binos I would probably go that route.

Understandable guys got to go with what fits their needs. I would still recommend looking at the vortex vipers in a magnification that fits your needs. I used Bushnell for years but once I switched to vortex vipers they are a nicer glass. Definitely find them clearer and more crisp. Bushnell elites are about equal quality to the vortex diamondbacks which don’t compare to the vipers to give you an idea

With glass a guy really needs to check them out firsthand and compare brands and models in my opinion

[FellSwoop]

I have just gone through the binoculars conundrum myself. I had a pair of Steiner Preditor 10x42 for about 3 years and have been really happy with them. These are a mid range bino that retail just over $500 when I bought them. However, when I was on a hunting trip in August, I gave them away. I would like to move up to ED glass, but cant really afford this right now and I have a moose and whitetail hunt coming up in November. I do have a pair of 10x50s for the truck and some low price 8x40s that I use for duck hunting, but I prefer 10x42 for big game.
Optics Planet has some great prices, and it looks like some non name brands have moved into the ED glass space at much better prices than the name brands. In the end I have opted to buy some entry level 10x42 binos for this season and possibly next that can hopefully be backup units or for guests who sometimes join me. The I can save up for some good ones.
I saw that Cabelas has a sale on Bushnell "General Purpose Binoculars " for $59, regularly $119. Yesterday afternoon, I stopped by the Calgary store to see them. The sales guy understandably wanted to talk me up to some better stuff that was also on sale. In the end, I did up buy slightly and got the Nikon Prostaff 3, 10x42s on sale for $170 which is only $18 off list price. But I also bought the Bushnells to compare them.
I wanted to bring both of them and see the difference in optics between them when walking the dog this morning, but it is misty and foggy in Calgary today, so that test will have to wait. I can say the the Bushnells have better lens caps than the Nikons and are slightly lighter. I will test them both in November, and possibly get out for some whitetail day hunts in October. I am still on the fence over weather higher end binos give me any advantage over cheapies for most of the hunting I do. Then again, it is a pleasure to spot the racks of deer poking up on the trees edge of a field.....

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by Bushleague

I've finally decided to upgrade my binoculars this year. Being a still hunter my typical needs are not extreme, I basically use them to inspect "stump deer", or verify the presence of antlers, or lack thereof, depending on the tag I'm filling. Usually at fairly close range, and low light capabilities are generally not an issue. My old Bushnell 8x46's do the job quite well, but they are dang heavy, so my main concern is getting something lighter.

I think I'd like them 8x or less, and with lenses in the 32-25mm range. At this point I've been looking at the Nikon pro staffs, and the Steiner Millitary-Marine models, but would welcome suggestions in that general $200-$400 price range. Thanks.

Try the Leica CRF range finding monocular. It is all I now carry, and have for about 15 years, for most spot and stalk hunting. Get a range finder and great glass, 7x24, all in one. Fits in a shirt pocket, weighs less than 16 ounces. About $700.

[dave99]

I would suggest any quality offering in the 8x30mm range. I use a set of Monarch 7s for that purpose.


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[propliner]

Originally Posted by dave99

I would suggest any quality offering in the 8x30mm range. I use a set of Monarch 7s for that purpose.


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I agree. I've used larger and smaller and this is the ideal size. Mine are Zeiss Victory 8x32FL's, pure heaven.