Thread: First binoculars recommendations

Originally Posted by RUMPY

I had no money when I needed to upgrade. I shot my first tahr using a pair of 10x25 Kathmandu kids binos.
When I got something a bit better it was between the Vortex diamondback 10x42 or the Zen Ray 10x42HD. Ended up getting the ZenRays out of the states for $270 delivered. Still using them today and find them fine to use. I've never had a look through really good euro binos though so can't compare. Lots of people say the diamondbacks are good entry-level binos. Don't think zenray are in business anymore.

You make a good point.

I also bought some vortex's because I can't honestly tell the difference between them and a pair of Swarovski's. I used to be able to tell the difference between the optical clarity over the three different top name scopes I have but somehow meopta seem brighter to my deteriorated eyesight.

I have Steiners,Vortex and Zeiss bino's. Vortex 10×42s are the best for me.

Buy the best you can afford would be the most appropriate advice.
There wouldn't be many brands of high end binoculars I haven't owned and there all on par bar different light colours it's not until your mate rocks out his zen ray, steiners or luepolds you realize there's fuck all in it.

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It depends on your budget, your hunting environment & your eyes.
Are you mostly bush hunting, bush edge, clearings, etc out to 3-400 yards? Then a compact good quality 8x30 or 32 would do the job nicely & avoid the extra weight, bull & cost of 8 or 10x 42s. Conversely if your tops hunting in big alpine country then the bigger 10x40-42s really make a difference in spotting animals.
Do you want RF binos? That’s another factor to consider but drives up costs.
“Your eyes” you really need to try a few different brands/models to see what suits your eyes best. Do you have some mates with binos you could try ?
And make sure you test them in low light (dawn or dusk) as that’s where you’ll see most differences.
Agree with various comments above about buy the best your budget allows. Definitely consider 2nd hand & good condition. There are very good deals that come up but you need to be patient & know what you are after.
If you want RF binos that don’t break the bank, then take a look at Bushnell ARC 1 Mile Fusion binos. You should get a good 2nd hand pair for $1000 or a bit less. I had a pair for 5-6 years & rate them very highly.
No, they’re not euro alpha glass but not that far behind.

Binoculars and scopes, like Brads I’ve owned most brands.
I agree with most posters that you want either 8x40 or 10x40. Don’t buy anything smaller.
If I was you I’d spend a minimum of $1,000 and get either a good second hand pair or new leupolds (or something like them).
With binoculars, the more you spend the better they are.
If you can stretch it a little have a look at the Kites at Hunting and Fishing, I’ve got a pair and they’re good value for money, however I do prefer my Swarovskis!
It pays to have a mate with a good pair, all my mates reach over and grab mine, when they’re not sure if they can see an animal or not!

I am just sorting out abit of hunting kit for my son inlaw and ended up getting a very nice set of steiner from taihape sports for $600.
He probably saved $300 as the cheapest place to buy glass in nz

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Nothing wrong with steiner

I use Leica as I wanted a rangefinder inbuilt. Bought it for 1500 new when they came out, doubled in price since.

Had a big reply which I'd typed up and managed to lose. Still getting the hang of the forum.
I see the value of the heirloom quality gear and have had a peek through a few in the shops.
Also recognise that the best kit is whatever gets you out there -- I had slated between 300-500 to begin with.
Not too worried about buying twice so to speak as when it comes to upgrading it's always nice to have another pair around for mates or in the vehicle.

As I said have had a look through a few in the shops. Have always liked Leupold and the old man swore by them.
Vortex seem good for the price point which a few have mentioned in the thread but haven't seen any about. Haven't tried any Bushnell but will give them a look too.
Am fond of surplus kit also which I know has good glass in it for reasonable prices depending on age and provenance but is usually a fair bit heavier than the modern stuff.

Looking to knock over some goats and hopefully deer, that's what I like to eat, in wider Auckland/Northland, so mostly in and around the bush. 8x42 would be what I'm looking for I suspect.
As many have said making sure it's right for you is key, so will get a look at a few more to compare/contrast. When you are first setting out it can be hard to filter everything you read out there. So Cheers for the replies. Perspective is much appreciated.

Originally Posted by veryfuturistic

Looking to knock over some goats and hopefully deer, that's what I like to eat, in wider Auckland/Northland, so mostly in and around the bush. 8x42 would be what I'm looking for I suspect.

Drive south. Hunting in the north is pretty desperate. Bush is nasty. There are goats, pigs and a handful of deer, but goats are the only realistic target unless baiting pigs on private land or using dogs. Back to the binoculars, I went 8x42 as I'm mostly hunting in thick bush. In all honesty, they are overkill for what I do, but did want to cover occasional trips south.

Binos have been covered a few times in different threads. I have Swaro but for starting out, there are no binos that will beat Delta or Geko for value / optical performance. Lots of mid range binos are really clear and bright but dont have good colour definition and miss animals.

Originally Posted by MB

Drive south. Hunting in the north is pretty desperate. Bush is nasty. There are goats, pigs and a handful of deer, but goats are the only realistic target unless baiting pigs on private land or using dogs. Back to the binoculars, I went 8x42 as I'm mostly hunting in thick bush. In all honesty, they are overkill for what I do, but did want to cover occasional trips south.

Cheers mate, will range south too. If I'm up north it'll be with my cousins who love the rough stuff so I'll let them lead the way. I am in a similar boat as I'm in the South Island a fair bit and would like to get out there too. Versatility is good.

Delta look pretty attractive for the price point but can't seem to find anywhere that stocks them for a looksie. Will have to ask around and see if anyone has a pair. Geco are also GPO? Will look into those

I have had great success with Leupold's, the middle of the road models, now the BX2. Delta are commercial advertisers on this forum and are definitely worth looking at. And the GPO/Geco optic's are also very good value for money.

Originally Posted by veryfuturistic

Cheers mate, will range south too. If I'm up north it'll be with my cousins who love the rough stuff so I'll let them lead the way. I am in a similar boat as I'm in the South Island a fair bit and would like to get out there too. Versatility is good.

Delta look pretty attractive for the price point but can't seem to find anywhere that stocks them for a looksie. Will have to ask around and see if anyone has a pair. Geco are also GPO? Will look into those

Contact NZGR hunts

I use 10power bushnels...funnily enough the same type as Tasman (nz wild adventures) uses...by hokey they have spotted a lot of game for me... very impressed with the ease of using them,no eye strain ,they arent too bulky or too heavy....
its a bit like lots of other bits of kit...the top of the bottom tier doesnt give up much to top of the line for a hell of a lot less money.

I purchased some Burris Droptine as a spare and they are actually really nice...

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I have a pair of delta forest 10x42. Looked into binoculars a lot and decided on these after lots of good feedback from other. Honest they are great and don't think you're going to find better new for anywhere near the price of these.