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dogwoodgirl
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Leupold Rogue all the way!
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Minnesotian
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TomT: "KarlBAndersen1: "I always take some - and then never use them more than once or twice. And then I always vow to never carry them again.
But I do it anyway."
I haven't carried any since the 1990's for this reason but have been getting interested in star gazing lately and with a new moon for this years trip was thinking of bringing a pair. I want a stable image and since I won't be using a tripod, would the magnification make a big difference? 8X vs. 10X. "
Tom,
I got a 10x specifically for being able to use star gazing. With my 10x Nikons, on a clear night I can set up the binoculars on a stable rock and see the moons of Jupiter.
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Savage Voyageur
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Get a pair that is Weather proof, good field of view, low parallax lenses. Low Parallax means as you move back and forth the image does not get distorted at the sides. Binoculars are a product where you get what you pay for. Cheap ones can cause eye strain.
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ParkerMag
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This is the pair I take canoe tripping...
Leica Ultravid 10x25
Light, compact, effective.
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A1t2o
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I got a monocular and was very happy with it. Vortex brand. It is good for checking out wildlife, looking at the stars, and getting a look at portages and campsites from a distance. It is nice to be able to tell from a distance if you are in the right spot.
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Blackgrass
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I’d also suggest a look at Maven. I picked up a pair of 8 x 30s recently and have been impressed for the quality vs price point.
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schweady
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Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I have been lurking here and putting many into my Amazon Save for Later cart for deeper comparisons. I know there are some of much higher quality, but I am looking at those under $200 and finding some great options.
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andym
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My wife has a pair of Leica binocs (because she deserved a really great birthday present when I was going through chemo the first time) and they are fabulous. People gasp when they look through them. I just had a feeling that the request for decent binocs might not go to that price.
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Alan Gage
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ParkerMag: "This is the pair I take canoe tripping...
Leica Ultravid 10x25
Light, compact, effective."
This is what I use but in 8x20. Love them. If you wear eyeglasses these, last I checked, have the best eye relief of all the sub-compact binoculars. Waterproof as well, which means you can keep them handy in the boat without worrying about them. And they're small enough to fit in the thwart bag.
I never used to use binoculars before I got into birding (because all I had was cheap junk) but I've really grown to appreciate them. I'm not really into bird watching anymore but still like having a nice pair of binocs. Sometimes to watch the birds or view distant wildlife and other times to scout for potential campsites on the other side of the lake (or possible portage on the other side of the river) without having to paddle over there first.
Alan
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KarlBAndersen1
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I always take some - and then never use them more than once or twice.
And then I always vow to never carry them again.
But I do it anyway.
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minnmike
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butthead: "minnmike: " They are made in Wisconsin, "
Nope the optics are oriental in source, Japan, Philippines, China, made for Vortex. The home base offices in WI. Still very good quality and an industry best warranty.
More info on Vortex.
butthead
PS; Casting stones usually get rocks or boulders back I cut MN a break this time!
Dedicated "Cheese Head". bh"
Haha, I stand corrected. I was suspicious the quality was too good to be made in Wisconsin. Asians, if thats the correct nomenclature, can sure make a great product:)
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andym
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I have some Steiners that I really like and weren’t too expensive. For size you have to compromise on light gathering ability. We go for lenses around 20-25mm for camping. I prefer 8x to higher magnification because it is easier to hold steady and you can get a wider field of view.
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butthead
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Still using very old Nikon's myself but a fairly new optics company in Middleton WI has been a source for several rifle scopes, Vortex Crossfire-HD. Lower end of a line that can pass $2000, their reputation is excellent. The scopes I have compete well with top brand costing 50%-100% more.
butthead
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Minnesotian
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I will second Nikon as a good brand. I got mine about 15 years ago and it has been dropped many times and it still can pull in the moons of Jupiter on a clear night. I usually have it on my belt so I can quickly look at a loon or eagle, or to see if a campsite is occupied, or to scan for the tree opening signaling the portage.
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Rs130754
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Another vote for the Vortex. I have several of their products and they represent a great value. I have also had great luck when calling customer service for clarification on a reticle.
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fadersup
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KarlBAndersen1: "I always take some - and then never use them more than once or twice.
And then I always vow to never carry them again.
But I do it anyway."
+1
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firemedic5586
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If you want light, go with a mono.. Vortex was mentioned above, I've been quite happy with all the glass I have bought from them.
https://vortexoptics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+monocular
I run the RT 8x36 and love it.. Canoe, boat, hunting, hiking ect.. Small and quick to go to. The ranging is an awesome bonus.
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Ausable
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Here is a picture of my small, lightweight Nikon Trailblazer, an 8x25 waterproof binocular. I use it while hiking and canoe-camping.
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WHendrix
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I've been happy with Vortex Diamondbacks. The first pair was dumped in the lake/river at the Lake One landing. I replaced them with a pair of 10x32's and they are good. They are a bit heavier than some I've seen at a little over a pound.
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minnmike
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I went with Vortex. They have great optics even in low light situations and are built tough for the wilderness. Also I have had zero fogging issues which was really important to me. Although they are not the lightest nor the smallest, they weight about 1 lb and roughly 5x4x2 inches.
They are made in Wisconsin, so I was sceptical, haha gotta jab my cheesehead rivals/brothers. Really it's was major pro for me while shopping for binoculars.
I must admit every time I'm packing I weigh the pros/cons of bringing them because of the weight and every time I decide to bring them. I have yet to regret it as they are such great binoculars.
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RLJ
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I have the Nikon Prostaff 12x25. Excellent magnification, waterproof, lightweight and fit in your hand easily (under $200).
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Walleye1
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Any recommendations for decent binoculars that aren’t huge and heavy?? Thank you.
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TomT
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KarlBAndersen1: "I always take some - and then never use them more than once or twice.
And then I always vow to never carry them again.
But I do it anyway."
I haven't carried any since the 1990's for this reason but have been getting interested in star gazing lately and with a new moon for this years trip was thinking of bringing a pair. I want a stable image and since I won't be using a tripod, would the magnification make a big difference? 8X vs. 10X.
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das1660
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Nikon Monarch's M711. Every time I use them, I'm glad I spent a few extra bucks.
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marsonite
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What are you using them for, and how much do you want to spend? Huge range there. The cheap ones (less than $100-200) are basically disposable because they will go out of tune...you will start getting double images.
I have a monocular which I love. It's cheap. It rides on my belt so I always have it at hand. I use it for figuring out if campsites are filled, finding portages, looking at wildlife etc.
Nikon is a good affordable brand.
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butthead
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minnmike: " They are made in Wisconsin, "
Nope the optics are oriental in source, Japan, Philippines, China, made for Vortex. The home base offices in WI. Still very good quality and an industry best warranty.
More info on Vortex.
butthead
PS; Casting stones usually get rocks or boulders back I cut MN a break this time!
Dedicated "Cheese Head". bh
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Dooger
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Maven...better glass than Vortex, cheaper, unconditional lifetime warranty, etc.
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pastorjsackett
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I got the Vortex Viper HD 10 x 42. They are small and very powerful.
And Vortex comes with a lifetime warranty. You'll never spend money on binocs again.
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