O/T Hunting Binoculars

Have been looking at buying some new binoculars, but im not really sure what ones to buy. I live in illinois and am lookin for something I could use to deer hunt and coyote hunt. I was wanting something that I could use in the timber but yet reach out in the field and see something and still be clear. Wasn't sure whats a good reasonable priced pair of Binoculars. Any thoughts?

In today's high-tec world I would suggest looking at some of the new spotting scopes with built in range finder.

I have a pair of Vortex brand binocs. The model is Vanquish and they are 10x26. They were just under a hundred bucks, have a lifetime warranty, and they were worth every penny. I got sick of cheap binoculars and I won't buy them any more. Spend the money once and you will be happy.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/

I got lucky. Years ago, my father-in-law got me a set of United 7x50 binocs. They are suprisingly good for a cheap unit. More than about 7x magnification makes a binoc hard to hand hold, and thus your view is fuzzy due to shaking. If you can get something with a stabilization unit, you could go for more magnification. But, the more magnification, the more difficult to pick up your target.

The larger number, ie 50 refers to the size of the objective lens. Higher the number, the greater the diameter of the objective lens. Larger lenses gather more light, something that is very important in low light situations, like dusk or dawn. However, the larger objective also becomes a problem of size and weight. Smaller objectives, 30mm to 40mm will get you along fine for most daylight situations.

Another important thing to look for is the coatings on the optics. These coatings will reduce internal light reflections, which makes the binocs much sharper, better viewing.

It"s always fun to buy goodies with other"s check books. Buy the best you can afford. Brand names usually are better, although good units sometimes show up in cheaper brands. You should try a number of binocs to see what you feel best for your use.

I got lucky. Years ago, my father-in-law got me a set of United 7x50 binocs. They are suprisingly good for a cheap unit. More than about 7x magnification makes a binoc hard to hand hold, and thus your view is fuzzy due to shaking. If you can get something with a stabilization unit, you could go for more magnification. But, the more magnification, the more difficult to pick up your target.

The larger number, ie 50 refers to the size of the objective lens. Higher the number, the greater the diameter of the objective lens. Larger lenses gather more light, something that is very important in low light situations, like dusk or dawn. However, the larger objective also becomes a problem of size and weight. Smaller objectives, 30mm to 40mm will get you along fine for most daylight situations.

Another important thing to look for is the coatings on the optics. These coatings will reduce internal light reflections, which makes the binocs much sharper, better viewing.

It"s always fun to buy goodies with other"s check books. Buy the best you can afford. Brand names usually are better, although good units sometimes show up in cheaper brands. You should try a number of binocs to see what you feel best for your use.

I have a pair of 8 x 50 Steiners, just love them, no focusing for distance, just grab them and look. Also very good in low light.

for deer i use a 4x16x45 scope on the rifle but for spotting youts i use 16x50 binoculars and after i find them i pop them with my 220 swift with a 4x16x45 scope most of the time 200+ yards out. got one today across a 40 she never new what hit her. [feeding on a gut pile]great crow gun also

Get a good brand in 8x32 or 8x42 (ideal) any higher power will be hard to hand hold. Someone mentioned 16x50 and these are heavy and could not be hand held - to shakey.
I just recently bought a pair of Pentax 8x42 DCF HRC for about $190. and they are great. I don't consider these to be that expensive. Stay away from the cheap ones. There are a lot of choices in the $200. range. Optics Planet is a good place to start.

I quit trying to find a small binocular at any price that was acceptable for both power and light gathering. The most critical times for deer hunting are early and late, hence the need for a 50.
I bought a pair of 10x50 Minolta, Classic II a couple years ago for general use. Within a few days they became my go to glasses for everything. I do a lot of walk and stalk hunting and I just foune that two three ounces more isn't that big a deal. I did get one of the wide neck straps from Cabela's and that made a world of difference. Watch the hunting shows of the PH's in Africa and Alaska and or any pro guide. They don't carry those "opera glasses".

Gordo