Binocular Upgrade

[nhgt_fd]

You can't go wrong with any of the $1K glass. If you are on a budget, buy used. You can typically find like-new $1k MSRP binoculars for approx $650.

 

[TheBootBowhunting]

The Maven B1.2, specifically the 8x, really nice glass. The FOV is next level. Ive always preferred 10x, but I will be using these 8s a lot more this year. The more I use them, the more I like them.

That being said, I have BX4 10x42 and SLC 10x42. The SLC have brighter colors, but I dont think I could find more game with the SLCs over the BX4s. And the BX4s feel better in hand to me with the open center bridge and smoother focus wheel.

 

[sqdougherty]

You should go to some sporting goods store and touch some. I think what Doug offered up is all solid. For me my preference was the Zeiss Conquest. They were super sharp and to be honest you can find them for around $700-800. I would also suggest that you save and buy what you want. I ended up buying Swaro ELs after like a year long debate/search. I was in a similar boat, not wanting to drop $1k on a pair binos, but I don't regret my choice.

 

[jimh406]

Nikon Monarch 7 in 10x42 are pretty good. I know a park ranger that just uses those. I have a pair. You can find them for around $400. They are not the top end, but they are pretty good.

I replaced mine with with these. https://tractoptics.com/all-products/10x42-binoculars. They were just under $700 and have free returns if you don't like them through Amazon. That was worth taking a risk for me.

I liked them so much I also added a 12.5x50s which are quite a bit larger. My 10x42 stay in my binocular pack for hunting etc. I use the 12.5x50s virtually every day to view wildlife on my property.

The company only sells direct which is the reason "they say" they can offer very good products for a lot less. They are definitely a step up from the Nikon Monarch 7s, but they cost more so they should be.

I can't say Tract is the top end of what's available, but they are very good.

 

[hunterjmj]

Tough to beat Meopta. There are built like a tank and great glass. I just got the Meopta 15's from cameraland and they are unbelievable. We've been sitting in the back yard watching antelope from distances I can't estimate. Been teaching my 6yo how to operate the tripod while scanning for animals. Her eyes are so good I don't think she misses much.
Here are my 10's I've been using for the past 3-4 years compared to 15's.

 

[nhgt_fd]

Nikon Monarch 7 in 10x42 are pretty good. I know a park ranger that just uses those. I have a pair. You can find them for around $400. They are not the top end, but they are pretty good.

I replaced mine with with these. https://tractoptics.com/all-products/10x42-binoculars. They were just under $700 and have free returns if you don't like them through Amazon. That was worth taking a risk for me.

I liked them so much I also added a 12.5x50s which are quite a bit larger. My 10x42 stay in my binocular pack for hunting etc. I use the 12.5x50s virtually every day to view wildlife on my property.

The company only sells direct which is the reason "they say" they can offer very good products for a lot less. They are definitely a step up from the Nikon Monarch 7s, but they cost more so they should be.

I can't say Tract is the top end of what's available, but they are very good.

I agree. I have compared Monarch 7 and the Tract. It is a night-and-day difference in favor of Tract for just a little more $$. Tract is just $700 and gets a 10% discount on most holidays (like memorial day a week ago).

It is pretty close between Tract and other $1K MiJ optics.