Binos for kids...?

[gudspelr]

I was hoping I could get some suggestions/advice on some binoculars for my kid(s). My oldest got his first deer last fall, but went out along with me the two years prior. I gave him an old pair of really cheap binos I'd gotten for myself years back that were nice and small, but the quality is far from reasonable. He hasn't really gotten into using them and I can't help but wonder if part of the reason is they're lousy? But, of the stuff I know about, optics isn't necessarily near the top. I'm at a bit of a loss on what to do-I am on a budget, but want the boys to have something to be involved when we are out. My youngest is going to start coming with me this fall and I want him to be involved and look for critters with me, but I know the binoculars can't be too heavy, and need to have a certain level of quality.

So, what have you all done? I think different kids are more or less interested in glassing, depending on personality and success of finding animals. I just want to give them a decent shot as well as get some more eyes looking for game . Thanks in advance for any help.


Jeremy

 

[Firehawk]

I bought my son some Vortex Raptor 6x32 porros. They worked pretty good and he was so excited when he spotted the first group of deer during an archery hunt several years ago. The past couple of years he carried my Vortex Talons (8x42) and now that I have sold them, he will carry either a Zen Ray ZRS HD 8x42 or my Zen Ray Prime HD 8x42. My youngest daughter will start carrying the small Vortex Porros this year. Next month she will use them to help me find a shed or two I hope.

 

[gudspelr]

Thanks, Firehawk-just what I was hoping for. Looks like yours are discontinued, but they have 8.5x32, maybe that would be a good option? Also, what do you do for the carrying option for the kiddos? Harness? I know it needs to be as comfortable as possible-carrying something around the neck is pretty miserable...

Jeremy

 

[Firehawk]

My son's has a harness, but they don't always get used properly . I would think that the Leupold Yosemite 6x30 would be another great option. Key will be ease of use. Light and easy to carry and good enough image that they can see what they want to. My biggest issue with my kids has been with them carrying the optics around their neck and not ever looking through them. Probably haven't done enough to help them learn how to do it right.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Hey Jeremy,
There are a few Vortex and Minox options between $69 & $149 that would work well for your kids and not cause eye strain with extended use. Please give me or Neil a call to discuss different options.
Doug
516-217-1000

 

[CCH]

Ditto what Firehawk said. I haven't tried them, but the Leupold Yosemite 6x30s have a great rep as a kids' binocular. I think a key to binos for younger kids is to keep them light enough they don't mind carrying them, but optically good enough to be useful. Lower powers are good because they are easier to hand hold, and therefore more effective for smaller kids to use.

Even with teenagers, I still find it frustrating to get them to actually use their binos thoroughly. They glass like they clean their rooms -- quickly and none too thoroughly. I think that will come in time, especially once they start hunting on their own and no one else is spotting game for them.

 

[AKMAN]

I got picked up a pair of Nikon Trailblazer 10x25s for the GF and she loves them. She's a "compact" so having no... ocular width minimums (?) helped. My Leicas didn't really fit her face good and she didn't much care for the size. Easy on the wallet and easy to carry.
I was pretty impressed and plan to snag a pair of 8x for myself before they disappear.

 

[gudspelr]

Thanks, everyone. A bunch of good options to look at-I appreciate it.

Jeremy