Mid level optics

[Niceandkozy8]

Hey guys,

I am in the market for some new optics. I currently have a cheap set of 10x42 Nikon pro staff (sub $200). I find these just flat out don’t get the job done, the edge to edge clarity is pretty sub par and I am wondering what some of you think may be a solid upgrade.

Is a bump up to the $400-500 range enough of an upgrade to satisfy my needs for the coming years? I do not currently have the budget to move up into that high end level 1k+. With that being said should I look at upgrading or use what I have until I can move into the high end? I hunt primarily eastern Oregon but will be going to Idaho next year and have begun building points in other states out west. Primarily looking to hunt elk, deer and bear.

Any specific thoughts on the Maven c1 (seem like a popular mid level bino), leupold bx-4, or vortex viper would also be appreciated as I have spent most time researching these options. Open to other suggestions though.

As always thank you for any advice.


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[mj23polaris]

Love my C1s think it was 345$ to my door, got a demo set and they came to me looking new

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[idahohikker]

Many guys will say $1000 class or bust. Others say Swaro or nothing--save, save, save. I'm very happy with mid tier glass, at least for another 5+ years. I really do find a lot of game using binos on a tripod in conjunction with a spotter. A small bump in game finding for a big increase in cost doesn't work for the more blue collar guys.

I'd add Meopta Meopro to your list. Call Doug to check them out. I'd drop Leupold, not many glowing reports that I've heard.

 

[Cant hit em]

Wasn’t a fan of the C1 , the glass was good but the build didn’t seem so good. The eye pieces would not stay extended, i would have to make sure they were extended every time i pulled them out. I did get the demos and maybe that was the issue. The good thing is the trial period so it might be worth taking a look for yourself. I was also in the $500 and under market , I saved a few months and found the Nikon HG’s on ebay for a deal in the mid $700’s and am happy. Meopta also has very good glass that can be had for mid $700’s , Id save until you can move up a few hundred dollars.

 

[WestNE]

I picked up a pre- Neu Swarovski SLC 10x42 on eBay for $525 then sent to Swarovski for a refurb which cost nothing.

Used deals are out there with a little patience.

Nick

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[ofl0926]

I have the C1 and really like them. Comfortable in the hand, light and great clarity.
I think it was Ryan who did a review in those Maven C1 binos. He really liked them as well


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[Trial153]

Wasn’t a fan of the C1 , the glass was good but the build didn’t seem so good. The eye pieces would not stay extended, i would have to make sure they were extended every time i pulled them out. I did get the demos and maybe that was the issue. The good thing is the trial period so it might be worth taking a look for yourself. I was also in the $500 and under market , I saved a few months and found the Nikon HG’s on ebay for a deal in the mid $700’s and am happy. Meopta also has very good glass that can be had for mid $700’s , Id save until you can move up a few hundred dollars.

Good advice here ^^

 

[Thunder head]

I have had 3 different pairs of 10 x 42s that I have used everywhere from the open plains to the high mountains and in the thick woods of the east.

Nikon Monarch
Vortex razor - 2nd year
Swaro's

I picked the Swaro's up used for a $1,000.
Are the better than the others? Absolutely.
Are they $2000 dollars better than a pair of mid range binos. That's debatable.
From comparing multiple binos over the years. The higher you go the better the view gets. But most of the gain is in edge / image clarity and color transmission. You also pick up a few extra minutes of daylight.

You have to decide what suits you best for where you plan on hunting. Then get the best glass you can afford.

I actually use lower power / cheaper binoculars at home because the woods are so thick I need the wider field of view. I save the 10 x 42 for trips out west.

 

[NebraskaStickHunter]

I just stepped up this summer from a pair of cheap burris binos to a pair of meopta meopros. They are significantly better but with a smallish sweet spot. That is my only complaint. I purchased them from Cameraland and they were excellent to deal with. They answered any questions and gave suggestions on the different binos I was looking at. Their prices are excellent as well. I just couldn't stomach moving up to the meostar's with having a new child in March (diapers$$$). But they are better if you can save that extra $400 and buy them later. Good luck with your search.

 

[Dos Perros]

You can get the Maven B1's for like $870 on the demo program. I briefly owned some EL's and put them side by side with the Maven B2's and it wasn't worth it additional expense to me, especially considering for my eyes the Zeiss Victory HT's were better than the EL's. If I ever jump from the B1's it'll be to the HT's but probably something better will be out by then.

I started with Bushnell Legend Ultra's and have found a lot of game with those binos. I briefly handled the new Bushnell's and they are very nice for the price point, enough that I might pick up some 12x50's.

I think if you're giving up hunting experiences (or not saving for retirement, or delaying your kid's braces) to get nicer glass you're a fool. Get out there and hunt and have fun.

 

[freebird]

I really love my Maven B2's 9X45. I did a whole lot of shopping prior to getting them. Next year will be getting a pair of 15's.

 

[mathews8pt]

I like my C1s so far. This year will be my first western trip with them and that will be the real test but im confident they are better then the Vortex diamondbacks ive used in the past.

 

[quackaddict]

I had Viper 10x42s and 15x50s. I really liked the 10x42s. I had a pair of older Swaro Non-HDs(I think they were SLC) and honestly, there wasn't as much difference in the glass as the price tag shows. Not too mention the Swaros weight a significant amount more. The 15x50s were ok, but that 50mm objective doesn't let enough light in during morning/evening hours to suit me.

I'm currently using a pair of 8x43 ZenRay Ed2 and a pair of 15x56 Vulture HDs. I LOVE these Zen Rays. They are definitely quality glass for what you are paying for them, and I would rate them every bit as good as the Viper 10x42s I had. Granted, the ZR are 8x and the Vipers were 10x, but optically, I think they're extremely similar. I also stole the ZenRays from a guy on craigslist for $100.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

In the under $500.00 class i would suggest the Meopta MeoPro's. please give us a call and we can discuss it, 516-217-1000

 

[wind gypsy]

I have a pair of used Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42s i'd let go for $550.

 

[timberbuck]

I have a pair of used Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42s i'd let go for $550.

Winner!

 

[Conundrum]

Just spent a week glassing off tripods with a buddy. He has Swaro EL 10x42s and me with my Viper 10x50s. I’m biased because I’m used to mine but I noticed when we saw something, we were both taking follow up looks out of my Vipers. Maybe the 50 vs 42 was the difference. Not sure. Point is there is a lot of good mid level glass out there now. I’d consider upgrading only if mine were lost or stolen.