What leightweight bino?

[fast_pass88]

What does everyone use for binos while backpacking? I'm currently running a leupold 10x42 but looking to get into something lighter. I'd like to stay with 10x zoom though.
vortex has a 10x28 that I've been eyeing. it seems that smile sheep hunting I don't need really good low light transmission, so I'm hoping I can save weight by going to a smaller lens.
Suggestions?

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

As far as glass goes, for me weight does not enter into it. I'll take quality over the weight penalty every time. Glass is the most important part of alpine hunting.

 

[WRO]

10x32 els, smaller objectives and poor glass don't mix well.

 

[Vegeman]

Like with most outdoor equipment, weightlessness + quality = $$. :/

I'm running Zeiss Victory FL's in 10x32. Super light, top of the range glass, durable coating...love em'. Not cheap though.

Here's a pair for sale on this forum. http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?25956-Zeiss-8x32-Victory-T*-FL-Binoculars

$1300.00 is a pretty sweet price.

 

[SHTF]

I just went through this same ordeal. Went down to bass pro compared the vortex against the nikons and Leupolds, Vortex took slight advantage but then the guy handed me a pair of 10x32 Pursuit X1s which where pretty darn amazing piece of optic. They actually looked much better then the vortex. They are lightweight good features and seemed to have alot of the same quality of some of the other well known brands. I ended up taking them home and couldnt be happier. Lightweight clear view and were much cheaper price wise then the rest. These are Bass pro shops signature optics. If you get a chance to check them out I highly recommend it. Our Bass Pro Shop has a window view of the mountains so it wasnt just an instore comparison I had a view of the front range and I was impressed. Something to think about if you dont have a ton of money and are wanting some decent little Binos. I looked at the Swaro EL's also for 850 they where nice but not 850 nice in my book.

Check out some of the reviews http://www.basspro.com/Pursuit-X1-Binoculars-Roof-Prism/product/1205040859459/

 

[dandeployed]

Not sure what your price range is but II'm always looking to get the most bang for my buck. I tried some Sightron SII Big Sky 8x32. I got them for $170 and couldn't be happier. I'm color blind so I won't review the color quality, but the edge to edge sharpness and brightness are very good. My buddy has older Swarovski 8x30 SLC (I think) and he prefers my Sightrons.

 

[Ramshead]

Have a look at the Nikon Monarch 7 10x30's. Wide 351" field of view, ED glass, 400 bucks and only 15.5 ounces. Top rated in its price class if you read all the reviews.

 

[ericfamilee]

I love my Alpen Pro 8x25. Lightweight and very bright for the size. I personally hate a heavy set of binoculars hanging around my neck all day. These Alpen are a good compromise between optic quality and weight. And by the way you can't beat the price.

 

[Justin Crossley]

10x32 els, smaller objectives and poor glass don't mix well.

Those are my favorite backpacking binoculars.

 

[dreamingbig]

Who makes the pursuit for bass pro?

 

[land cruiser]

As far as glass goes, for me weight does not enter into it. I'll take quality over the weight penalty every time. Glass is the most important part of alpine hunting.

I wholeheartedly agree. Good glass is like good pair of boots - makes or breaks the hunt. Now spotter is another story.

 

[5MilesBack]

I have 8x32's, 10x42's, and 15x56's, and sometimes I take the 15's. Last year I took my 10's and there were a couple times while I was glassing that I REALLY wished I'd had the 15's instead. I have never even once in my life ever said to myself....."I wish I had lower power binos with me". If I know I'm going to be exclusively hunting timber or thick stuff where I can't glass very far, I'll take my 8x32's.........but more and more I'm wanting the 15's when I take my 10's.

 

[kad11]

I also have the Sightron 8x32s and am happy with them. They are light enough to comfortably hang around my neck so they are very convenient to use. I primarily still hunt elk in thicker timber with a rifle though, so the lower mag and instant access are pretty important to me. I find the 8x is easier to hold steady with one hand when you might be kneeling at an awkward angle or leaning around a tree. I do have an old pair of Steiner 10x50 Predators that I like to use for spring bear hunting and early season scouting when I am sitting and glassing for long periods of time.

 

[kad11]

I should add that I am basing my recommendation of the Sightron 8x32s on their price, weight, and mag/ obj specs. I don't have any experience with high end optics so I can't really comment on how they compare to other binos, but they work well for me and the style of hunting that I use them for.

 

[Warren1726]

I compared a few binos at Cabela's yesterday. The Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 ($479) is really nice, up against the Vortex Talon HD 8x42 ($469) the Nikon is lighter, more compact and the picture was brighter and more clear. The Vortex Viper ($589) are slightly nicer than the Monarchs but are $110 more so....

 

[Jcberg]

Love my 10x42 Razors and don't notice the weight being an issue.

 

[SHTF]

Who makes the pursuit for bass pro?

Not sure I tried researching it but couldn't find anything on it. Update on my situation though I just traded into the Swarovski CL companion 8x30. Really looking forward to them. Never thought I'd ever own swaro's I'm keeping my pursuits though. Im happy with them.