Where to get hands on Binos

[280Husker]

Hey all, so I’m currently in the market for a new pair of binos. My price range is right around $1000, give or take. I’ve spent hours reading reviews and comparisons on here, and have a list of what I feel are great options. Meopta Meopro air 10x42, GPO passion HD 10x42, Leica Trinovid 10x42, Zeiss Conquest 10x42, Kowa Genesis 10.5x44, and Sig ZULU6 HDX 12x42. My issue is a live in Nebraska and the only close stores are Scheels and Cabela’s, basically the only pair I can get my hands on here are the Sigs. Looking at dealer locators online, even driving 3-4 hours doesn’t seem to get me anywhere that I can compare most of these side by side. I would say I’m a novice as far as binoculars goes, I will be replacing a cheap pair of vortex. My dad and I are planning an Antelope hunt this year, and we typically go out west to shoot prairie dogs every year. With my kids getting older I’m hoping to start getting out west for bigger hunts in the coming years. What advice would you all give me to pick out the best binos for myself?

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Al I can say is I really like my Zeiss Conquest glass. I'm sure others who own other glass will have thier own opinion. All the ones you mention are for sure good glass.

 

[IDVortex]

See if anyone that is on the forum might be near you that might have a pair you could look through?

I upgraded from a cheap pair of nikons, went to Mavens from research and didnt know anyone that owned some so it was a leap of faith. No matter what you do, anything you're looking at would be a huge upgraqde compared to cheap binos imo.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

When I was looking for a good pair, I went to various sporting good stores and did a hands on comparison, and for my money the Zeiss was the best.

 

[Stache Attack]

A place like the hunt expo would’ve been good to go see multiple pairs. Or put up cash order a bunch then return. I really like those kowa genesis

 

[280Husker]

It’s kind of crazy to me that the big box stores don’t have the Leica, or Zeiss in stock at all. Maybe it’s just the time of the year…? Hell if would take a weekend trip and drive 7 hours to Colorado if anyone knew of a store that had 3 of these binos in stock to take a look at.

 

[Marble]

There is plenty of time to get a pair. I would be patient and see where your travels take you over the next 5 months. You also may be able to save up more $$ to give yourself more choices.

I've always believed in having the best pair of binos you can get. To me, they are much more useful than a good spotter. I'm not dismissing the importance of spotters, but binos are used the majority of the time.

Buy once cry once. If you purchase wisely you will probably never buy another pair. Calculate that over however many years you anticipate hunting and see what they will cost per year.

There is also some places online you can rent glass...

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

 

[IDVortex]

It’s kind of crazy to me that the big box stores don’t have the Leica, or Zeiss in stock at all. Maybe it’s just the time of the year…? Hell if would take a weekend trip and drive 7 hours to Colorado if anyone knew of a store that had 3 of these binos in stock to take a look at.

if you think about going to CO, why not go when the hunt expo is happening, see what glass makers are there?

 

[280Husker]

if you think about going to CO, why not go when the hunt expo is happening, see what glass makers are there?

Hadn’t considered this at all… just did a quick google search. Are you referring to the mile high hunt expo in April?

 

[Beendare]

Hey all, so I’m currently in the market for a new pair of binos. My price range is right around $1000, give or take. I’ve spent hours reading reviews and comparisons on here, and have a list of what I feel are great options. Meopta Meopro air 10x42, GPO passion HD 10x42, Leica Trinovid 10x42, Zeiss Conquest 10x42, Kowa Genesis 10.5x44, and Sig ZULU6 HDX 12x42. My issue is a live in Nebraska and the only close stores are Scheels and Cabela’s, basically the only pair I can get my hands on here are the Sigs. Looking at dealer locators online, even driving 3-4 hours doesn’t seem to get me anywhere that I can compare most of these side by side. I would say I’m a novice as far as binoculars goes, I will be replacing a cheap pair of vortex. My dad and I are planning an Antelope hunt this year, and we typically go out west to shoot prairie dogs every year. With my kids getting older I’m hoping to start getting out west for bigger hunts in the coming years. What advice would you all give me to pick out the best binos for myself?

I hear you...it's nice to compare. The problem is comparisons in a store...or even stepping outside are not the greatest. Then you get the random internet recommendations- My Cheap XXXX is awesome.....when compared to anything good they are junk.

The absolute best is on a tripod side by side in low light. I've had the chance to do this with a lot of glass.

The top of the line Meopta stuff is excellent. Kowa too.

My recommendation, Call Doug or Neil at Cameraland and discuss with them. They will give you legit and accurate advice on how the different glass compares for your budget...and the best pricing if you call. I've been dealing with them for over 30 years when I bought my SLC's for $600. I know....it seems weird recommending a NY Camera outfit....but they have been right on the money for so many people I know, I can't even tell you.

 

[IDVortex]

Hadn’t considered this at all… just did a quick google search. Are you referring to the mile high hunt expo in April?

Yes sir!

 

[280Husker]

Yes sir!

That’s a genius idea! Thank you!

 

[Grassymike]

I worked my way up to Swarovski EL 8.5 x42's. Amazing glass that I have never regretted buying. About a year ago I traded a like new Leupold gold ring spotter for a pair of Meopta 8x42. They equal the swaros for me, I literally can't tell a difference in use hunting. If I was looking now I would buy Meopta just for the savings.

 

[Mojave]

SCHEELS has everything. You could also drive to Lander, Wyoming and finger the Mavens.