What would you buy

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I went with the Zen Ray ED2's and so far I am really impressed.

I'm glad you like them, elkhunter. I would like to hear how they hold up, and how your experience compares to mine.

[Drhorsepower]

What binos do you guys take into the back country when packing in? I really want to sell my leupold golden rings and get something lighter. My neck can't take another hunt.

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Drhorsepower,

I bet if you start a thread with that question, you are going to get a wide variety of answers. I would be interested to hear. Personally, I don't skimp on the glass, even on deep backcountry hunts. It is a full-size 10X42 that I take (currently SLCs, although it has been, and will be others, including the mentioned ED2s). A good bino harness, and I don't really notice the weight.

It will be an interesting thread.

[338ultra]

Look at the Steiner line. They have excellent quality glass and I can look through mine all day long and never strain. They don't break the bank and for the money I think are hard to beat. I have the Steiner Merlin 10x42's. They cost me around $800 when I bought them 4.5 years ago. I think they're in the $500 - $600 range now.

[elkhunter]

I shipped the Zen ED2's back today. They are nice glass but they allowed me to send them back in exchange for the ED3'S. I let you know what I think when I get them.

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I recently heard about the ED3s myself.

I will be waiting for your impressions, elkhunter.

[brooks]

In your price range I would look at Minox. Go to .....www.cameralandny.com... they are sponsers on a lot of hunting sites and they know optics. They will answer any questions you have, I have never heard a bad word about them and I have been seeing guys post up a lot of good things and good prices about camera land for a long time on a lot of hunting sites.

[toadbrown]

I am looking for some good advice. I am going to get some new 10x42 binoculars this year. I only have $500-$600 to spend. For the money, what would you buy?

Thanks

Nikon Monarchs 12x42 $300-$350, awesome set of binoculars and saves you a couple hundred dollars for beer!

[toadbrown]

Nikon Monarchs 12x42 $300-$350, awesome set of binoculars and saves you a couple hundred dollars for beer!

My hunting buddy and I have been using the 12x42 monarchs for four years in Wyoming, for antelope and mule deer and this will be our fith year.

[Elkoholic307]

Nikon Monarchs 12x42 $300-$350, awesome set of binoculars and saves you a couple hundred dollars for beer!

Possibly the worst advice I've ever heard lol