Affordable High Quality Bino's

[Kelpy]

I have been using some cheap model binoculars for the last several years. I am ready to move up to a set that will last a lifetime.

I don't have a ton of money but understand that good optics come with a price tag. I want something of the Swarovski type quality. Something that really blows your mind after looking through some cheap 100 dollar bushnell scouts. I can't quite justify the 1600 price tag on the Swaro's so I am looking for other alternatives. I have seen some really good Zeiss optics but can't recall the model.

Is there anything under 1000 or around 500 that is really crisp from center to edge, has good light transmission, and just plain rocks?

Thanks, Kelpy

 

[Moman]

Here's one option. I bought a pair of these Pentax a couple years ago after not being overly impressed with the Leupold and have been very happy with them. I never would have considered Pentax as a top brand until I read a bunch of reviews. These binos are flat out outstanding. Crystal clear, durable, and the color contrast is among the best. I also bought a pair of Swaro SLC's and ended up taking them back in favor of this pair.

Pentax DCF SP 10x43 Binocular from Eagle Optics

 

[Kurt]

I got a pair of the leopold acadias and love them. They are bright and clear and i have beat the crap out of mine and still good as new.

 

[A/C Guy]

Cabella's has a private label brand called "Euro"
They are made by Kahles or Swarovski (Swarovski owns Kahles)

Exceptional quality for the price.

cabela's euro binoculars - Google Search

Had I seen them before I bought my 10x50EL's, I would have saved $500

 

[A/C Guy]

Don't forget to check out Cameraland for their specials:

Leica Values:

Leica Televid 62 Straight Rubber Armored #40113 new with a new 16-48x Leica Zoom Eyepiece #41012 @ $999.99 with the Leica Lifetime Passport Warranty

Leica CRF-900 Scans @ $429.99

Leica 8x42 Ultravid BR Certified Pre-Owned @ $1099.99

Leica 8x42 HD Ultravid Certified Pre-Owned @ $1649.99

Leica Trinovid 8x42 BN with Lifetime Passport Warranty for only $899.99

Certified Pre-Owned Leica 8x42 Geovid @ $1699.99
Certified Pre-Owned Leica 10x42 Geovid @ 1729.99

Minox Demo Binocular Sale

There was a trade show recently in Europe and we purchased the show samples from Minox. These are all in as new condition (as a matter of fact some of these items were never opened as they over shipped to the show). This is a great opportunity to get a fantastic deal on some great glass. The distance scale on the focus knob on all of the HG series are in meters, not yards.

Minox BD 8x44 BP #62150 @ $349.99

Minox BD 10x44 BP #62151 @ $399.99

Minox HG 8x33 BR Meters #62164 @ $449.99

Minox HG 8.5x43 BR Meters #62154 @ $499.99

Minox HG 10x43 BR Meters #62156 @ $519.99

Minox HG 8.5x52 BR Meters #62158 @ $599.99

Minox HG 10x52 BR Meters #62160 @ $629.99

Minox BL 8x42 BR #62147 @ $289.99

Minox BV 8x42 BR #62167 Rubber Color Blem @ $159.99

Minox 10x42 BR #62168 Rubber Color Blem @ $159.99

Minox MD 50W Angled Spotting Scope #62225 @ $249.99

Minox MD 50 Straight Spotting Scope #62226 @ $249.99

All of these Minox optics come with the full Minox warranty and are packed same as new.

Pentax Gameseeker Riflescope Sale

We had such a great response to the Pentax Gameseeker Essentials Kit sale that we ran that we contacted Pentax to see if we could arrange something on the rest of the Gameseeker Riflescope line.

This is what we came up with:

Pentax Gameseeker 4x32 Fixed Power #89706 (PP) for $64.99

Pentax Gameseeker 6x32 Fixed Power #89707 (PP) for $74.99

Pentax Gameseeker 1.75-5x20 #89718 (PP) for $64.99

Your Choice of the Pentax Gameseeker 3-9x40 #89719 (P) or the MO Brush Camo Version #89721 (P) for $74.99

Pentax Gameseeker 3.5-10x50 #89714 (PP) for $79.99

Your Choice of the Pentax Gameseeker 4-12x40 #89712 (PP) or the (P) Version #89720 (P) for $69.99

Pentax Gameseeker 2.5-10x56 #89716 (PP) for $99.99

The (PP) is the Precision Plex Reticle. This is based on the popular Ballistic Plex Reticle and designed to compensate for bullet drop as the distance to your target increases. It adds a yardage estimation system to help determine that distance.

The (P) is the Penta Plex Reticle. Four heavy posts are easily seen in any light. Fine crosshairs in the center allow for perfect shot placement. * NEW - Pentax Pioneer 3-9x40 Part# 89613 & 89614 Matte Black (P) or Matte Black (BP) your choice @ $109.99

Pentax 9x28 DCF LV Binocular @ $219.99

Pentax 6.5x21 Papilio Binocular #62215 @ $99.99

Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio Binocular #62216 @ 109.99

Mention this newsletter, either in the note area of your web order or when calling to place an order, for any new Nikon Spotting Scope and we will include at no extra charge a new Nikon Black Hawk Field Recon Optics Pack
or
Buy either a new Nikon Prostaff 16-48x65 Team Realtree Camo Spotting Scope #8310
or
new Nikon Prostaff 20-60x82 Team Realtree Camo Spotting Scope #8313
and for $1.00 additional
you can add a new Nikon Prostaff Laser 440 Rangefinder #8352

* These two Spotting Scope offers cannot be combined

* NEW - Nikon 10x25 Trailblazer Waterproof ATB Camo Binocular @ $69.99

* NEW - Nikon Field Recon Optics Pack RealTree Camo @ $99.99

Nikon Fieldscope Eyepiece Sale

Nikon #6954 Fieldscope Eyepiece 16x/24x/30x Wide DS

Nikon #6951 Fieldscope Eyepiece 40x/60x/75x Wide DS

These are fixed eyepieces that are perfect for Digiscoping.
*For use with Nikon digiscoping bracket
*Take professional quality photos from long distances for less than half the cost of a telephoto lens.

While supplies last we are offering these new eyepieces @ only $99.99

Zeiss SHOT Show Samples

Zeiss 8x45 T* RF Victory Rangefinder Binocular @ $2399.99

Zeiss 10x45 T* RF Victory Rangefinder Binocular @ $2499.99

Zeiss Victory 8x32 T* FL LT @ $1799.99 In Green or Black

Zeiss Victory 10x32 T* FL LT @ $1299.99 In Green or Black

Zeiss Victory 7x42 T* FL LT @ $1799.99 In Green or Black

Zeiss Victory 8x42 T* FL LT @ $1849.99 In Green or Black

Zeiss Conquest 8x40 T* @ $899.99

Zeiss Conquest 8x50 T* @ $1069.99

Zeiss 10x50 T* @ $1099.99

Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 with your choice of #4 or #20 Z-Plex Reticle @ $699.99

Zeiss Victory Diavari 3-12x56 T* LT 30mm #66 Illuminated @ $1499.99

Zeiss Diascope 65mm T FL
Non-LotuTec Model with Zeiss Victory LotuTec Vario Ocular 15-45x Eyepiece in your choice of Straight or Angled Models in either Silver or Green for only $1199.99 New

Zeiss Victory 8x20B T* P* with Cloth Case for only $349.99, NEW, but you have to call in to get this deal, as it is too low a price to post on our website. If you prefer to order it from the website mention this post in the note area and we will issue a $50.00 refund when your order gets processed.

Swarovski Demo Specials

Swarovski Laser Guide 8x30 @ $789.99

Swarovski 8.5x42 EL @ $1549.99

Swarovski 8x30 SLC @ $899.99

Swarovski 10x42 SLC @ $1299.99

Swarovski 10x50 SLC @ $1499.99

Swarovski 15x56 SLC @ $1749.99

Swarovski has discontinued some riflescopes and they also had a bunch of show samples that were never mounted and are in as new condition. Everything comes in the original boxes with full warranty.

#57009 PH 1.25-4X24 #24N - CD Discontinued @ $999.99

#57015 PVI 1.25-4x24-SR-Circle Dot Discontinued $1049.99

#57016 PH 1.25-2x24-SR-24 Discontinued $749.99

#57023 PH 1.5-6x42-L-4A Show sample $999.99

#57035 PVI 1.5-6x42-SR-Circle Dot Discontinued $1299.99

#57036 PV 1.5-6x42-SR-4a Discontinued $849.99

#57045 PH 2.5-10x42-L-Plex Show Sample $1099.99

#57061 PV 2.5-10x56-SR-4 Discontinued $999.99

#57063 PH 2.5-10x56-L-4A Show Sample $1249.99

#57065 PH 2.5-10X56-L-PLEX Show Sample $1249.99

#57085 PH 3-12x50-L-Plex Show Sample $1199.99

#57089 PH 3-12X50-L-4-NK Show Sample $1199.99

#57091 PV 3-12x50-SR-4A Discontinued $999.99

#57098 PV-N 3-12x50-SR-NA-4 NKDiscontinued $1399.99

#57220 PH 4-16x50-L-4A Show Sample $1299.99

#57221 PH 4-16X50-L-PLEX Show Sample $1299.99

#57227 PH 4-16X50-L-BR Show Sample $1349.99

#49360 Swarovski Weaver Cross Slot Adapter $65.00 with purchase of a scope

This is just a sampling of what we have been putting together.
We have been working very closely with our suppliers to bring you as many Demos and Show Samples as we can. With that in mind we have organized our Demo area into manufacturer pages:

Leica Demo Page

Minox Demo Page

Nikon Demo Page

Pentax Demo Page

Swarovski Demo Page

Vortex Demo Page

Zeiss Demo Page

As items get sold and more items arrive we are constantly updating so either check back if what you're looking for is not there or just give us a call.

Thank you for your continued support


Camera Land
1-866-9optics
Cameras, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Rifle Scopes - Camera Land NY

 

[trh]

Nikon ATBs are tough to beat and cost less than 300 dollars. They will compare with $1000 glass all day long. Look through them and google reviews.

 

[NJS]

The Japanise optics have made great strides in raising quality and consistancy. This is due to CNC technology. A pair of 300 dollar binos look great when compairing to higher priced units while standing at the counter at the sporting goods store. It's the difference you can see 10 minutes before dayight or after the sun sets that the true quality of the"Alpha Binos" really show thier dominance... I have German (Leica) binoculars that are twenty years old that work as good as the day I purchased them... and I really use them...that can't be said for the lower priced units. When you have drawn that tag of a lifetime, used your only week of vacation, hawked the wife and kids to hire the guide, and when you riden 10 miles on horseback you don't want your binos to fail... That "Lifetime" warranty won't help you when your binos or spotting scope fail and become a canteen.... Buy the best you can possibly afford... you will NEVER be sorry and the cost of use over the long haul will make them one of the cheapest pieces of gear you buy... NJS

 

[MachV]

I'll second the Nikon ATBs, great glass for the money! They may not beat the best but they sure aint far behind.

 

[Kelpy]

Thanks for the info! This is exactly the type of input that I was looking for.

Anyone have any input for the 10X vs. 12X? I glass a lot and usually from a rested position, I was just wondering if 12X is too much for pulling them up just to look every now and then while walking?

Thanks, Kelpy

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I think that Nikon makes exceptional binos and you will have a tough time beating them for clarity and light gathering ability, with out spending double the money.

With good quality glass you will be surprised how much you can see with an 8x. I would stay with 8x or 10x for comfort and light gathering. The lower power will gather more light than the higher.

Another to look at is Steiner. I have a pair that I have been carrying for 10yrs. They have been drug through the dirt on many a belly crawl and still work very well. The perma focus system on the Steiner works well for me.

Steve

PS

If you have a dealer in your area that will go outside with you to look through them you can see the difference. Do as statet earlier, and go in the evening.

 

[NJS]

WOW, you really want to stur up the opinion pot with that question... :>)

Honestly, most folks buy into the "bigger is better" arguement... if 7x is good, then 8x is better and 10x must be great! Jump to a 12x or 15x and it's the ultimate! Right? As the rental car ad says..."Not Exactly"... As the magnificaton goes up, the need to hold it extremely still... not always easy to do freehand when you just climed a mountain, or got a shot of adraline when you spot that B&C buck across the canyon! It's damm hard to hold that 10x,12x, or 15x still enough to use with out sometype of support.

It's a personl peference... I myslef like 8x binocluars with large objective lenses - 50 to 56mm That combination delevers that maximum amount of light your eye can use... an exit pupil of 7mm or close to it. In real hunting condtions when not using a tripod, I carry an 8x... but I also have the 12x if I want to take a closer look.... My Leica 8-12x Duovids are supurb for giving me the option of the 8x or 12x. I can mount them on a lightweight tripod and grid glass very efficently. I just wish they were 52' instead of 42'... Oh well, we can have everything we want . :>(

I used a MINOX 8.5x52 for years, it was super... sometimes I wish I haden't sold them... but my Douvids are FANTASTIC and keep me from carrying two binoculars when open country or spot and stalk hunting. Expencive, but worth every penny. NJS

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I've got a pair of Nikon 12x ATB's. I bought them for spotting groundhogs @ longer distances. While they work great for the intended purpose, I would not recommend them for all around use. For one thing, the focus is more critical than other binos and they are, therefore, slower at aquiring a clear picture. The 12x really limits field of view when used for viewing at shorter ranges and makes a steady hold seem more difficult.

A high quality optic with excellent resolution trumps magnification every time. Whether it's your rifle scope, binos or spotting scope - it's all about resolution and light transmission when working in diminished light. Magnification comes in at a distant 3rd place. Magnification is WAY over-rated, IMO.

 

[A/C Guy]

.... A pair of 300 dollar binos look great when compairing to higher priced units while standing at the counter at the sporting goods store. It's the difference you can see 10 minutes before dayight or after the sun sets that the true quality of the"Alpha Binos" really show thier dominance...
.... Buy the best you can possibly afford... you will NEVER be sorry and the cost of use over the long haul will make them one of the cheapest pieces of gear you buy... NJS

NJS is absolutely correct. The real difference is what you can't see in low light or poor lighting conditions. You will get opinions from 2 groups of hunters, those that never "took the plunge" (and never will due to personal finance reasons), and those that can afford the better optics and have used them enough to see the real difference.

You will never hear an owner of high end optics say that he wishes he had spent $300 instead of $1000+ Not because of ego as some on the internet suggest, but because there is a real and noticeable visible difference.

 

[canderson]

I own some 10x42 Leica. I have hunted with pentax, Zeiss, and looked through Brunton. My preference order is:
1. Leica
2. Zeiss
3. Pentax or Brunton
The brunton's are a friend's. I looked through them as was impressed. I believe that they were around $500. My Leicas are absolutely wonderful. Buying the high priced bino's is hard to due but worth every penny. I was faced with the same dilema with a Nightforce scope. I finally ordered one and was scared to death. I thought that I had made a huge mistake and spent way too much money. After receiving the scope and shooting with it, I am satisfied. The clarity is well worth the money. I think that you will find the same thing with a good set of binoculars.