stalking binoculars

[big ears]

Hi Everyone,
my first post.
I know this has probably been done to death so apologies. I am looking for a new pair of binoculars. have decided on 8 x 42 and whilst I would love a pair of swarovski/leica/ zeiss the budget is stretched at that so have been looking at Zeiss conquest/ minox hg / meopta meostar.

Has anyone any views on these?

I am leaning towards the minox as the reviews are good but my one worry is the large chrome wheel on the top. Has anyone had issues with reflecting or flashing spooking the deer?

Thanks for your help.

Cheers

 

[sparko]

Regarding the focus wheel on the HG Minox, It Is knurled so the chance of reflection Is therefore minimised, also think that when spotting deer you are usually far enough away for this not to be an Issue...You cant go wrong with the HG...HTH

 

[nick.308]

my mate has minox and they seem ok.
With optics the more u pay the better they are generally. Zeiss and swarovski you pay for the name. leica are nice.
As already said i wouldnt worry bout the bit of chrome. If a deer sees that then its probably been watching you a while

 

[big ears]

Thanks guys that is really helpful.

 

[Hornet 6]

I used to have a pair of Leica Trinovids in 8x32.
Replaced them with a pair of Meopta MeoStars in 10x32 and love them.
To me eyes they are far superior in use, and have a much better depth of field.

Neil.

 

[unicorn71]

The Minox 8x42 are excellent glasses for the money especially in low light

 

[Rake Aboot]

Opticron DBA`s
I tried both the minox and the Leupold around the same money and tbh they weren`t a patch on the Opticrons

 

[Muddy Springer]

Or save yourself a good few hundred quid and get a nice pair of Hawke endurance 8x42 or 10x42 in green or black. Superb quality for the price.

 

[flytie]

I bought some Minox 10x44's (BD10x44BP) that were on sale. They were the last of the top of the range stuff from Japan before they moved production to Germany. I have put them up against Swarovski's, Zeiss and Leica's and there is absolutely nothing in it when comparing like for like, they are superb.


The only thing I do not like is the 10x magnification, of all the binoculars I have tried I love the 7x42, although the 8x32's are more compact for putting in a pocket.

Simon

Edit: I have just looked on-line and the Minox BD10x44BP are €589, and I can only find one place selling them.

But these are what I would buy now; http://www.preissuchmaschine.de/in-Fernglas/ab-8x-Vergroesserung/Minox-BD8x44BP.html

 

[tikkamuz]

I have been using the 8x43 HG's and have been very pleased with them. Lightweight, comfortable to hold and to the eye, fast focusing and great in low light. Yes the focus wheel is silver but not reflective and only a small area anyway. I did have reservations myself about it but not been an issue. You could easily spray it matt black if you wanted.

 

[big ears]

Thanks for that. Pleased to hear thy are as good in practice as the reviews would suggest

 

[devon deer stalker]

HG's 8x43 are awesome!
Welcome to the forum from across the border.
You have a pm.
Cheers
Richard

 

[charlieg43]

Another yes for Minox. My mate has a pair and he loves his, Im getting some very shortly. Good glass and you wont have to rob a bank to get your hands on them!!

 

[Hereford bull]

In focus have some nice used kit, examples:

Swarovski SLC 8x30 £499.00
Swarovski SLC 10x42 £599.00



http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/usedequipment.html

 

[andymarsh]

Opticron DBA`s
I tried both the minox and the Leupold around the same money and tbh they weren`t a patch on the Opticrons

same here i have a habit of trashing optics so cant justify serious money but my opticrons have put up with my abuse for 3 years,

 

[cullman]

Try directly comparing Swarovski/ Zeiss against any of the others and you want anything else. You can get some good binos off ebay for £6-800 that are £12-1600 new and quiet often hardly used.

 

[Rake Aboot]

same here i have a habit of trashing optics so cant justify serious money but my opticrons have put up with my abuse for 3 years,

Absolutely. The Minox ergonomics were rubbish as were the ziess,only thing worse were the leupolds which were a disaster. The Opticrons felt great and are much lighter. They are also seriously robust, and very bright.

 

[Monarch Country Products]

By chance had a look at the new Zeiss 8 x 42 Conquest bino's yesterday at the Midland - £700 brand new, checked them against Minox & Swaro's which were on the same stand and the clarity was noticibly better, also very light, it's put me in the dilema of selling my trusty Swaro 7 x 42 SLC and getting the Conquests...

 

[Heym SR20]

By chance had a look at the new Zeiss 8 x 42 Conquest bino's yesterday at the Midland - £700 brand new, checked them against Minox & Swaro's which were on the same stand and the clarity was noticibly better, also very light, it's put me in the dilema of selling my trusty Swaro 7 x 42 SLC and getting the Conquests...

But your grand kids will be using your SLC'S long after you are gone - not sure the same with the conquests - they are built to a budget IMHO.

Re the original poster - I would recommend finding good pair of second hand Swarovski,Leica etc - many people want the latestt but Minox are pretty good. If you see a pair of classic Zeiss 7x42 BGAT jump on them fast. Don't go above 8 power. The little Swarovski 8x30s are well worth a look - light weight but you loose a few minutes at last light. Binoculars are your most important piece of stalking kit so don't skimp. If funds are tight then bins first, rifle scope 2nd and rifle third.

 

[Monarch Country Products]

Your probably right on that Heym - being so light and "low price point" means scimping somewhere! maybe not much of a dilema any more..

Rgds

Rob