Buying binoculars - looking for advice

[JH83]

The vortex fury’s are excellent for the money. A mate and I ran them next to his top of the range swaros one eve and whilst there was a difference, it wasn’t giant. And the warranty is amazingly good. They aren’t as ergonomic, or as nice a thing as the Swarovski, and won’t last as long….but did I mention the warranty?

The weight issue (or non-issue) makes me smile a bit. What’s the difference between LRF and non? How many ounces are we talking? Are we all ripped up Adonis's here, that simply can’t lose another Lb ? All for the ability to instantly range something you intend to shoot, which I’d suggest is quite a handy thing. Knowing your ground and ranges is useful but very limited in application, deer don’t play by the rules very often in my experience anyway.

 

[Brighty3006]

Love my el range 8x42s

 

[Rory]

If you have a smartphone download Google earth. You can find your current position and then measure distance to other parts of your ground - woodland edge etc etc.

Cheaper and lighter than having range finding binoculars

Oh come on, why not just take fathoms of jute twine and measure the different locations?

 

[bulwinkle]

Swarovski el 10x32 ….light and relatively compact.

 

[finnbear270]

I have had them all, reckon Griff would attest to that, recently been very impressed with Vortex glass, scopes and bino's.
Try a few offerings if you can get to a good retailer,
Get the best you can afford, second hand off here can also be a game changer prices wise.

 

[Loki]

Hi

Narrow down to the pairs that interest you, but, if at all possible, try them out at times of day and environment you will be using them. A bind but outcome far more favourable and likely lasting. Anything else is some one elses eyes/experience leading you............

Then, if in no urgency, find the pair pre-owned and keep some shekels for other kit.

Good warranty, should/if/when required to invoke is comforting. With built in rangefinders (electronics) may not have the same warranty - small print important.

L

 

[25 Sharps]

Oh come on, why not just take fathoms of jute twine and measure the different locations?

To be fair I wanted to check how accurate my meoptas were, so I ranged a tree on a hill in the distance 1792 yards. Then measured the distance on Google Earth, 1791 yards. Pretty good!

I use Heym’s method if I forget the LRF, which of course I won’t do ever again as it’s contained in my Bino’s

 

[Cyres]

Are you shooting 50 BMG then?
Pointless as both methods cannot guarantee what you were measuring to.
D

 

[Heym SR20]

Hi all,

I’m looking at getting some good binos to be all purpose for mostly stalking and also when I go out walking or safari etc. I’m new and looking to buy once cry once within reason.

I’ve been most interested in the Vortex Fury 5000 HD 10x42 rangefinder binos and that’s the sort of budget. I wonder if they have too much magnification.

Do you all think the rangefinder is useful as I’ve not had one before? The furys seem to be the best rangefinder binos that aren’t swaros and 2x the price. Is 10x good for all purpose?

Any opinions most welcome thank you for your time.

My suggestion would be to get a good quality pair of binoculars without any form of electronics within them. They will last. I am still using my Zeiss 7x42BGAT*P* that Mrs Heym gave 25 years ago.

For most stalking and wildlife viewing a good 7 or 8x 42 or 32mm is more than adequate provided they are well made. These days Vortex and other far east made optics are pretty close to the German brands optically but loose on quality.

If you need a rangefinder to determine distance to a deer that is beyond a football pitch away, then there are plenty of modestly priced lazer range finders available. Or get one in a thermal scope of some description at a later point. Most of us have drawers full of digital cameras, laptops and other electronics that go out of date or just fail. I see electronics such as rangefinders and thermals in a similar vein.

 

[GlennUK]

FWIW if you haven't tried any, id see if you can borrow or try a pair of 10x versus 8x in the filed before you buy.

 

[Dazb1967]

I have the Swaro EL range 10x42 and recently bought a pair of Swaro CL10x25's and the CL's now come everywhere with me, I take them out stalking/dog walking and out on my bike, They are very light crystal clear and fit nicely in my pocket, great little set of bins and don't be put off by there size

 

[Stover Rover]

Price drops on Swarovski EL 8.5x42 and EL 10x42 both now under £1600 new.

 

[RS99]

Someone selling a cracking pair of Swarovski 10x42 down my way, just back from service, £695, which I thought was very cheap

Rangefinder or regular?

 

[AHPP]

I love rangefinders, not just for shooting. Always play the how-far-is-it game when out walking. Makes you generally more aware, better at navigating etc.

 

[Konar]

I have a pair of Leica 10x42 lrf up for £850

 

[Klenchblaize]

View the path less travelled:

K