Binocular recommendation

Looking for recommendations on my next set of binoculars. I'm currently using a 8x56 Yukon which provide great low light ability,.

I'm after a lighter set now as I'm doing more time in the hills rather than on the quad bike on farms.

I'd prefer not to hit the big dollars as hunting isn't my only interest, but I'm wanting to step up from the $500 mark as my current binoculars leave them for dead.

The current tax rules around assets ($5,000 low value assets) makes a new pair quite appealing.

Keen to know peoples thoughts

Tom

Leica ultravid 10x25. Never leave home without them.

What’s your budget? It’s hard to give you any meaningful advice without a number...

I would look at Swarovski CL, Leica Trinovid, or Zeiss Conquest; 8x30 or 8x42. There are also some very good compacts available that punch above their weight eg swaro 8x25

budget depends on what is there. I'd prefer to be spending somewhere between $1000 - $1500.

a bit hard to justify stepping into the price brackets above that as my next few years will have other spending priorities to do with work.

What binos sit between say the Leopold at $600 and the $1600+ euro optics like leica?

Yeah everyone who picks up my swaro 8x25s is impressed. Bonus is because of their size they never get left behind.

How much last / first light do you do? Not much? Go for a smaller set and you will find you use them more (also much lighter)

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Originally Posted by Got-ya

Yeah everyone who picks up my swaro 8x25s is impressed. Bonus is because of their size they never get left behind.

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What he said, +1 for Swaro 8x25

For about the money band you have you could go Leica trinnies 8 power check in with Sarvo on here ...he has good deals

Hi Manchester,

+1 for the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pockets, I use them most days throughout the year while working, I've never been left wanting. The glass is excellent and with the size and weight you're more likely to take them with you. The Swarovski 8x25 pockets are better than the Leica Ultravid 10x25 in my opinion, and 8x is perfect for everything, tops and bush.

Regards,

Joel

Nikon Monarch HG. Had a play with a set a while back and I have been furiously saving my pennies to get some. Have had Swaros etc and to my eyes the HGs blow them all out of the water at a much better price. Super comforrable to use I just jelled with them straight away.

Most deer are seen and shot night and evening. Light gathering equals: objective diameter divided by power. 8x30 are light and versatile. Start there.

You would never regret buying these: https://tractoptics.com/binoculars/8x42-binoculars

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Originally Posted by johnd

For about the money band you have you could go Leica trinnies 8 power check in with Sarvo on here ...he has good deals

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Have sent a query thru to Sarvo. he's been in touch with some good options and sharp prices

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Originally Posted by Manchester

Have sent a query thru to Sarvo. he's been in touch with some good options and sharp prices

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If you want to go compact - I agree with guys above
Swaro CL POCKET Mountain 8x25 B - and not the 10x25 either
They are a brilliant bino that you never know you have with you so light and compact

Just throwing another option your way @Manchester
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/kilo3...-10x42-mm.html

Always aim for a 40-42mm objective pair, best compromise.

Swarovski EL 10x42 are the gold standard.

Would try and buy new from a proper dealer, but see if they have any new old stock as the warranty is still valid.

Avoid range-finding binoculars, you land up with redundant hardware in under a decade (can be a huge cost to fix/service) which runs heavier and bulkier than a pair with no gizmos IMHO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by caberslash

Always aim for a 40-42mm objective pair, best compromise.

Swarovski EL 10x42 are the gold standard.

Would try and buy new from a proper dealer, but see if they have any new old stock as the warranty is still valid.

Avoid range-finding binoculars, you land up with redundant hardware in under a decade (can be a huge cost to fix/service) which runs heavier and bulkier than a pair with no gizmos IMHO.

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Any binocular with a 40-42mm objective is going to be fairly heavy and large. I've owned a lot of high end binos and for me a quality pair of 8x30's are the best compromise. Currently using Swaro CL Companion 8x30's (new model) and they're quite impressive for the money.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 10-Ring

Any binocular with a 40-42mm objective is going to be fairly heavy and large. I've owned a lot of high end binos and for me a quality pair of 8x30's are the best compromise. Currently using Swaro CL Companion 8x30's (new model) and they're quite impressive for the money.

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Had a pair of the older CL companions in 8x30. Thought the ocular lenses were too small and condensation formed readily in very misty weather.

Quality bino harness like FHF helps a ton, the Swaro 42's are big for their class but I think they are the best compromise.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tahr

Most deer are seen and shot night and evening. Light gathering equals: objective diameter divided by power. 8x30 are light and versatile. Start there.

You would never regret buying these: https://tractoptics.com/binoculars/8x42-binoculars

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*Edit. "morning & evening"