Thread: Newbie: Suggestions for first binoculars?

Getting into hunting. In past have done multisport and adventure racing but with another *0 birthday ticking by I'm getting slower so thought it'll be a good way to keep fit. Will be mostly around Canterbury high country (have a bach at Lake Clearwater). Have decided on 7mm Rem Mag, likely T3X, once FAL is completed but what about binoculars? Have been suggested 10x42. Any suggestions on brand and model for high country? Limited budget as I'm needing to buy everything.

Saw these Bushnell Legend L series 10x42 https://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/hun...1899346908.htm and thought $455 seem liked good deal if they're really RRP$740, but quick search shows they're $419 at Rubber Monkey & US$151 on Amazon

Any suggestions appreciated.

i have a set of nikon 8 powers. nice and light. good optics. might be worth a look.
7mmRM is my long range gun, good range and good knockdown

I have a set of Barr & Stroud Sahara 8x42 bino's. Not the best around, but clear enough. They get the job done.

Thanks for the fast replies!

What model Nikon?

Found info on the Barr & Stroud. Looks like $192 delivered https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Electroni...SABEgJL-vD_BwE

Originally Posted by uk_exile

Thanks for the fast replies!

What model Nikon?

Found info on the Barr & Stroud. Looks like $192 delivered https://www.fishpond.co.nz/Electroni...SABEgJL-vD_BwE

travelite 8x25

Nikon make some very good glass - they have been at the top end of SLR cameras for a while. I have a pair of Nikon Monarch (top end of Nikon) 10x42's in very good nick but are surplus to my needs as I've invested in RF binos. $500 including postage if that's of interest.

@uk-exile if yyou are close to christchurch you can borrow mine for a try out

gonetropo, I am in Chch. Prebbleton actually. I notice the travelite is 25mm lens. Much effect compared to 42mm at dawn and dusk?

chainsaw, I'll check with my CFO. Suspect reply will be a combo of things I can't write on the public forum ;-) and recommendation I buy new rather than used

Originally Posted by uk_exile

gonetropo, I am in Chch. Prebbleton actually. I notice the travelite is 25mm lens. Much effect compared to 42mm at dawn and dusk?

chainsaw, I'll check with my CFO ;-)

works well in twilight, its good glass. i'm just down the road in lincoln so feel free to grab them for a week or so. i dont use them much at present

Originally Posted by uk_exile

gonetropo, I am in Chch. Prebbleton actually. I notice the travelite is 25mm lens. Much effect compared to 42mm at dawn and dusk?
chainsaw, I'll check with my CFO. Suspect reply will be a combo of things I can't write on the public forum ;-) and recommendation I buy new rather than used

A word of advice for your CFO
1. You cant shoot what you cant see. Do NOT be tempted to skimp on cheap optics .... ever.
2. There some good bugga's on this forum who sell top quality gear second hand at good prices which will save you 25 - 50% over new prices. I've never been let down & I'd hope others would say the same about anything I sold.
but also completely understand if you want to buy new.

Cheers Chainsaw. Hear what you're saying. Buying used can save a lot of money. I frequently buy used or lower spec stuff when its used infrequently or quality doesn't matter so much, like some DIY tools, others I buy top end.

Please don't take offense but Pricespy and priceme say Monarch 5 10x42 start at $519 new. Are yours the 7 version as they're listed as $800 - $1150? The reviews of them do seem great.

Save some coin by buying a better rifle than a poxy tikka, again, used some huge used bargains to be had. Spend as much as you can on scope / binos. Id rather an $800 rifle with a 1k scope, than a $1400 rifle with a $400 scope. You will be lucky to get much in the way of binos under $800 to be honest... meopta are often overlooked, and are very bright and clear.

Originally Posted by uk_exile

Cheers Chainsaw. Hear what you're saying. Buying used can save a lot of money. I frequently buy used or lower spec stuff when its used infrequently or quality doesn't matter so much, like some DIY tools, others I buy top end.

Please don't take offense but Pricespy and priceme say Monarch 5 10x42 start at $519 new. Are yours the 7 version as they're listed as $800 - $1150? The reviews of them do seem great.

Hey no worries at all @uk-exile.
Got these about 7 yrs back, they were over $1000 at the time. Most optics manufacturers have moved in the direction of having more options and price points. Hence the M5 and M7 now offered by Nikon, as well as the lower end P (ProStaffs). Spoilt for choice aye

Originally Posted by 7x64

Save some coin by buying a better rifle than a poxy tikka, again, used some huge used bargains to be had. Spend as much as you can on scope / binos. Id rather an $800 rifle with a 1k scope, than a $1400 rifle with a $400 scope. You will be lucky to get much in the way of binos under $800 to be honest... meopta are often overlooked, and are very bright and clear.

I'm real new to this so a bit uncertain about your comment. Tikka seems to be very popular and hence seemed like a good choice. At moment $800 seems a lot for binos, particualry as first pair. Maybe at later stage I could upgrade but reluctant to spend big now. Initially I thought $2k for basic gear to start (rifle, scope, binos) but now it's seems like at least double that as being told rangefinder, bipod, etc ..........

Setting up as a first time hunter is expensive. I wouldn't want to be doing it. I see no sense though in throwing $1500 down on a tikka when there are plenty of fantastic second hand rifles around that will do the job just as well. Say $800 for rifle, $600-800 for scope then another $1000 to 1200 on bino and range finder if you want one. Once again you can pick up second hand range finders for good deals or if your not brand focused then some cheaper models are okay for a first timer. Shop smart and you will find some good deals.