I'm looking for a nice set of binos to use for Precision shooting, spotting impacts, locating targets, etc..... I have my mind made up to go with 12x50's. What's out there that is the (in your opinion) the best cost/value in this budget range?
Best Binos (Found) Thanks fellas
- Thread starter mrobles3808
- Start date
Bushnell Forge 15x56 by a mile. The clarity and light transmission on them in the same league as binos that cost over $2k, and they're going to retail at just over $800. They should be shipping to dealers any day now. I had a set of prototypes at the Altus (was Core) Fall Classic last year, and every person that looked through them said they were impressed. I've got a set of the 10x models that are just as clear, but you give up a little on magnification and light due to the smaller size. I will also have a pair of the 15s coming in soon, I hope.
i was in the same boat here a week ago. i picked up a set of used swaro el’s. my guess is, they will work for what i need.
why only 12x? why not a pair of 15x56? call doug at camera land and he can put you in a pair of meopta meostar HDs in your budget...i bought a pair and sold my spotter...glass is amazing...on cool days i can see impacts on steel at 1220yds.
Cannon IS binos do a great job for me and many others I shoot with. They are not swaros, but I paid under 900 for mine. They pick up trace very well. Waterproof also.
Bushnell Forge 15x. I have the 10x and they are fantastic. Clear glass, smooth controls, rugged build quality.
I will be back in the store tomorrow, 516-217-1000. Leaving for home from SHOT shortly. Give me a call and we can discuss what would be best
Have a great day
Doug
Have a great day
Doug
Don't shell out the money and buy anything without witnessing it solving your need. Forget statements on performance here.
Some of us already have binos for the exact purpose OP listed and have made suggestions based on that experience. Depending on where he's at, he may not be able to easily go out and play with a bunch of different models, either.
I suggested the Bushnells because I have used both the 10 and 15x models for the exact purposes OP mentioned, and I've used other brands (including Swaro ELs and the Canons mentioned in this thread), and I'd take the Bushnells over any of them, especially when price is considered.
I’m really considering the Sig KILO3000 BDX. Not much info, but that was one of the products my ‘Smith was most impressed with at SHOT.
Yes, sorry about that. Initially when I started shopping I thought there was zero chance to even look at the Swaros. Talked to my wife and she gave me the advice of "buy what you want" so that's when I started looking at the Swaros. Not sure if I gained 1500.00 more in quality, but I'm sure I'll be satisfied.
All I am going to say is this - if/when you run into someone with a set of the Bushnell Forge 10 or 15 binos... don't look through them.
I had a chance to spend some time with the Forges this weekend. In addition to those, I also handled the Meostars, BX5's, Razors, SLC's, and the EL's. I probably should have done this prior to purchasing the EL's, but this time I lucked out.
The Forges are nice. Great glass and I didn't feel like they gave much up at all compared to the Meostars or SLC's. The Razors really didn't fit anywhere in the mix. The BX5's were decent, but not as good as the Forges, but better than Razor. One thing I noticed, with every pair I tried, besides the EL's, is the perception of a closed off FOV. When looking down the binos, it appeared I could see the sidewalls of every pair, not just the Forges, but all of them except the els. I'm not sure if I'm explaing this accurately, but the way it looked to me was an apparent dark outer ring -- I wasn't getting the full picture I expected.
The Forges are nice, and if I was going to get a set of binos just for Tripod exclusive use, they would likely be my choice, although the Meostars were better to my eyes.
Contrary to some reviews, when comparing the SLC's and EL's, I will say there is a noticeable difference. The EL's set themselves apart and are IMO the best Binos I've looked through -- for both clarity and comfort. I'm definitely not disappointed.
I don't have that issue with the tubes on the Forge binos, but I have seen it on other brands. The Forge binos, in my experience, give up little to nothing on the Swaros (SLC or EL - I've used both), and I can't come up with any way to justify paying nearly $2k more for Swaros over the Forge for any shooting related uses.
I’m awefully impulsive as well. Buying the ELs seemed like a good idea in case I ever needed to clear some funds. They seem to hold their value.
All i have to say about it, is remember the way your wife behaved in all of this next time you get upset with her. Lol.
Good point! She was the one who just said “get the ELs if you want.” I was tickled to say the least.
Worth considering are some used or demo Leicas. IMHO they can hang with the best of them.
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