The Optics Game - Part 2

[CiK]

All,
I really appreciate the comments and advice in my first post about the importance of optics. I hope nobody minds, but I have a follow up question about binoculars.

As mentioned in my first post, I have always just used my range finder in the past to "glass" the areas I hunt (seldom past 150yds). After reading all the comments in my first post about what I am missing out on, I borrowed a friends pair of binoculars for one of my late evening sits in a tree stand. His binoculars are Bushnell H20 8x42's. From everything I have gathered in researching binoculars, 8x42's are the best choice for low light situations (which is where I find myself hunting the most).

I did notice during twilight, the image clarity degraded quite a bit at 150yd to a point that I am not sure I could have made the differences between a doe and a buck. Will quality optics really improve upon that? Or will I experience the same with a $1000 pair of binoculars? I am having a hard time convincing myself that there will be a difference. I have an untrained eye, so I am open to being trained.

Thanks again!

[blackwolf]

You definitely get what you pay for. I took middle of the road and got a pair of Nikon Monarchs 10+42 for about $300 or a little more. They are not a Swarvoski or Leica but work pretty darn good for the money.

[realunlucky]

My binoculars allow viewing well passed what the naked eye can barely distinguish at twilight

[husky390]

Lot's of good choices out there. Best thing to do is go to a local big box store and go outside and test a bunch of them to get a feel for what you like.

[pointysticks]

get good binos. you dont need to buy the BEST, but buy the best you can afford.

i cant imagine how many animals i missed out seeing with my inferior glass.

true story.
i climbed a hill. at the top it started to get super dark. we started glassing hoping to put a deer to bed for the next morning deer opener. i was staring and staring..i saw nothing and was about to head back down. my buddy next to me whispers, "dont move, i see him!"

we did that thing.."right next to the big rock, 10 oclock from the dead tree.." i never saw him. he handed me his binos and i saw him immediately. i was blown away. i thought about all the times i climbed a huge mountain giving up blood sweat and tears to get to the top and not see anything. how many did i miss?

i went home and formulated a saving plan to buy new binoculars. i got the BEST i could afford..cost me dearly, but they are really really good.

i might get one more pair since the ones i got are pretty big and heavy.

[rowdycwby1]

I've always been told buy the best you can afford! It may take summer saving but it's well worth it in the end. I us to think it didn't matter so I bought the cheapest ones to save money until I was out with a buddy glossing deer and he kept finding them when I'd just glass the same spot and they would stick out like a sore thumb in his binos! Know I'll spend the money and buy better ones and they last longer too!