Is this a good deal?

[NewHunter]

Let me start off by saying that I know that Swaros/Leicas are superior to the binos I am looking at. I know because I have looked through Swaros and I loved them, however I didn't love them enough to spend $2,000 on just the glass...

 

I am new to hunting and looking to get some decent gear at a decent price. I don't go out and glass on a regular basis, I wouldn't be considered an "avid-hunter", yet... I just got into it last year and have purchased a rifle/scope, pack, and now looking at binos. I would like to get a decent pair at a good price and if I can get an adapter and tripod and a good set of binos for $600 or so, I am a happy person. I know that a lot of people will tell me to save for the more expensive ones because I'll regret it later, but I am fine with regretting this purchase later. I would like some binos to get me through the next few years until I feel like I can justify a $2,000 purchase to myself.

 

All that being said, does anyone have any experience with Nikon Monarch ATB 12x56? I can't see a deer for the life of me in anything under a 56 (used my brother-in-law's swaro 10x42s and saw nothing, but when he let me use the 56s I could see the deer) so that size is a must for me. These look like a good deal, but I am going between this set and the Minox open box 15X58s that another user posted (cameraland).

 

Any opinion you guys can give is appreciated. I will eventually spring for the expensive glass, but I don't hunt enough, nor am I good enough on my own yet, to even consider purchasing them for a ways down the road...

 

http://www.hayneedleshopping.com/general/1...e=22-65355423-2

[scoutm]

I have a buddy that has the exact same binos and for the price I was very impressed with them. I have 10x42 and 15x56 swaros.

[Red Rabbit]

For 15x long range glassing in your budget range, I would definitely choose the Minox 15x58 over the 12xMonarchs.

For 10x, there are many more choices in your price range.

For a first and only set of binos, I would consider 10x over 15x as 10x would be more versatile in more types of terrain.

[Coues79]

Also don't forget to check with Doug at cameraland. They're a sponsor of the sight. I've bought several optics from him and will continue to do business with them.

 

http://www.cameralandny.com/

 

The nikon's are a pretty good glass. I've had a pair of 10x56 and thought they were really nice. I imagine the 12's are pretty nice too. Good luck.

[palivs2hnt]

It is of course a matter of opinion, but I respectfully disagree with RR on this one. I have the Nikon and for me they are much clearer and sharper at the edges than the Minox IMHO. I strongly believe you will be very pleased with the Nikon. Great glass for the price.

[scoutm]

It is of course a matter of opinion, but I respectfully disagree with RR on this one. I have the Nikon and for me they are much clearer and sharper at the edges than the Minox IMHO. I strongly believe you will be very pleased with the Nikon. Great glass for the price.

 

 

No need to "respectfully disagree with RR" just disagree with him. After all he prefers his Leicas to Swaro's - that being the case you know he's off the mark when it comes to optics.

[Tines]

Let me start off by saying that I know that Swaros/Leicas are superior to the binos I am looking at. I know because I have looked through Swaros and I loved them, however I didn't love them enough to spend $2,000 on just the glass...

 

I am new to hunting and looking to get some decent gear at a decent price. I don't go out and glass on a regular basis, I wouldn't be considered an "avid-hunter", yet... I just got into it last year and have purchased a rifle/scope, pack, and now looking at binos. I would like to get a decent pair at a good price and if I can get an adapter and tripod and a good set of binos for $600 or so, I am a happy person. I know that a lot of people will tell me to save for the more expensive ones because I'll regret it later, but I am fine with regretting this purchase later. I would like some binos to get me through the next few years until I feel like I can justify a $2,000 purchase to myself.

 

All that being said, does anyone have any experience with Nikon Monarch ATB 12x56? I can't see a deer for the life of me in anything under a 56 (used my brother-in-law's swaro 10x42s and saw nothing, but when he let me use the 56s I could see the deer) so that size is a must for me. These look like a good deal, but I am going between this set and the Minox open box 15X58s that another user posted (cameraland).

 

Any opinion you guys can give is appreciated. I will eventually spring for the expensive glass, but I don't hunt enough, nor am I good enough on my own yet, to even consider purchasing them for a ways down the road...

 

http://www.hayneedleshopping.com/general/1...e=22-65355423-2

 

IMO, Nikon has terrible customer service and average glass. That's just me....

 

[Str8Shot]

Minox + 1 also look into the Vortex Bino's

[SuperiorBowHunter]

seriously I owned the Minox 15x58s, they were my first big glass! But you have to realize how huge and heavy those things are! I agree that for your first pair the 10x50s would be great option and i think as you start to glass more and more it will be easier for you to find game! But have you seen the cabalas brand 10x50s my buddy got them and i was really inmpressed with the glass and the size they were about the size of the 10x42 slc if not smaller! And for the price you can"t beat it try them out and see if not what do you have to loss?

[SuperiorBowHunter]

seriously I owned the Minox 15x58s, they were my first big glass! But you have to realize how huge and heavy those things are! I agree that for your first pair the 10x50s would be great option and i think as you start to glass more and more it will be easier for you to find game! But have you seen the cabalas brand 10x50s my buddy got them and i was really impressed with the glass and the size they were about the size of the 10x42 slc if not smaller! And for the price you can"t beat it try them out and see if not what do you have to loss?

[NewHunter]

Thanks for the info so far guys... please keep it coming. Also wondering about tripods... what do you guys use/prefer?

[My Rights As An American]

I have the exact same pair that you are looking at. Monarch 12x56. In my uneducated opinion, outstanding glass for the price! I LOVE them dearly, but they are definitely a tripod binocular and not something you want to swing around your neck all day. VERY clear, especially in low light. I would purchase them 7 days a week all over again!

[NewHunter]

What do you guys think of these? Anybody have any experience with them? Kaibabs are in that "unjustifiable" category for me...

 

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex....texvulture10x56

[azslim]

I suggest you take a trip to the Outdoorsman and look through a couple different brands. They will let you take them outside, set up tripods and look up the mtn to the NW at the hikers. And don't discount Vortex, I have some 15x50's Vipers that are my backups/loaners that are good glass, they just didn't cost over 2k. As far as tripods, for years I used a lightweight aluminum set that is still kicking, they are what the Vipers go on. Glassing is a skill and you don't have to have the most expensive stuff on the market to be good at it, just time behind optics. One of the best guides I know uses average glass, he is just good at what he does. And I know people with top of the line gear that couldn't find game if it was painted bright orange and tied to a tree in the open.

 

No matter what brand you choose I have one suggestion - get into the grades that have lifetime warranties, stuff happens in the field and someday you will appreciate the warranty.

[Str8Shot]

I suggest you take a trip to the Outdoorsman and look through a couple different brands. They will let you take them outside, set up tripods and look up the mtn to the NW at the hikers. And don't discount Vortex, I have some 15x50's Vipers that are my backups/loaners that are good glass, they just didn't cost over 2k. As far as tripods, for years I used a lightweight aluminum set that is still kicking, they are what the Vipers go on. Glassing is a skill and you don't have to have the most expensive stuff on the market to be good at it, just time behind optics. One of the best guides I know uses average glass, he is just good at what he does. And I know people with top of the line gear that couldn't find game if it was painted bright orange and tied to a tree in the open.

 

No matter what brand you choose I have one suggestion - get into the grades that have lifetime warranties, stuff happens in the field and someday you will appreciate the warranty.

 

 

Have to agree with you there Slim ... I have spotted more game glassing with inexpensive glass than many guys in the party using Top of the line glass ... getting the practice with any glass is more important than the glass itself... But once you start Getting good... the better glass will make you even better. My buddy picked up the inexpensive Vortex Vulture in coyote brown last season and for the money they performed very well and would compete with a lot of Bino's 2 to 3 times the price ... I also do not like using a tripod so much a monopod and a methodical approach to what I am glassing is my preference