HPJeep
Member
I was at Sportsman's Warehouse today checking out midpriced binocs. I want to spend around $200 and found:
Steiner 8x30 with autofocus
Nikon Monarch 8x42
Burris Fullfield II 8x42
Leopold Cascade 8x42
I liked the Steiners but the salesman made a good point that the autofocus types are not quite as sharp at manual focus. After testing on a distant poster on a wall he is right. Still like this feature for an all around use binocs. The Nikons were nice but they were made in China and costs more than the Steiner. The Burris was clear and made in Japan so I am sure this is good quality and will last until the day I die. The Leopolds were a bit higher in price and also Japanese. I am not knocking Chinese optics but I want something that will last for a very long time. They will be used for hunting, hiking, banging around off road in the Jeep, looking at chicks on the beach (did I say that out loud?) etc. I may consider an 10x50 for a bit higher price if they are worth it. What is your esteemed opinion on optics in this price range?
Steiner 8x30 with autofocus
Nikon Monarch 8x42
Burris Fullfield II 8x42
Leopold Cascade 8x42
I liked the Steiners but the salesman made a good point that the autofocus types are not quite as sharp at manual focus. After testing on a distant poster on a wall he is right. Still like this feature for an all around use binocs. The Nikons were nice but they were made in China and costs more than the Steiner. The Burris was clear and made in Japan so I am sure this is good quality and will last until the day I die. The Leopolds were a bit higher in price and also Japanese. I am not knocking Chinese optics but I want something that will last for a very long time. They will be used for hunting, hiking, banging around off road in the Jeep, looking at chicks on the beach (did I say that out loud?) etc. I may consider an 10x50 for a bit higher price if they are worth it. What is your esteemed opinion on optics in this price range?