Looking for new Binoculars

[diesel79]

Im gonna be ordering up some new binocs and cant decide between a pair of 8/8.5 or 10 power. Also lens size 42mm or 50mm. Pretty much gonna be used for scouting in my truck so size really isnt a crucial point. Here are the ones Im looking at. Ive read alot of good things about the Alpen Shasta Ridge Binocs.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-shast ... 386sr.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-shast ... 388sr.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-pro-1 ... s-390.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/alpen-pro-8 ... s-387.html

[rcdinaz]

For driving around you will probably be happier with the 8's with the 10's you really need to have some sort of restor be able to sit down or your eyes will become fatigued very quickly from the movement. As for objective 50mm is nice but this is where you will see a significant change in weight from 42 to 50. The objecitve changes the weight far more than the magnification. I have not used the Alpen's but have used half a dozen other brands and you pretty much get what you pay for unless there is a very specific feature you are after.

Check out this link on bino overview.

http://www.bearbasin.com/buy-binoculars.htm

Also, Bear Basin consistently has the best prices and they are a huge help in giving you feedback without any pressure to buy anything. They will match internet prices and not mess around with a bunch of conditional BS as well.

Hope you find a trophy during your scouting, good luck!

[California Sprig]

I have never heard of the Alpen Shasta Ridge Binocs but there are probably a lot of them out there I've never heard of. The larger the objective the more light it lets in and thus clearer sharper images. 50mm will weigh a little more but will be much better in lower light conditions like on cloudy overcast days and late afternoon/dusk than the 42mm. You should also consider lens coatings but tht is a whole topic in itself.
10x will give you more magnification but you will have to hold them very still to see clearly. Depending on the terrain and the distance 8x will probably be just fine. I use Steiner and Nikons, not cheap but they are worth every penny. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to binocs.

[vacuum6]

for a waterfowl bino, i would not personally choose any bino with a field of view less than 390 ft at 1000 yards. it can be pretty tough to pick up birds in flight with a small field of view like 294' at 1000 yards. i agree that a 10 power will fatigue your eyes if you look through them for an extended period. i have never been able to tell the difference between an 8.5 power and an 8 power ....considering both my 8 and 8.5 power binos have a 394' wide field of view. i think my 10 power has a 360' field of view. i am not a brand name nazi, so i am not going to recommend any specific brand...just look for a wide field so you don't have to keep looking up from the bino to sight your target. swift makes an 8.5 power X 44 that lets in a lot of light. really too heavy for me so i sold mine, but pretty decent ...i thought. there are 2 models of the swift 8.5 x 44. the model i am mentioning is the legendary 820. that big bad boy has a wopping 430' field of view. but i think they now cost upwards of $300.