windriver optics, Binoculars

[Johnr]

Hi folks,
I'm looking for a good pair of binocs for hunting and fishing. Has anyone had much experience using Windriver or kahles optics? I'm told windriver optics are as good if not better than some of the high end german optics?
Thanks, Johnr

[TSS Caddis]

In comparing the Wind River series to the Nikon Monarch's, I'd take the Monarch's any day for the same price.

[Sawcat]

I wouldn't trade my Wind River 8x42 binoculars for any other pair I've seen.

[jb]

I've have a good pair of Swarovski 7X42 for about 5 years now. but last fall I wanted some decent glass to keep in my truck that were a little cheaper than the Swo's. and I wanted a little more power also.
I ended up buying a pair of Wind River 8X42. I don't know if I was spoiled but they just did not look that good and I ended up selling them a few months later.
I then picked up a pair of Pentax 8x42 DCF WP for not much more money, these come very very close to the Swarovski's at 1/2 the price, I understand the new SP's are even better.
If you look around you can find the Pentax SP's or even some left over WP's for not much more than the Wind Rivers.
John Barsness states the new Pentax are so close to being as good as the high priced European glass that you're nut's to pay twice the amount for the latter.

[Mags]

Like TSS Caddis said, take a good look at the Nikon Monarchs. I bought a pair of Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42's and love 'em. I think they're one of the best in their price range. From what I've read and heard, the Pentax are supposed to be pretty darned good too. Only side by side testing by your eyes will determine which binocs you like best, though.

[Swamp Monster]

They are decent serviceable bino's for the money, but they do not compare in glass quality and durability with any of the European big boys. But then again, they are not meant to compete with Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss etc. In the $300-$400 price range, they are a pretty good value, but imo, the Nikon Monarch at $289 is a better deal. If you go with the Wind River, stick with the Pinnacle model. The Kahles is also very nice, but the new Pentax Sp's are nicer yet and priced about the same. The Pentax 8x43 SP runs about $599 and are in the same league as the European bino's optically. (and only $100 more than the Pinnacle Wind River)
Whatever you choose, may sure you get phase corrected lenses if you go with a roof prism glass. And I would stick with 8 power for a good all around glass. 10 power is nice but tougher to hold steady, especially in the sometimes awkward field positions.

[brdhntr]

I just bought a pair of 10x42 Bushnell Legends. Compared them to the other binocs in the price range and a little more expensive at Cabelas, using the test chart. Were equal to or better than the rest for optical clarity. The main deciding feature was the Rainguard coating. I have two Elite scopes and it's amazing how well they work even in rain and on those cool damp days when other optics fog and you can't see through them. So far I've used them about a week for deer hunting, and scouting for ducks. No problems with fogging even after going in and out of the car in this cold damp weather.

[Eastern Yooper]

I've got Kahles, and couldn't be more happy with them.

When buying optics, you'll get what you pay for.....and there is no comparison with $200 glass versus the higher priced stuff.

Yes they can be quite pricey, but will also last you a lifetime.

I don't reccommend 10x binos, too shaky at close distance.

Also: Never, ever use kleenex or a rag to clean the lens of binos, as this will scratch and remove the coatings.