bino help

[Roperyoung]

So I was going to upgrade binoculars some time this year and my wife being the awesome one she is surprised me with some Nikon monarch 5 10x42's.

I have been using vortex diamondback 10x42 and I only use them in the deer stand with maximum distance of about 300 yds but was wanting a little better low light performance. I don't know much about binoculars so I was planning on doing a lot of research before I made any purchase, but off the top of my head Nikon was not on my list to look into...

She told me I was welcome to return them if they were not the ones I wanted but she was very proud of herself so I would hate to do that. I had a budget in mind of $500 (did not tell her this) and for what I use them for I think that is really splurging. My question is should I stay with the Nikons at $300 or is there going to be a significant jump in quality from $300-$500 binos?

[Bassdeer]

I don't know a bunch about bino's but I don't think you will see a difference between 300 and 500, plus I know a lot about women it will work in your favor to keep the ones she gave you. FYI: I have the same pair you have and have been working great for 15 years.

[Briar Friar]

I am going to upgrade fron Nikon 8x42 EFOV (extreme field of view) to somethingerrother 10x50s or 8x50s for mountain and plains glassing. The x42s have done well but long distance clarity is lacking.

She gave you the opening. Go for it. Go x50 if you can hunt open spaces.

Good luck MrYoung.

[wytex]

I personally would not lug around 10x50s for my hunting up here unless you are going to be using a tripod. 10x42s would be great.
Go look through some other binos somewhere, Cabelas, Bass Pro or Sportsman's and see if you find any that are better in your price range.
I believe the biggest improvement in glass quality is about $750+, then you really see the difference in low light conditions and clarity, ease on eye strain.

[Briar Friar]

What Wytex said. I meant and shouldve said 10x vs 8x.

I believe Im gonna go with Steiner. German glass from an American company.

https://www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/predator-10x42

Just a touch above your price range at $689 MrRoper. Save up your birthday money.

[Greenheadless]

For what you mentioned you were using them for, I would stick to what she gave you.

My experience, Vortex don’t have the best low light performance, so the Nikon I would think would be better.

[SJP51]

You can buy better. You can spend a lot more. But the Nikon Monarch 5 10x42 is a darn good bino for the money. It's what I use. The Monarch 5 has a very good light transmission rating, but for better low light performance you could get 10x50's.

At 300 yards I'd be using a spotting scope mounted on the blinds window ledge. Spot with the 10x42's and zoom in with the spotting scope.

[TexEnv]

Check out Maven Optics. Their C series binos are about $400. The glass is superb for the money. They sell direct to consumer only to avoid retail markups. My brother has a set of Leupold BX4s (near $600 range) and the Mavens are identical in glass quality/low light performance; the Leupolds have the edge in FOV, but not by much. Best bang for your buck in binos in my opinion. The also have a demo program that lets you but a gently used (they're like new, display open box shape) pair for a discounted price. If you like the optic you can keep it for the price you paid, or return it for a full refund. You have the option to return it and buy a brand new pair too if you wanted. Lifetime warranty, all that good stuff. Plenty of review online for them too.

[220swift]

Watch Ebay for some Brunton Epochs. I have 2 pair (8.5x43 and 10x43)

They are really close in quality to Swaro's in my opinion. I got both of mine for around $300-$400.

[WItoTX]

Just my advice, keep them, bring them with you everywhere, but buy the new set you want, and come up with some reason why her's work perfect in certain conditions, while the ones you bought work better in these other conditions.

I still have a bugle tube, elk calls, and various bits of camo that always come with me, and have never left the truck. I also, about 6 months after her gift, said how about we either pick the exact gift we want, or just give gift cards.

[Crawdaddi0]

Just my advice, keep them, bring them with you everywhere, but buy the new set you want, and come up with some reason why her's work perfect in certain conditions, while the ones you bought work better in these other conditions.

I still have a bugle tube, elk calls, and various bits of camo that always come with me, and have never left the truck. I also, about 6 months after her gift, said how about we either pick the exact gift we want, or just give gift cards.

This guy is going to grow old with his wife. He’s nailed it. You say she was proud of herself and sounds like she did a good job, but could be better. Return that gift and you’ll definitely hurt her feelings. I’d do exactly like this guy said and tell her that the ones she got you are the best for mid-day, but that you need this other pair (that you really want) are made for low-light and cloudy days, but aren’t as good as hers in full day light (yes, lie about the small or lie with the dog).

[themoonrulz]

https://www.opticsplanet.com/meopta-meopro-hd-8x32mm-roof-prism-binoculars.html

[Trumpkin]

I doubt you're gonna see a significant improvement till you step up to the $750 range and bargain shop... You can find $1k binos for $750 without too much trouble.

[Roperyoung]

Just my advice, keep them, bring them with you everywhere, but buy the new set you want, and come up with some reason why her's work perfect in certain conditions, while the ones you bought work better in these other conditions.

I still have a bugle tube, elk calls, and various bits of camo that always come with me, and have never left the truck. I also, about 6 months after her gift, said how about we either pick the exact gift we want, or just give gift cards.

I have been needing a dedicated pair for 3D

[ThisLadyHunts]

Return those binoculars and exchange them for the pair you want! No lies, no ruses, simply tell her you would have never have pulled the trigger had she not bought them for you in the first place. I can almost guarantee you that she would rather you have the exact pair you want rather than keep something you don't.

If it makes you feel better, alway refer to the pair for which you exchanged her gift as "the binoculars my wife got me."