Binoculars?

[Neuse]

I will be going to Idaho in June for a bear hunt.


I need to buy a pair of binoculars.
Which ones?
Way to many choices for me to make a decision.

I will probably have to top out at $500.00
Some of the prices are frog chokers for me.
Is there any place that sells preowned?

[ElfEyes]

I think camera land has used optics. Rokslide would still probably be a better option of finding what you're looking for in their classified section. Just a warning if you put a Want to Buy post on there be prepared to deal with scammers. Just research what binos match your needs, then search their classifieds for someone selling some.

Sent from my Pixel 4a (5G) using Tapatalk

[8pointer]

I highly recommend Vortex Diamondback HD with that price range.

[wytex]

Spot and stalk, bait or dogs?
You need something that has great low light gathering capabilities.

Good color phase bears in Idaho, good luck !

[El General]

I have the B series Maven's and I love them. I think the C series that is in your price range is the best pair I have looked through in that price range. If you are hunting over bait, I'd get the 8x. Spot and stalk, get whatever power you want but buy a tripod with a bino adapter as that is a gamechanger for picking apart a mountainside.

https://mavenbuilt.com/collections/binoculars/products/c-1-8x42-10x42-12x42

[150class]

How much glassing are you actually doing? Are you going to be spending hours checking mountain sides and slopes?

For 500-700$ see if you can find a used pair of Zeiss conquest or maybe the Mavens (I have no experience with them)

If you double your budget and your eyes will thank you very much and maybe find a pair of Vortex Razors or maybe..... A used pair of Swaro SLC's

[WyoBull]

I have the B series Maven's and I love them. I think the C series that is in your price range is the best pair I have looked through in that price range. If you are hunting over bait, I'd get the 8x. Spot and stalk, get whatever power you want but buy a tripod with a bino adapter as that is a gamechanger for picking apart a mountainside.

https://mavenbuilt.com/collections/b...42-10x42-12x42

This. Maven makes great glass. They have used/refurbished glass on their website so you should check it out.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Neuse]

Thank you for the input.
I will be with a guide, but he says to bring bino's.

[retrieverman]

I bought a set of used Zeiss Conquest 12x45 binos a while back for $400, and I’m really happy with them.

[Neuse]

I keep trying to push myself to spend more, but dang , these things get expensive.

[220swift]

Look for some Brunton Epochs on EBAY. I have the 8.5x42s and the 10x42s. They are really good. I also have Swarovski 12x56s and think the glass on my Bruntons are pretty **** close to the Swaros. (there will be plenty of naysayers, but I've looked through both)

You can get them for around $400 on EBAY if you are patient.

[OldRiverRat]

or if its just one hunt, ask to borrow a pair. i was lucky and a tbh guy offered to let me use his spotting scope when i was drawn for a tpwd mule deer hunt. I saved me $500.

[jlptexashunter]

I will be going to Idaho in June for a bear hunt.


I need to buy a pair of binoculars.
Which ones?
Way to many choices for me to make a decision.

I will probably have to top out at $500.00
Some of the prices are frog chokers for me.
Is there any place that sells preowned?

Nikon M5 or M7 always solid performance

[jnd1959]

I will fourth the Maven's. But consider what you need. If you were going to AZ for Coues deer you would need 15s. I don't know for Idaho bear.

Another option, and one I am considering while I decide and save for a new pair, is to rent binos. Swarovski (sp?) 15s can be rented for a week for about 190. That's a 2 grand pair of glass. I bet 10s would be cheaper. Ask what is needed. Most of the bears are out early and late (in spring) so low light is probably important. Power may not be as important because they appear to kind of stand out so Maven or Vortex 10s may do the trick.

[Ronnie41]

meyopta, check them out for sure