Binoculars

[Rick]

Check the bird watching sites for reviews and advice. No one knows glass better than they. And you're apt to find better deals than Cabela's from online camera shops.

[DeadEye_Dan]

10x42 are pretty good all round size


I've got a pair of Vortex Talons that were noticeably brighter than Binos costing 2x more but were noticeably less crisp than the Swarovski's that were 4x more expensive.

[aunt betty]

Stood there in K's Merchandise for an hour trying out binoculars.
Was torn between the high-dollar ones and el-cheepo.
Made the choice and talked myself out of it several times.
Was a tough decision.


So I got thinking about all my other duck gear and what it looks like after a hunt or two.
Thinking it through helped. Decided real quick that I'm kind of a slob about my stuff and would tear up anything really nice.
Bought the el-cheepo binocs for $40 I think. (that was two tanks of gas back when I did this)
Been carrying the same pair in my bag for 20+ years now and they're plenty good enough to spot ducks and determine what species they are from a LONG way off.

Waterfowlers don't really need fine optics ($$$) but there are them times where you're looking for a downed bird or something and having some cheater glasses helps.

8x40 10x50 ....both are good and gather plenty of light.