binoculars for bird watching and hunting?

[hansg/Ups]

Thinking of getting my better half a good pair of binoculars for bird watching and hunting.
I personally prefer US or European products[Japanese anti-US trade policies,overfishing,WWII record,etc].
I currently own a pair of Steiner 7x35 Scout[w.compass].They're waterproof,individual focus,moderate weight.
Suggestions,experience?
Thanks.

[drdougrx]

Look at the Zen-Rays as advertized here.  They are as good as my swaros or leicas.

[charles p]

Check out e-Bay.  Pick a brand with a lifetime warranty so you can send them back to be repaired if necessary.

[one eye joe]

Don't think you will find any U.S. made binoculars. Leupolds are all Asian made now< I believe, so you may have to look at Zeiss, or maybe check out Minox (some are Asian, some Europeon I think). Good hunting for a reasonable priced pair. Let us know what you find.

[charles p]

+1 on Minox.  I have a pair of 10-X42 that I like. 

[ZRS-8x42]

Thinking of getting my better half a good pair of binoculars for bird watching and hunting.
I personally prefer US or European products[Japanese anti-US trade policies,overfishing,WWII record,etc].
I currently own a pair of Steiner 7x35 Scout[w.compass].They're waterproof,individual focus,moderate weight.
Suggestions,experience?
Thanks.

For birding, a center focus binoculars is preferred.  With center focus, you can respond more quickly for fast moving species.  Also, look for close focus spec. I often enjoy watching the fine detail of feathers at 8-20 ft range.  Keep magnification power between 6x-10x with 7x/8x being the most balanced option.

[jcn59]

DrDoug,  How much are the ZR binocs that seem as good as the Swaros & Leicas?  I see they run from 115. to $400.

[drdougrx]

Hi JCN,

I did a pretty extensive test with a pair of 10x42s.  I wrote the review up on this forum, I think last year and I compared them, on the same day for several hours at my shooting range with a pair of Leica New Gens 10x42s, Swaro 8x32s and a couple others that I own.  Charles was offering to let anyone try them for a month if they publically wrote a review on this forum.  I was very impressed to say the least.

I'll run through the posts on this forum and repost the link.  Sit tight.   

[drdougrx]

Found it!

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,168473.0.html

[jcn59]

Thanks, Doug.  I didn't get the Model of the Zen Ray you tested.  Perhaps I read through your report too fast.

[ZRS-8x42]

I believeit DrDougRx had original ZEN ED binoculars.  Doug at Cameraland NY has some demo deals for both 8x and 10x models. 

In the second half of 2009, we introduced new ZEN ED2 with dielectric prism coating and faster focus.  They are our top of the line product at $400 range.  Last month, we just introduced a new line of 2010 ZRS HD binoculars for around $200.  A couple of reviews are available below.

http://opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=22974

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/3888793/

Thanks

Charles