good ,lightweight hunting binocs?

[sjones]

I currently have a pair of bushnell 10x50,they are heavy and I can't keep the image from shaking no matter how I try to steady them,would a less powerful pair like maybe 8x42 or something work better?thanks. sj :?

[DIVR6347]

hello
 well   it really will depend on your budget and the type of hunting your doing  but
   i prefer 8x42s and i have the kahles grey ones and the leica 8x42bn
both are far superior to (good) they are definatly superb!!
  but with all that superbness comes a price tag of around 1k for the leicas
and around $500 for the kahles  there are others out there less expensive that work great i have heard good things amout the nikon monarch atb
and also the pentax dcf line  i also heard that the carson xm series that
is now out is damn good for the money i think they are around $300
try opticstalk.com for some good bino info if you get a chance there is some good info there
divr6347    

[Redhawk1]

I currently have a pair of bushnell 10x50,they are heavy and I can't keep the image from shaking no matter how I try to steady them,would a less powerful pair like maybe 8x42 or something work better?thanks. sj :?

Zeiss Victory FL 8X42mm, or Zeiss Diafun 8X30mm. I have both and they work great.  

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

If you are after light weight, I would HIGHLY recommend that you pick a 25mm or 32mm objective lens.  The 42mm and 50mm binoculars will REALLY let you know they've been there after you carry them around for a day... your neck with thank you for going 25 or 32.

I can personally recommend the following models without reservation, depending on your price range and the quality you are after:

Leica Trinovid BN 8x32 (Approx. $900)
Nikon HG (Venturer LX) 8x32 (Approx. $500)
Nikon HGL (Venturer LXL) 8x32 (Approx. $800) [A few ounces lighter, and you pay for it!]
Leica Ultravid 10x25 (Approx. $550)
Nikon HG (Venturer LX) 10x25 (Approx. $450)
Kahles 8x32 (Approx. $600)
Minox 8x32 (Approx. $500)
Brunton Echo 8x32 (Approx. $225)

All of the above binoculars are truly excellent optically, waterproof, fogproof, and quite rugged (ESPECIALLY the Leica Trinovids).  If I were going for a lightweight binocular for hunting, my first choice would be the Kahles 8x32, you just get more bang for your $$$ with that brand... although the Minox 8x32 are very close (not quite as good in low light) for another $100 less.  The 10x25 models are GREAT for daylight use, but suffer quite a bit in dark forested areas or low light around dusk.  If you are on a tight budget, the Brunton Echo 8x32 is a VASTLY underrated piece of optics - easily within 10% performance-wise of the other 8x32 models mentioned, at under 1/2 the cost.  For the ultimate in rugged hard-use, the Leica Trinovid has NEVER been beat by any binocular model that I've ever seen... those things are TANKS (and cost about what a tank costs too!).  Finally, the Nikon HG and HGL series have the most vivid, contrasty and colorful image I've ever seen in a pair of binoculars along with great edge-to-edge sharpness, but you pay for it in extra weight and lower brightness (especially under low-light conditions).

Good luck with your purchase, I hope you enjoy what you eventually decide to buy!

Best wishes,
Bawko

[Dave in WV]

Bushnell Legend 8x32. If you use a binocular harness like the Bino Buddy you can carry full size binoculars all day easy.

[pastorp]

Sjones, what type of hunting do you do. Thick brush, timber, open country? Stalking, stand hunting? Low light or bright days? It all makes a difference. Everyone gave you their favorites, but I believe more information would help us offer you better advise. Whats your price range also ( no use in recommending Zeiss if you can't afford them) Regards, Byron