Truck binos around $500

mcseal2

mcseal2

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,171
195
midwest
I'm looking for some advice on some good truck binos. I have Leica Geovid binos I use hunting or on serious scouting trips, but I'm looking for something to carry in the ranch truck day to day that's decent enough to keep me from wanting to drag the Leicas out of the safe all the time. I will keep them cased and clean, but they will take a lot of bouncing in the vehicle. I was considering the Zen Ray Prime 10x42's but read some reviews questioning their durability. I know Vortex is great for the price, but the eye relief on the Viper series doesn't work that well for me for some reason. I tried Viper 8x42's and 15x50's but didn't end up keeping either.

Any advice on what to look for new, demo, or used around that price? Weight is no issue on these and higher magnification is no problem as I can rest them on the truck window to get steadier.

Thanks for the help.
 
woodtick

woodtick

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Feb 24, 2011
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Jim Bridger County, Utah
Take a look at the Zeiss Terra ED's around $450-500 new I think, I was blown away at how nice they are, kinda surprised me cause I've been a Geovid snob for a few years now!
 
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packmule

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Jun 21, 2011
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Minox BL HD 10x44. Similar to the Meoptas that are great glass at a good price only Meopta has gotten proud of theirs over the last few years.
 
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Umpqua Hunter

Umpqua Hunter

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May 26, 2011
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North Umpqua, Oregon
I'd go with some Vortex binos for that use for the main reason that their no fault lifetime warranty will likely come in handy with a pair that bounces around in a truck day after day.
 
buckbull

buckbull

Veteran member
Jun 20, 2011
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I'm a fan of vortex optics but the OP said the eye relief doesn't work for him. I'm with packmule, try the minox binocs.

My "best glass" are leupold olympics that are in your "truck bino" price range. They have worked well for me.
 
mcseal2

mcseal2

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Mar 1, 2011
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midwest
If the Vortex worked for me with their warranty it would be a no brainer, I'd have them for the warranty. Even with the eyecups all the way out I find my self wanting to turn them out another notch or two to get them further from my face. Leica's, Zeiss, and Minox haven't had this issue for me. I hadn't seen that Cameraland deal on the Zeiss Conquest, and I have credit with them from returning the 15x Vortex. I might go that route or see what they have for demo Minox. The more I think about it going with high magnification on cheaper binos might not be the smartest thing to do. I'll wait until I drop the money for 15x56 Swaros to get high magnification.

Anyone have experience with Minox warranty? I know Zeiss has treated me right in the past.

Thanks for the help.
 
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kupper

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Aug 12, 2014
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ND
I have the primes and absolutely love them. I've compared them with the talons and vipers and the clarity is best in the primes. keep in mind I glass with the eye caps all the way in, for someone who uses the eye cups I wouldn't recommend the primes because the eyecups are extremely large.
 
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OldGuy

Member
Apr 11, 2011
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Mid-America
I like those Hawkes, but a little weak at the outer edges. Also use Nikon Monarcks 8x32, not a lot of differences, but fit my pocketbook :D.
 
ivorytip

ivorytip

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Mar 24, 2012
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SE Idaho
I see no reason not to go with Nikon monarchs, you'll get them for cheaper than 500 and they are truly an awesome pair of glass! I did end up getting vortex razor 10x42 that I absolutely love! I keep my monarchs in the truck and they are perfect.
 
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Murdy

Active Member
Dec 13, 2011
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North-Central Illinois
The Monarch 7s have been reviewing really well lately (compared to other binos at the $500 price point), and they were on sale closer to $400 prior to the holidays at several places (haven't looked lately).
 
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