binocular recommendations

I’m looking for a pair of binoculars for wildlife watching in the 100-200ft range most commonly with 300ft probably being the maximum. They would be used from indoors or deck, not carried around, so they don’t need to be compact. I currently have a 10×25 but they aren’t comfortable to use and too jerky at short ranges to see anything.

I was looking at Nikon Prostaff 3S 8×42 because it was recommended on a bird watching website. They are $127 which is a little more than I wanted to spend but will if they are the best in that price range. Is 8×42 good for the ranges I mentioned? Any other ones you’d recommend?

I use Vortex Binoculars. They make very nice optics (scopes, binoculars, monoculars, etc) in Wisconsin and they have a great warranty. The pair I have I use for the field so I can’t comment on whether they would be useful indoors and on the deck as you stated for the intended use. The specific model I use are Vortex Diamondbacks in 10 x 42. I’m sure someone else will chime in with a good set for indoor/deck use.

I bought these recently and really like them, based off IDO recommendations. Also below is the previous discussion.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vortex-12×50-Crossfire-HD-Roof-Prism-Binoculars-with-GlassPak-Harness-Case/568505365?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=15310&&adid=22222222227297953098&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=367250398045&wl4=pla-787927266395&wl5=9019609&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125194560&wl11=online&wl12=568505365&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwuj-jezj6gIVCr7ACh1KEQ3BEAQYBCABEgKxXPD_BwE

http://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/leupold-vortex-binoculars-10-x-42/

Vortex is getting pretty pricey but I’ll check them out, thanks!

Reef W wrote:

Vortex is getting pretty pricey but I’ll check them out, thanks!

If you’re not in a big hurry I’d just keep an eye on them as I got those for $140 I believe. Also, Vortex has a big like 40% discount for Vets if that applies to you.

I just picked up the Celestron Nature DX 8x42s. Similar price point to what you were looking at. They have a 7.4 deg FOV. The 8×42 seems to be good for the backyard situation you talk about. So far I haven’t seen any short range issues.

I run vortex. Have a few different pairs. I really like them

I am slowly switching to Vortex from Nikon/Leupold
Warranty replacement without filling out a warranty card is about the top reason and I like my Vortex binoculars I bought 3 years ago

I’ve had excellent service from Leopold. I’m using a Mojave model now, but I have also used the Acadia extensively, which is within your price range. IMO the VX series represents great value up and down the line.

A spotting scope is also a really neat optic for wildlife viewing, even at a relatively close range. The tripod mount means it’s easy to keep the subject in view and steady, plus you can get very, very close views. I find the spotting scope to be less fatiguing to use than binocs.

Grouse

Leupold just replaced a pair of Wind River binocs – 15 years old – seen a lot of abuse. Sent it in for repair/replacement and a new pair showed up a week later – no questions asked. Amazing.

Hard to beat either Leupold or Vortex warranties.

Pete

Thanks for the recommendations everybody. I ordered the Vortex Diamondback 8×42 the other day. More than I planned on spending but it’s a three paycheck month so it’s OK to splurge right?