WaterfowlForum.Net

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.

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.

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.