Hey Dawgs, I was thinking a pair of binoculars would be a good addition to my back pack for my hiking trip in the Smokies, but as I started looking for a pair I realized I don't know anything about them. What power/lens diameter is good? What brands are good bang for the buck? Also, need to consider size and weight since they will be going into my pack. Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have a compact set of Simmons 4x that I picked up almost 20 yrs ago. They are heavy, not the best glass but they do the job for what I use them for. I have looked at upgrading them the last few years, and I am really liking the Leupold brand--I have used their scopes for a while now and really like their glass.

I have a 7x50. It is not light but it is very comfortable to hold and look thru all day. To me 7x is more than enough zoom for just hiking use. And 50 is very bright, you might be able to go 40 to save some poundage. The smaller ones are nice for a quick zoom, but if you need to use them for a long period of time I suggest you get a bigger one.

Don't go too cheap on it. Since it's going to your pack it will be thrown around so I don't think a $15.00 binocular will last.

I need a nice pair too. The ones I like I can't afford. Would go with Steiner at least. 8X30 or more. Until then I use a 7X35 Bushnell. Not that good..

A lot of people don't look at the Cabela's brand but not sure why!! I have a pair that my GF got me for my Bday and LOVE them!! They are the same quality as the Nikon glass at a fraction of the cost. Check them out.

Lot's of good medium range binoc's out there. Prices range freely.

I have a Bushnell 12X50 that is rubber armored, and waterproof. They were like $75.00 bucks. No problems so far.

I got me a small pair of Steiners from Cabelas (10x28 power) for about $150.00. They are super clear and don't fog up in the cold weather.

I seen some of the Nikon binos at Walmart and they look really nice and clear.

Leupold Cascades 10x42 $279

I got a pair of these a while back and I like them. I needed something relatively lightweight and compact and these do the trick. The auto focus system works really well past about 25 feet. If you are planning using bino's for bird watching then the auto focus feature is NOT what you want. These work great for spotting criters and scoping out paths to get form point a to point b. My only real complaint is that the objective lens covers don't stay on as well as I would like them too.

Just like anything, it's it's too heavy or bulky, it gets left behing when I go out. I have a 20x spotting scope that I can use if I need more magnification.

http://www.steiner-binoculars.com/binoculars/military/280.html

Howdy, lot of good optical stuff out there however I like Nikon..scopes and binoculars.

I own the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 and use them a lot[hunting]..a pretty good deal at

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7430-Monarch-All-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B00006AG6C

An old guy I like free stuff like free shipping and no sales tax[live in FL] but the $50 Nikon rebate almost has me ordering another..not,LOL.

Thanks for all of the info guys. There are sooo many binocs out there it is really tough to decide...

I am leaning towards a pair of Nikons that are around $80. They get 4.9 out of 5 stars with a bunch of reviews and everyone says they are the best you can get for under $100. They are only 10X25 though so I am wondering if the 25mm is too small or not...? Anyway, keep the info and suggestions coming...I'm still researching and looking. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I need to order by Friday though so I get them in time for my trip.