Binoculars

[Tom22]

Any reccomendations on a set of binocs for up to around 100.00 Mainly to be used in the woods and fields for deer hunting..Would like something clear and wide angle...7x35, 10x50?What type of prisms, is roof prisms the best?

[Lance]

I don't know too much about binocs, but if you don't mind carrying a little larger binoc, would recommend the 10x50's. Much better field of view. Should also allow more light in under low light conditions. If your looking for hunting binocs, most people I know who use the use the little ones (smaller than 7x35's), not sure what you call them??

[reelman]

TOM22, Use the binoculars you have now and save your money to buy a good pair of bino's. Trust me, it is well worth the money to spend $400+ on a good pair of glasses. Stick with a good name like Ziess, Lieca, Swaravski, or Leupold. Personal preference is to go with a glass in the 7 to 8 power. Remember if you have to big of a glass you'll end up leaving them in the truck instead of around your neck! My personal bino's are Swaravski 8x30 SLC. I will never need to buy another pair.

[reelman]

TOM22, Use the binoculars you have now and save your money to buy a good pair of bino's. Trust me, it is well worth the money to spend $400+ on a good pair of glasses. Stick with a good name like Ziess, Lieca, Swaravski, or Leupold. Personal preference is to go with a glass in the 7 to 8 power. Remember if you have to big of a glass you'll end up leaving them in the truck instead of around your neck! My personal bino's are Swaravski 8x30 SLC. I will never need to buy another pair.

[Phil T.]

If you insist on such a low price limit (and like the other replies, I recommend spending more for quality), look to the camera manufacturers' brands. Nikon, Pentax, Minolta all make serviceable binoculars that sell for a bit more than $100 if you buy them through a New York photography mail order store.
Do a websearch for the brands and look over the on-line descriptions.
I'd recommend calling B&H Photo. They will have a multi-page ad in Popular Photography magazine. There are other adveritsers as well, but B&H is a Fortune 500 company, and the magazine has never had a complaint about their service.

[Phil T.]

In answer to your question about roof prisms, no they are not better, but they are much harder to make. That compact design costs.