Has anyone tried the new Cabela's Euro Optics? They are selling a 10x42 bino that looks like a Swarovski. They are half the cost of Swaro's and the reviews at Cabela's sing a lot of praises. Here is a link -
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link....equestid=15809#chart

I posted this in the Optics forum as well.

I have been using their Alaskan Guide 10 X 42 Binos for years and to date am completely satified.
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Technical Specificatios
* Weight: 30.4 oz.
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Meopta Meostar Binoculars
Weight (oz.) 30.4

The above pastings from Cabelas own catalog show the Euro and Meopta to be the same product. The main point however is the weight. They weigh a ton.

The Pentax DCF SP's cost less, weigh less and are universaly acclaimed but you should go Cabela's and have your own eyes choose optics.

Link

Last I checked Cameraland in NY was selling the DCF SP's for about $460.

I tried them at Cabelas this April. I made three trips there and spent hours and hours going over the binoculars. I firmly believe that each of us sees anything optical with our own eyes in a unique and personal way.

The Euros had very good optics, poor eyecups (for me) and we so heavy that I put them down immediately and never reconsidered them.

That specific Pentax model in 8-43 was as good as any binocular there for me. I could not find one that was less costly, including other Pentax, that was close in terms of optics and feel for me. I spent most of my time with the Zeiss, Swaro, Nikon Premier etc and kept coming back the the DCF SP's.

Interesting that you should bring this up. I was just looking for some used binos, anybody here used the Nikon Action binoculars? They have some refurbished ones on the sample list that are under 100 bucks. I have a nice set of Pentax but am going to the airshow/air race next weekend in San Francisco and want to make sure I don't miss any of the action.

Red

I have them and am quite satisfied. I looked through a lot of the high end stuff (Swaros, Ziess) and couldn't tell any practical difference. They are a bit heavier than the others, but not so much to cause concern. I believe they are made in the CZ Republic and come with a solid gurantee from Cabela's. They are basically half the price of the top European binos.



You can borrow money, but you can't borrow time. Go Now.

I have been using one for a few months and really like it. I did a hardware piece on it for the NRA's American Hunter that should be out in a couple of months. I have a Leica and Swarovski. The Meopta-made Cabelas bino is real close to the same quality. My only gripes are it is a bit heavy, and the dopter adjustment is easily moved inadvertantly. It is a great choice if you are in the market for a rugged bino with good glass that won't break the bank.

Red,

I have a hundred dollar pair of Nikon 16x50's on the floor of the pickup. They have sharp optics and good color rendition. They are bargains IMO.

They are cheapies but for a truck bino they are great.

I looked last night and the Pentax I have are 7x50, my father bought them in the 80's when he was going to the Reno air races. I figure if I pick up a pair of the nikons refurbished for under a hundred, in a higher power, then I will have a pair to share with my wife and friends. Thanks Will.

Red