Hi all. I'd like to spend up to $100 (plus S&H) for a pair of gerneral purpose binoculars, but have no idea what to look for. They'd mostly be used for rifle target practice, hiking, and sitting in bug-out-bag.

I've seen a pair of 7x35 milsurp binoculars with a rangefinder function. Would they do?

Thanks.

Weems and Plath 7x28 Apache binoculars

The Weems and Plath 7x28 Apache binoculars run a bit more than $100, but I've found them very useful and an outstanding product, and the mil reticle ought to give you the range estimation capability you want.

Dan

My binocular advice to any and all:

Fly before you buy. Binocular satisfaction can be a very personal thing. Binoculars that are loved by many may be totally unacceptable to you. The biggest problem I have with binocular selection is finding one with proper eye relief. If it is too long or too short you will be miserable. You will have your own priorities after trying a few.

I have included some bino links from birding geeks. Some of these folks are quite fussy about their optics. The birding geeks like top end roof prisms (roofies); I prefer to save a bunch of money and get comparable views with a good quality porro prism bino. For me the porros keep the center of gravity closer to my face for more stable views. With my Minolta Activas I can hold them "elbows down" despite this being touted as an advantage only to roofies. (see my links below for definitions on bino terms).

For those with deep pockets, that want killer optics, water proof, at hundreds less than the top end roofies check out the Nikon 8x32 Premier SE Binoculars
http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=87&pid=1889&m=

I would advise staying away from low priced (sub $100) roof prism binoculars (too many compromises). Don't go above 8X in pocket binos (too dim and shaky).

If you don't want to do a lot of homework and are on a budget, the Nikon Action series

http://www.buytelescopes.com/product.asp?t=87&pid=8314&m=

and Minolta Activa series are a great value with comfortable views.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll...oughType=search

Find a store with a good selection and test them out. Then go to another store and try some more. You will be amazed at the optical and comfort differences between similar looking binos.

Good luck, TR

For more bino info:
http://www.binoculars101.com/

http://betterviewdesired.com/

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/binoculars/reviews.html

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics.html

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/binocsbwd2000reviews.html

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/publications/livingbird/spring99/binos.html

http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/section.php?sectionid=21

Favorite online stores:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.buytelescopes.com/department.asp?d=6

http://www.astronomics.com