Good pair of binoculars for around $300

Offshootboy · 02-27-2008, 04:48 AM

Im in the market for some binoculars and like i said i would like to spend no more than $300 dollars. I will be mostly still hunting for deer and one these years I hope to go on my first elk hunting trip.
So what do you guys think i should start looking at?

Thanks Brandon

Ripstop · 02-27-2008, 09:33 PM

For that price range I would definitely go with Nikon ATB's. Has far as what power, you would have to decide. For me 10x42. If I lived back east 8x42.

Rob/PA Bowyer · 02-28-2008, 07:42 AM

Another vote for Nikkon Monarch ATB's. I bought a pair to be IBO legal, 8 x 42's. I also own a pair of Brunton Lite Techs 10 x 50's that would fit your budget, both very water proof and fantastic glass.

PABowhntr · 02-28-2008, 08:19 AM

Another vote for the Nikons but also check out similar models from the Vortex lineup. They offer absolutely excellent performance for the price and their warranty/customer service is Swarovski level.

nksmfamjp · 02-28-2008, 01:25 PM

I think Bushnell has some models in this price range which are good. I have a pair of Bushnell Discoverer 7 x 42's, which I love. I think the 8 x 42'scan be found on the net for $300 ish still.

Leupold and Minox also make a great porro in this range.

BTW, I compared these directly to Nikon's and I thought the Bushnell was much better.

okiejaco · 02-28-2008, 06:08 PM

I am in the same boat as you are. I am looking at the Carson HD or Leupold Wind River Cascades. Go to opticsplanet.com they have a lot of different kinds and pretty good price.

nksmfamjp · 02-28-2008, 07:41 PM

Not sure where you live, but 7 or 8x binos are about max for woods. Out west in MT, I think I slightly prefer 10x. IMHO, a 35mm or smaller obj is nicer to carry, but it seems like a 42mm is about min for getting good pre shooting light views. Now to test bino's, think about true colors in bad light. That is what bino's do for you. That is how you pull deer shapes out of deery looking woods.

savage3006 · 02-28-2008, 07:44 PM

I have the Nikon Monarch ATB. I like them.

jeepkid · 02-28-2008, 08:23 PM

Hands down- Leupold Cascades

beast44k · 03-02-2008, 06:48 PM

I too am in the market for binocs, but I'm looking around the $200-250 range.
I went to Cabela's andchecked outa couple of 10x42s, and found the Burris Fullfield II and Cabela's XT to be really crisp and bright.
I compared them to a pair of Leica and there was a difference, but not enough to justify dishing out $2000!!!

I was hoping to pick up a set of Bushnell, but I could see right away I wasn't going to.