I'd like to get some nice binoculars this spring and am completely overwhelmed by all the choices. My price range is probably under $500. What is the best optics for the buck? I'm particularly interested in hearing from folks who have tried numerous brands and have an opinion as to which is the best value, price vs optic quality. I don't mind paying more if the difference in quality is proportionally higher. In other words, if I'm comparing a $300 item to a $600 item, I'm not interested in the $600 unless the optics are significantly better.

Thanks

I'm not going to name any brand. But, when it comes to optics you get what you pay for. 8X is generally the most useful without a tripod.

I love the pentax brand of binoculars

I've done a little research on this matter a couple of months ago. And I went for the nikon monarch atb 10 x 42

I use Swarovski. To me, they are significantly better.

Thanks

judgemint - Can you tell me what in your research led you to the Nikon Monarch? Also wondering why the 10X42 rather than 8X42?

Thanks

I was originaly looking at leupolds cascades. Then I heard a lot of talk about the monarchs. I didn't want to spend more than 300.00. I also read a field test done by a writer from outdoorlife. He even went so far as to pour hot coffe on them to test the fogging. He also had a 600$ pair (I don't remember the brand)that he was comparing them to. and he was very impressed with the quality of the monarchs for the price range they are in. and then I talked to people on various forums and found thebang for the buckmost people said they liked the monarchs. SoI went to a retail store lookedthrougha pairand I liked them. So I got a great deal on a pairfrom e bay. Iwent with the 10x42 just for personal pref.

i have a pair of monarchs and the lens fogged up in them bad and it wont go away watch out for this problem judge

I also have the Monarch 10x42, and have been happy with them.

I have a pair of Monarch 10x42and they are great very clear and are at a good price bought mine from basspro when they were on sale awhile ago in aug i think for like 250 or so.. cant remember