Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I have the Nikon Monarch ATB. I like them.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Hands down- Leupold Cascades ;)

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

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.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Which Bushnells? There is a huge gap in features between their different models.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I like the Nikon Bino's. Look at several different manufactures. Ask the dealer to take them outside and compare them one right after the other for a good comparison. It won't be hard for you to make a decision for yourself.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Not sure of models, but $250 and under was what I looked thru.

As a side note:
Given the high praises of the Nikon Monarch, and the warrantee, I think my search is over...just a tad over my price range, but in the long run, should be worth it.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

To evaluate optics in a store is pointless IMHO. You need to be in natural light as that is where your going to use your bins. I also suggest comparing the models that fit your budget, etc in both good and low light situations. I personally also like to compare them more then once before decieding. Just like picking a perfume for the Mrs. everything starts tosmell the same. I have changed my viewpoints of optics on a return visit more then a few times. I also don't look at something i won't ever buy.

The fact you can't justify the price has nothing to do with the optics and everything to do with the dollars and cents. To say their isn't that much difference between a burris pair and lieca...I want some of that stuff your smoking.;) Hey I understand it took me several pairs of bins to realize that yes their is a difference of which isn't appreciable at a glance or in light usage. I found for myself when I moved from a glance/mild usermy eyes started to tell me things. I scout far more then i hunt and my bins are in front of my eyes a ton now. I can't handle eye strain or fatique so I burned through a few sets and finally said screw it afterrealizing how much i had spent on bins. Adding more fuel was the realization onhow muchI spend on other areas to hunt. For the amountI use my bins itseemed rather silly to limit myself...soI splurged. Optically they are great andworth every pennyon the account of no moreheadaches alone.

I am not saying everybody should buy high end or even mid range, buy what you can afford and fits your usage. However their are gains in optics and the price isn't based purely on the name factor alone. To appreciate them you must use them and know what your looking at/for. Not everyone will agree that swaro'sare the best in their class either, some may say Z or L...etc;)

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Good post skeeter. Lots of truth there. I've always thought it funny to compare binos in a bright, artificially lit store. Once you get past the $15, 10 x 25 made-in-china's, it's impossible to make any real comparisons. Yes, everyone can't afford Swaro's or Ultravids, but if you use them much you should buy as best as possible. A good rule would be buy a pair that made you wonder sometimes if you spent too much and other times you're sure you didn't.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

No, I said, I could tell a difference, but couldn't justify spending $2000 for a pair of binos.

You've dropped as much as myentire hunt will cost, and you asking me what I'm smoking???

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Maybe I should note, I am looking at crispness and definition, not light gathering.
Seeing game an extra 3-4 minutes is good only as long as you can close the distance and still be able to shoot....which is highly unlikely.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Yeap...precisely my point. Youcan drop 2000 G's on the hunt itself but can't phathom the ideaof 2Kfor your extended pair of eyes????????????;)

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

People who have and use the best optics are the ones who really know what it means to have good glass. I too have used the lesser glass but always wanted more. I now own Leica's for the past few years and sure it hurt the bank account. But I do not regret spending the money on them. Guess it boils down to what you want to use your bino's for....Western big game hunting, it can make a world ofdiffernce. Hunting out east sitting in a stand looking only limited range the high dollar bino's might be alittle over kill. Im in the field from Sept to Dec hunting whatever tags I can manage to draw out west around where I live,so I consider it money well spent as I use them to full potential. I truely love them. I do more hunting with my eyes rather than using my legs as I can see much better. Better light gathering...clear imagines...less eye strain...no headaches givin...Be amazed by how much more you can "see" and finding game when using a good pair of glass. I can glass for hours on end with out getting thoseheadaches andfindmore game than I use too. To answer the onequestion, the extra few minutes of being able to glass because of better light gathering. Ive made kills because of this reason, not only because I could see the game, could alsofield judge in low light, but also had to be in shape to make a move to get the shot. Even if I cant get the shot off, I know exactly where I want tobe at first light the next morning. Im huge into Elk hunting and those few extra minutes you can pick up in the morning and nights, I love that time, to any elk hunter out there we all know thats prime time esp the trophy hunter. I remember one time walking off the mountain in nearly pitch dark night, my father had his Swarovski'sand I had a cheap pair of Nikon's. He could see our truck looking through his bino's afew hundred yards away, but I could not through mine. This past season, I made a stalk on a herd of elk (no avail finding the bull when I relocated them just before dark) and walking back to the tent in again nearly pitch black and about 1/2 way back. Jumped sounded like elk, pulled up my Leica's and I couldsee theelk running ahead of me acouple hundred yards out. Just shows how good a good pair can be.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I purchased the leupolds for like 300 from cabella's last year and absolutely love them. I replaced some Burris binoc's that were good but the service life wasn't, however Burris has replaced them twice now even after the warranty ran out. It was just a hasle to keep sending them in, so I use them as a second pair now.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I live in Indiana andhuntfrom stands where you have 30-75 yards of visablity, so binoculars are merely adistraction.
But, you are absolutely right, you're eyes are for lifetime, and hunting is seasonal fun.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Here's what I've researched so far, in my pricerange:

Burris FFII 10x42 - $175
Cabela XT 10x42- $275
Nikon Monarch 10x42 - $300
Zeiss Diafun 10x30 - $400 (more than I want to spend, but...)

Any others tothrow in for concideration...???

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I would go with the Nikon Monarchs, you won't be disappointed.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Like I said I understand:). Budget and usage wise you are looking at spending 300 on bins which will give you a good return. Choice is your but personally I'd be looking at 8x vs 10x. The higher the mag the better the glass & coatings need to be for perfromance.(aka you can get away with more optical flaws at lower mags). Lower power will transmit better light then higher(Not just useful at the end of the day but other conditions such as low ceiling, fog, rain, snow, etc). A little lighter/smaller, less hand shake &for close range faster acquistion.

I'd also consider in your budget:
Wind River Cascades
Minox BL's
If you can find these locallymaybe worthcomparing:
Alpen Shasta Ridge
Vortex Fury or Diamondbacks


Everybody is different so spend some time comparing. If you start to feel fatiqued or that they are looking the same, retreat and come back another day. Best fo luck

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Like I said I understand. Budget and usage wise you are looking at spending 300 on bins which will give you a good return. Choice is yours but personally I'd be looking at 8x vs 10x. The higher the mag the better the glass & coatings need to be for perfromance(aka you can get away with more optical flaws at lower mags). Lower power will transmit better light then higher-fact! (not just useful at the end of the day but other conditions such as low ceiling, fog, rain, snow, etc). A little lighter/smaller, less hand shake/eye strain&for close range faster acquistion.

I'd also consider in your budget:
Wind River Cascades
Minox BL's

If you can find locallymaybe worthcomparing these as well:
Alpen Shasta Ridge (can find these less then 300 on the internet)
Vortex Fury (these can be had on the internet for 300)


Everybody is different so spend some time comparing and choose which look/feel the best. If you start to feel fatiqued or that they are looking the same, retreat and come back another day.

Best of luck:)

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Guys, for the price range you're referring too, you've got to check out the Vortex Diamondbacks, they are clearer & brighter than many you've mentioned. I've compared them to other ones in prices from 150.00 to 450.00 Ones like Burris, Monarchs, & Leupolds but not some of the others mentioned but I'm sure they are as good if not edge them out. My Son has used his for 2 years now & I have the Vortex Vipers, they are a step up from the Diamondbacks & more money, but Wow! The Diamondbacks run around 200.00 but will amaze you in their quality, they are well worth your consideration. You can see them here.
http://www.audubonbinoculars.com/binoculars

If any are intersted let me know, we now carry them at below msrp on our Site! They really are an awesome bino!

ElkNut1

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I just boughtSwift 8.5 x44 HCF Audubonfor $300 on EBay. They are very clear and I would recommend them to anyone looking for binos in this price range.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Elknut,
I've looked at those Vipers. I thought they were amazing. Was thinking about getting them. Midway has them for about $480, I believe. And I agree...the Diamondbacks are about the best you're gonna get for $200. Real nice glass. Great guarentee!!

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

You might do a web search for 7x42 or 8x42 Bushnell Discoverer's. I love mine and they have a great rep for good glass. I use them stand hunting because I can see in near dark conditions and can see into the foliage much better than with eyes alone! This, IMHO is the real test for hunting binos. That is, how well one can see into the foliage and pick out deer shapes, antlers, etc. That is when clarity, resolution and color representation are really tested.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Old/New, you're right, there's nothing out there in the 800.00-1000.00 range out there that will touch them! Yet they're half their price! I've compared the Vipers to at least 10 different brands & they always amaze me at their brightness & clarity. It's not just you & I saying it but everyone that has taken the opportunity to look through them also says the same thing! I can match that price plus free shipping & a free Bino Harness that says Voretx on it! PM me if interested?

They were Optic of the year in 2007 in Outdoor Life! That says something!

ElkNut1

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Out of the four you previously listed I would be looking at either the Monarchs or the Cabelas XTs. Those XTs are a nice bit of glass for the price. I picked up a pair and was quite astonished at their performance for the price. For those of you that are interested in their country of origin I believe they are made in Japan. That is not a knock on the Chinese stuff though as they seem to be producing some quality stuff lately as well.

I never tried the Diamondbacks but the Vortex Furys are a very nice glass at/around that price point as well. I have the 6.5x32 model.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=4854

That is the cheapest you will find that model of leupold anywhere. They are real crisp and vivd for that price range.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Check this out. Great bino's:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?p=WX2&i=119843

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Thanks for the recommondations, I went to an "overpriced" sporting goods storeand check out some of these.

They had theMinox, Cascades, and Shasta Ridges, and all were really good, withMinoxslightly the better of the three.

The Shastas were a bit on the bulky side, but I managed to pick up a new set of 10x on ebay for $110.00 shipped, and really like 'em.

I plan onshopping for a set of compact 8x binos for quick access, and save the Shastas for extensive glassing.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Pentax DCF-SP 10x43

those Bruntons sound appealing.....

I say take your $400 and add $100 to it....I'd pass on the Nikon's......less you guys are referring to a newer nicer model, when I looked at the nikons around $350 I think.....I wasn't impressed at all. So less some newer more elite model has come out......

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I've narrowed my selection to the folling 10x42's:

Leupold Acadia @ $180
Leupold Cascade @ $270
Nikon Monarch ATB @ $270
Burris Fullfield II @ $195

The Monarchs are the lighest (by only 2oz), the Acadia has the best FOV (margine of 11'), and the Burris has the longest eye relief (by a margin of only one millimeter).
Is the Cascade or Monarch really worth the extra $90? Anyone have experience with the Acadia? This will be my first decent set of Bino's. I can't justify a $500+ set of Bino's if I don't even have a gun safe yet...especially when the Mrs. has an insecure feeling about having guns in the house.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

Go just a little bit more and never have to worry about glass again....

Got my Zeiss 10X bins here:

http://www.cameralandny.com/

Talk to Doug, he's Good People........

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I'll add another vote to Nikon Monarchs. A truly good pair of binos for hunting purposes. Bunshells are not a bad pair of binos either. But I would pick the Nikon Monarchs due to their exceptional price and all the added features that come along with it.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

I vote for the monarch's as well. I have 8x42s w/camo print that I surfed from Froogle for only $250. See my post on the previous thread for more explanation. Best luck and God bless.

RE: Good pair of binoculars for around $300
 

i like the Alpen Shasta Ridge Binos in 8x42