Best sub-$200 binoculars

[EastTNHunter]

I know that part of this will be personal preference and what your eyes see the best through, but I would like to hear some feedback on the best quality binoculars available for under $200, and preferably closer to $150 or less. I'm going to ask for them for Fathers Day, and they will be replacing my Nikon Aculon 7x42s (they may be smaller than 42mm). Quality, clarity and light gathering are far more important than high magnification, so 8x or 10x is preferred. Midsize for use all day but will also be carried.

I've found a few that were recommended on other websites to get the discussion started, but am open to other suggestions, as well...

These Leupolds are my favorites so far
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M4DE1 ... 1eAdXOJ9mL

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-16003-PROS ... 22e097ddd2

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Cr ... 2223b47772

https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-119198-M ... 9edf547737

https://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-Spirit- ... 5f16f9cc02

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ZUHP ... ref=plSrch

 

[TNRifleman]

The Vortex you have listed are the Crossfires but you can get the new version of the Diamondback for under $200. The Diamondback would be a great step up from the Crossfires. I bought the new Diamondbacks and was so impressed that I sold my Viper HD's. I have both the 8x28's and the 10x42's. They are a great value for the money.

I am sure some of the others you list are great binos as well, I just don't have any experience with them.

 

[Jcalder]

I have the leupold McKenzie. Definitely pleased


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EastTNHunter]

TNRifleman, I'm perfectly fine with an 8x, but hadn't considered anything as small as an 8x28. I like the price point, and I've heard great things about Diamondback optics, but how are the smaller optics for long glassing sessions or holding steady? Is the light gathering good at dawn and dusk? I'm really needing something for up close viewing at the Daisy Nationals BB competition, but will use them for deer and elk hunting after that.

 

[TNRifleman]

TNRifleman, I'm perfectly fine with an 8x, but hadn't considered anything as small as an 8x28. I like the price point, and I've heard great things about Diamondback optics, but how are the smaller optics for long glassing sessions or holding steady? Is the light gathering good at dawn and dusk? I'm really needing something for up close viewing at the Daisy Nationals BB competition, but will use them for deer and elk hunting after that.

I have not used the 10x28's a ton but have been pretty impressed with them at low light. I definitely like the 10x42's better but often go with the 10x28's because they are just so stinkin easy to carry and wear while bow hunting.

 

[FTG-05]

Somebody here posted about Steiner 10x50Marine binocs on sale for around $265 or so; by the time I went to look for them to buy, they had goner back to +$450. crap! :bash:

I have the Leupold's 8x42, but they're made in China and I'm not all that impressed. So, consider this post a tag.

Thanks,

 

[Snowwolfe]

I owned some high end Leica's and Zeiss. All were sold after I purchased Nikon Monarchs. I could see no difference in clarity or brightness between any of them.

 

[tree_ghost]

Your best bet IMO is to purchase a used set from someone. You could get some really gently used glass in that price point that would normally be 2-3 times the price point if you were shopping retail. I bought some used optilogic 8x42 and they are awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[EastTNHunter]

Ended up with leupold mojave 8x32s. Cabelas has them for under $200 right now.

 

[ROUGH COUNTRY HUNTER]

Ended up with leupold mojave 8x32s. Cabelas has them for under $200 right now.

are you pleased,what's your opinion.I am searching myself

 

[EastTNHunter]

Overall I'm happy with them, but I will reserve judgment until I've "had" to use them all day, in poor light, or in tough field conditions

 

[EastTNHunter]

Took them to Yuchi yesterday evening for some deer watching. Much better clarity and edge-to-edge usage than my Nikon Acculons.

 

[playping2]

Bushnell is nice