8x Binos under $300

[craigrh13]

I’m looking for a compact set of 8x binos. Must be under $300. I have used the Maven B3’s and they were outstanding for me. Just not wanting to drop that much coin on a tree stand set.

The Diamondback HD’s seem to have solid reviews.

What about the Kowa SV II 8-32’s? Great reviews on them as well. Anything else? Anyone running either of these? My main set of Binos are Maven B1.2’s.

 

[TN2shot07]

I’d watch the classifieds for a set of lightly used Maven c series, they can be had for $300. Just sold mine after upgrading to b’s

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Depending on urgency, you can wait to see if BP/Cabelas will do the normal Vortex Viper deal for under $200 around Black Friday.

 

[swavescatter]

Costco has some GPO's for around that price. No risk to buy and try if you're a member there...

 

[Hnthrdr]

If you are military, law enforcement or first responder, some of the manufacturers cut you a big break, was looking for a solid pair of 8x and landed with some athlon Midas I think, some birders were doing in depth comparison between them and low level lecias’s anywho been super happy with them as my timber/ archery hunting binos

 

[gr8fuldoug]

May I suggest taking a look at/through the Athlon Argos G2 8x42 UHD Binocular which we have on sale at the moment for only $199.99.

• UHD Glass: Extra-low dispersion glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
• XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• Lightweight Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
• Phase Corrected prisms: Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction
• BaK4 prisms: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.
• Advanced FMC: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.
• Long Eye Relief: Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.
• Close Focus: Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects
• Twist Up Eyecups: Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes
• Waterproof: Waterproof to protect the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater

 

[craigrh13]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I need to be more clear on what I’m looking for. I want a small pair of 8x30’s or the likes. Something similar to the Maven B3’s. I have 8x42’s in Maven B1.2. I am actually thinking about selling them so I can move to a 10x and then I’ll use the small 8x30’s for tree stand hunting.

 

[craigrh13]

Any thoughts on the Maven C.2 7x28??? Reviews seem pretty solid for the price range. With my Veteran Discount I can get them for $180 plus tax. Seems like a pretty solid deal???

 

[tony]

Kowa BD 2 line at Cameraland
I have 6.5x32 and 10x42

 

[Hnthrdr]

Kowa BD 2 line at Cameraland
I have 6.5x32 and 10x42

Any experience with the kowa genesis? Hear a lot about their spotters but not so much about their binos

 

[craigrh13]

Kowa BD 2 line at Cameraland
I have 6.5x32 and 10x42

I have heard good things about those. I don’t feel like dropping $400 right now though.

 

[craigrh13]

Any opinion on the hawk endurance 8x32? Reviews seem good. I called them and they said everything is made in China(boo) but they do offer a 20% veteran discount. I just haven’t heard much about them.

 

[Thinkingman]

I second buy used.
High-end Nikons is where I'd look or Zeiss Conquest HD.

 

[craigrh13]

I picked up some Maven C2 7x28’s through Maven. Only $180 so we will see.

 

[dct73]

I have the Hawk Endurance ED 8x32. I haven't used them hunting yet, so I don't have much of an opinion on low light performance yet. However, they are now my preferred binoculars for woods use here in the midwest. For $230 and a lifetime warranty, it's a heckofa deal. I did have to pull the focus wheel cover off and apply a drop of oil to get the feel I wanted.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...1_8x32_endurance_ed_binocular.html?ap=y&smp=y
DVOR has the Zeiss SFL 8x30 for $1100 for another nine hours. I think my wallet just went and hid!

 

[100 others]

I have the Diamondback HD 8x42s as my truck/loaner set. They're ok at best. Pretty bad CA and shallow depth of field. Sent them in twice for diopter and alignment issues. Wouldn't recommend.

 

[Sizthediz]

I picked up some Maven C2 7x28’s through Maven. Only $180 so we will see.

Following I just had a pair Yosemites break and am in the market. When you get the c2 if you don't mind a short review would be great

 

[craigrh13]

Following I just had a pair Yosemites break and am in the market. When you get the c2 if you don't mind a short review would be great

So far I like them. Are they as sharp as my B1.2’s? No, but it’s definitely not HUGE in the difference. Even glassing the moon the differences aren’t much. I can see well past shooting light in the woods with these little guys. They are very very light. I don’t like that there’s no end caps for them but that’s an easy fix. For the price I paid for them I definitely recommend them. I’m not an alpha glass user so all I can compare them to is my 8x42 B1.2’s.

 

[Sizthediz]

So far I like them. Are they as sharp as my B1.2’s? No, but it’s definitely not HUGE in the difference. Even glassing the moon the differences aren’t much. I can see well past shooting light in the woods with these little guys. They are very very light. I don’t like that there’s no end caps for them but that’s an easy fix. For the price I paid for them I definitely recommend them. I’m not an alpha glass user so all I can compare them to is my 8x42 B1.2’s.

I was considering a pair of vortex diamondbacks. How do you think they compare?

 

[craigrh13]

I have zero experience with those. Sorry.