Budget binoculars

[Amac1989]

Hi, I'm very new to hunting.

Objective: lowest cost binoculars that will actually work well and not strain my eyes.
Where it'll be used: NorCal and Oregon
Type of hunt: spot and stalk bowhunting
Budget range: is there anything worth looking at under $400? I remember reading in either this forum somewhere or ArcheryTalk that Maven C.1 was pretty good for around that range. Is there anything worthwhile under $300? Under $200?

What's the lowest cost option that's feasible to actually hunt with? A "solid" beginner's glass? (Not going to say the cheapest, I've heard this is the most important piece of equipment for the hunt, as most of it will be glassing for game)

 

[ChrisAU]

I’ll get blasted for this, but I still rock 10x42 Vortex Diamondbacks. I bought Mavens (I think the C1) and couldn’t tell a difference with extensive low light comparisons.

Now to really put myself out there, a buddy brought Swarovski ranging 10x42’s on my last elk hunt. When struggling to make out details in awful conditions I asked for his binos. I quickly threw them back to him.

I assume I somehow got a spectacular pair of diamond backs, but who knows.

 

[Rob5589]

I hunted with Diamondbacks for 5 years with no complaints.

 

[dreamingbig]

I have been hunting with diamondbacks for 5+ years myself. They get the job done for elk.


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[Amac1989]

Ok I’ll try the diamondbacks, thanks all

 

[FHPTROOPER]

Just picked up a set of new Vortex Diamondbacks for 173$ shipped 10x42

 

[Amac1989]

Just picked up a set of new Vortex Diamondbacks for 173$ shipped 10x42

Where?

 

[idahohikker]

The C1s are significantly better than the Diamondbacks. I can't tell you how many times I've read that in reviews because it's definitely the majority view and my family and I have confirmed with a side by side comparison.

 

[FHPTROOPER]

Where?

http://grantham-arms.com/

 

[mj23polaris]

Maven c1s

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[zeroforhire]

Maven c1

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[ChrisAU]

I'll add that I was so impressed with my 10x42 Diamondbacks that I got a pair of 12x50's, and they were noticeably worse and easily bested by the Maven C1's side by side in low light.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I've personally owned Vortex Diamondbacks and Maven C1s. The C1s I have are much better than the Diamondbacks but there's enough variability in optics that cheap that your mileage may vary.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

In that price range you can get into a Meopta Meopro, an Athlon Midas, A GPO. Give a call, 516-217-1000, and let's discuss what would be best for you
Doug

 

[Rodéo]

Unless you're not very picky, I think you might end up getting rid of the diamondbacks and upgrading after a while. I have owned the vortex crossfire 8x42 (diamondback's twin as far as I can tell) as well as 8x42 C.1's. The vortex were ok when I was starting out hunting, but after not being able to pick out details on a deer I was glassing from <1000 yds with the crossfire's, I was set on selling them and upgrading. The Maven's fit my needs for much longer and I still regret selling them. They are an excellent value for the money.
For bowhunting the diamondback's may be ok since you might not be glassing very long distances. But be warned, if you plan on buying a tripod and head and and using your glass as a main tool for finding game, you will want the absolute best glass you can afford. If you're going to be spending $300 and you're set on that, that's fine, but there are objectively better options available than the diamondback. Call Doug and see what he recommends and pick up a pair of C.1's on demo from Maven if you can afford a two week trial. Good luck on your search!

 

[Charon]

I chose Vortex 8x32 at Cabela's... They were on sale. Not the most powerful but easy to carry. Excellent warranty and for me powerful enough hunting... I hunt elk and deer in southern Oregon. I don't take impressive long distance shots so maybe for others they would not be strong enough. I don't get a headache using them for extended periods of time, which is why I wanted more than an economy pair.
Vortex has good reviews.
They had better ones for sure but on sale these were in my price range.

 

[WoolyBugger]

I think maven c1's would be at the top of the list if you're spending less than 500 bucks.

 

[jwilson4425]

My Vortex Diamondbacks (which I've probably have 10 years) have been pretty damn good, especially for the price. I don't get quite the resolution at distance and they're not quite as strong in low light as a nicer pair, but they're very solid.

I also got my kid a pair of Leupold Yosemite 6x30s, and I'll be damned if they're not pretty pleasant to use too. I steal them sometimes if I want a really light and compact pair for something. For $100 they're ridiculously good, but of course 6x is definitely on the low end of the magnification range.

 

[nagibson1]

I've hunted daimondbacks and liked them. I use vipers now. It's all a trade off. Be careful about upgrade fever.

 

[Amac1989]

I can get the 10x42 DB to my door for 180. I think that’s the best option for me right now as my first set of glass.
Doug thanks, but I’m not ready to shell out more than 200 if I can help it right now.
I’m going for a budget build for a few hunts and then when I know I’m all in I’ll upgrade my gear all around.
Thanks everyone for the input!

Edit: Thanks FHPTrooper for the connect