'budget' binos

[blackpowderhunter]

looking to pick up a second set of binos..10x42 most likely.
I currently have a 4 ish year old pair of vortex diamondbacks that have been just fine, and I would probably just run them for a while longer but I need a second pair.
the diamondbacks will stick around in the truck/as backups or be used by friends that come out with me.
When I say budget, I can't justify 1200 bucks for binos..looking to be in the 3-400 ish range.
Stick with vortex? I've been reading about Maven as well....and always been happy with my leupold scopes..anyways, as you can tell i'm not a glass snob, just want decent enough glass for the money with a good warranty in case something happens.
I don't need them today, so I can also wait around a bit for sales/deals.

 

[KBC]

I have the Nikon Monarch 5 after having some diamondbacks. There was a noticeable difference for not much more money.

 

[PantherCity]

I looked through a buddies Maven C.1 10x42 and was very impressed. I would buy those in a heartbeat. They have 15% sale going right now until the end of the year.

promo code: "C-SERIES-SPECIAL-17"

 

[blackpowderhunter]

Might go swing through rei and give the nikons a look. Can get an additional 20% off right now so they would be under 300..


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[FURMAN]

I would recommend the mavens.


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[Northernpiker]

If you're not in a hurry I'd wait till Black Friday and see what sales are out there!

 

[Owenst7]

I'll preface this by saying I am not expert haha.

I bought a pair of Leupold BX-3 Mojave's in 8x42 when comparing them to the Diamondbacks. I felt they were comparable in glass or maybe slightly better, but the mechanical operation was much smoother. I saw the BX-4s go on sale shortly after I bought mine, and I kind of kicked myself because it was only a ~$40 upgrade, but $200 was really my budget and I'm very happy with the BX-3s. So happy in fact, that I bought a pair of Cabela's Guide 8x32s a few weeks ago on closeout for $99. I'm under the impression that these are relabeled BX-3s. The 8x32s actually have a larger field of view, and I can't tell a big difference between them at sunset. At about 7 ounces lighter, the 32s may end up being my primary binos for backpacking. The only down side I see to them is the eye relief is reduced noticably, which makes the 42s more comfortable when used for extended periods. I wish I could try the 10x32s, although I suspect that's probably asking too much of a 32mm lens in that price range.

I also have a pair of Alpen Wings ED 10x42s. These are awesome binos and I would highly recommend them. They are the nicest binos I've owned.

Nikon and Sightron also get a lot of discussion on bird forums. The BX-3 Leupolds frequently get compared as a little higher quality than the Sightron S2s and can be had on sale for just a bit more.

The Leupold Yosemite's get good reviews if you're interested in Porro's. There's some mechanical details that allow Porro's to be constructed cheaper for similar optical quality. The trade-off is roof prism construction is easier to build to be more durable and waterproof. That said, I have some 7x35 Nikon Porro's from the '80s that were my only binoculars for a couple decades in Alaska and they only fogged up on me once. They are actually built without seals and you can take them apart easily. I doubt any modern porros are sold without seals.

 

[wabowman]

Don't rule out Alpen optics. I have a pair that I bought 8+years ago. I have put them next to some Viper HD and couldn't tell the difference.
Look around and I'm sure you could find some great deals.

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[AdamW]

I came here thinking Diamondbacks but you have a pair. My next ones I'd be looking at based on the reviews of others are the Mavens or a Black Friday sale.

 

[twall13]

I haven't looked through them personally yet but the c series mavens are what I plan to get for my son. I love my B.2's. I know Ryan Avery recommends them whole heartedly in the budget category. He even said for the price difference he couldn't justify the B.1's over the C series.

Maven has a great warranty and is great glass for the price. That promo code mentioned above makes for a sweet deal.

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[gr8fuldoug]

Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, if you've got a few minutes.
We have the Kowa BD42-10XD 10x42mm Prominar XD Binoculars on sale for only $399.99, or we can put you into an Athlon Midas for under $300.00
Thanks,
Doug

 

[twall13]

I don't have any experience with Kowa Binos but I've been impressed with their spotters. Cameraland is a solid Rokslide sponsor and will hook you up if you decide to go that route.

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[WRO]

Monarch 7s are nice, you can also find used Leopold gold rings or non hd meostars for that money.

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