Inexpensive birding binos

[Tradchef]

My lady wants a pair of inexpensive binos for birding by the house and just to have a good beater pair to use. We tried the diamondback hd 10x42 and the leupold bx2 alpine 10x42. Any models to look at?

 

[cobbc03]

I don't think you can beat anything vortex in that price range. I could see a significant difference between vortex and everything else between the $150-$250 range. I believe Midway USA still has the gen 1 diamondbacks for $130.

 

[willfrye027]

If you can find a pair...Leopold Yosemite 6x30. Amazing glass for around $100. Easy to use and nice and steady for handholding and looking at moving birds. I’ve used my wife’s pair a few times in a pinch and they are excellent. Have somewhat of a cult following with the bird forum guys.

 

[Tradchef]

Yeah....I’ve heard that from a lot of guys.

 

[Wapiti1]

The Pentax AD 8X36 WP is pretty impressive. I have a set that I got to go to Africa and they did really well. I'd check out the rest of their A series.

Jeremy

 

[mapticon]

I think my Athlon Midas are a great deal.

The Best Binoculars for Birds, Nature, and the Outdoors

A professional ornithologist tested 17 of the highest-rated field-ready binoculars to find the best pick for most people. Read on to learn which made the cut.

www.nytimes.com

 

[flyinsquirel]

What's your price range? The Sightron Blue Sky 8x32 are tough to beat at around $200 new.

 

[Tradchef]

Honestly man.....it’s not a price thing. We run swaro for Hunting but she was just like I want a pair to just have on the window sill or to toss in the car Or traveling. Nothing fancy just decent glass that can focus easy and have decent color. I had just heard good reviews on the Leopold and vortex from people but never really explored that price range before so I’m honestly at a loss.

 

[Tradchef]

But it seems like $275 and under is what she is looking at.

 

[Tradchef]

We looked through both of those models I mentioned at Scheels and I was pretty surprised how nice they were for the price. Just be nice to have a solid pair to kick around with and leave the good ones home until needed.

 

[Newtosavage]

My window-sill backyard birding bins are a pair of older made in Japan Bushnell Legend 8x32's. Outstanding center image resolution and possibly the best focus wheel I've ever used. Not the "Ultra HD's" but the original Legend series. I think I paid $60 for mine. I'd take them over most sub-$300 bins I've ever handled.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

In lower priced 8x binoculars there's a few good options:

Kowa 8x30

Athlon Ares 8x42

Meopta Optika 8x42

Give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss what would be best for you

 

[Middleofnowhere]

My wife is currently using a compact pair of Nikons. They suck, but she really likes the size. I plan on getting here a pair of Swarovski EL 8x32 when I can sneak the purchase past her and surprise her for her birthday.

I really think that size in the 30/32 mm objective range is the sweat size range for a lot of ladies. My wife never liked using my 8x42s and definitely will only look through my 12x50s when I mount them to the tripod.

If the price isn’t too much, I would also add the Maven B.3 in 8x30 to your list of considerations. The glass is good and you could personalize the bins for her, add a pink anodized ring or something to make it special and ”her’s”

 

[mtwarden]

The Maven 8x30's are above your stated budget, but I would look at them nonetheless.

I wanted a pair of small binos for hunting dark timber, but I also wanted a pair that my wife could use when we visit Glacier and Yellowstone, etc or even locally hiking. These really fit the bill. Great glass, nice and compact/light. I love them and she loves them- perfect

 

[Tradchef]

Nice. Yeah...maven makes some nice stuff.

 

[mtwarden]

if I was just getting a pair for her and nothing else, probably couldn't justify the price and would have gone w/ something a little less inexpensive, but seeing they could serve a dual purpose......

 

[Tradchef]

Lololololol....I've been thinking of that too. I was like how about the cl companions....I'll save a bit longer for them....she saw through that BS.

 

[gcronin]

My lady wants a pair of inexpensive binos for birding by the house and just to have a good beater pair to use. We tried the diamondback hd 10x42 and the leupold bx2 alpine 10x42. Any models to look at?

Great question! If it is strictly going to be for birding I would recommend checking out an 8x42 size. These will give you a better field of view as well as a larger exit pupil. The 8x42 is the standard for most birders. Certainly, if you are looking to use them for more sight seeing or long-distance viewing a 10x42 would be beneficial!

In terms of which model to pick it really depends on the price range you are looking at. Based on the thread it looks like you are pretty open to price. The Viper HD line would be a great one to look at and in my opinion is the best bang for your buck.

 

[EvelonesJohn99]

If you’re looking for an average priced binos, you may check Canon or Praktica products. But I would recommend you considering more expensive options as it’s a present for your lady. Nicon Monarch is one of the best price/value options. Don’t you want to go further and surprise her? If she’s really into birdwatching, I know one company Costa Rica Focus which is doing great birdwatching tours. Good place for her to test the new equipment Birdwatching near your house is great and stuff but going somewhere to see unique species is wonderful experience.

 

[couesbitten]

The Vanguard Endeavor ED line of binoculars are surprisingly clear. I purchased a pair of 10x42 for my daughter and 8x32 for my wife.