Info on best budget bino’s

[Hovenator]

I’m looking at getting a decent pair of binoculars that don’t break the bank. What are some good options to consider? And why?

Thanks!

 

[slamdmini]

depends what u mean by 'budget'. sub $500? sub $1000? whats ur budget? ive heard great things about the maven c lineup. i think they around $350 for 10x42. leupold bx-4 are around $450

 

[INgunner54]

I've got a pair of vanguard endeavors that really impress me for what I paid for them.

 

[specneeds]

Sightron s2 8x32 are my truck binoculars & are a lot of bang for the $200 price tag. The old Nikon monarch 10x42 and now their 3,5,7 series around $200 are a good budget binocular. Last year I bought a couple of Athlon Ares for around $300 for my hunting buddy & son as thank you gifts they are terrific & whatever $300 binoculars Midas or other Athlon makes would be a good bet. I buy the grandkids Leupold so they can break them & return them for repair. I’ve had the Zeiss Terra’s for under $400 that were fine for most hunting, the conquest for $800 are nicer. The Meopta meostar 10x42 are terrific binoculars for $1K as are the new Leica trinity’s ds. Swarovski 10x42 SLCs for less than $1500 are good enough I’ll probably never buy another primary binocular- it really does depend on your budget but $200 gets you something functional then $400/600/1000/2000 price points get a little better at each step. I owned the Swarovskis for 6 years before they made a difference over $200 binoculars but the difference was 2 elk in the freezer.

 

[bowhuntrben]

I just bought some Vortex Diamondback HD compact binos for my son so that they could get replaced if they get broken. I wasn’t expecting much from them, but I’m pleasantly surprised at how nice they are for what I paid for them. I paid like $160 for the 8x32.

 

[popapi]

I really like the bx4 leupolds

 

[popapi]

I think we should know your budget first.

I agree per budget....being I REALLY like the Swarovski's

 

[Drenalin]

Somebody said $450 for BX-4s; I got mine off https://lockedloaded.com for less than $400 with taxes and shipping. These were an upgrade for me, and are nice binos for the money.

 

[popapi]

Sightron s2 8x32 are my truck binoculars & are a lot of bang for the $200 price tag. The old Nikon monarch 10x42 and now their 3,5,7 series around $200 are a good budget binocular. Last year I bought a couple of Athlon Ares for around $300 for my hunting buddy & son as thank you gifts they are terrific & whatever $300 binoculars Midas or other Athlon makes would be a good bet. I buy the grandkids Leupold so they can break them & return them for repair. I’ve had the Zeiss Terra’s for under $400 that were fine for most hunting, the conquest for $800 are nicer. The Meopta meostar 10x42 are terrific binoculars for $1K as are the new Leica trinity’s ds. Swarovski 10x42 SLCs for less than $1500 are good enough I’ll probably never buy another primary binocular- it really does depend on your budget but $200 gets you something functional then $400/600/1000/2000 price points get a little better at each step. I owned the Swarovskis for 6 years before they made a difference over $200 binoculars but the difference was 2 elk in the freezer.

THIS....

 

[JTR11]

Your other option is to find some mid-tier or high-end bino options and just wait for a deal (either buy used or wait for them to show up on sale, etc.). I bought a pair of the sig zulu 9's when Midway had them on a crazy closeout. Stayed in my $500 price range and came home with a lot nicer glass than i was shopping for initially.

 

[awasome]

Leupold BX-2 Alpines are on amazon for $209 right now, they are typically $250ish.

I bought the Carson BAK4 10X42 binos for my budget set at $150.

According to BackfireTV on Youtube the Carson BAK4 are just as good if not better at $150 than majority of the $250 binos. The only exception being Leupold BX-2 Alpines at $250.

 

[Newtosavage]

I’m looking at getting a decent pair of binoculars that don’t break the bank. What are some good options to consider? And why?

Thanks!

You'll get 100 different answers unless you put a hard ceiling on your budget, in which case you only get about 90 different answers, 50 of which are more expensive than what you said you can spend. LOL

Sorry, but that's how it goes.

I don't even have to look at this thread to know that several folks will be along soon to tell you to save your money until you can afford a pair of Swaros. Wait for it...

In all seriousness though, give us your upper limit and we can make some suggestions.

 

[ramsdude47]

You can find the Bushnell Engage EDX pretty easily for 33% or more off and they are very good for the price point

 

[TheGreek]

I really like my leupold bx-5s in 10x42. I got them for a smoking deal used here on rokslide.

 

[Motown]

There are a pair of new Tract Toric 8x42 binos for $500 in the classifieds. For $500 I am not sure you’ll find a better set of binos.

 

[waldo9190]

Love my Maven C1s

 

[Sled]

I’m looking at getting a decent pair of binoculars that don’t break the bank. What are some good options to consider? And why?

Thanks!

Without knowing how you'll be using them and what "bank" you're using, this question cannot be answered.

 

[Nontypical1]

The questions about budget certainly make sense but I feel like the Nikon Monarch line and Bushnells have offered solid values and come from companies that are likely to be around in a few years if service is needed. They are common enough that it helps w/ resale. I assume Leupold is similar but haven't used their binos.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Athlon Cronus 8.5x42 Binocular, on sale this week for only $259.99

• E2ES System- Edge 2 Edge Sharpness system: E2ES System is a field flattening system that produces sharper, clearer images all the way from one lens edge to the other
• ED Glass- High definition glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes
• ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.
• Lightweight Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%
• XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches
• 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.
• Locking Diopter: Locking Diopter keeps the diopter adjustment knob from accidentally moving from the optimal setting
• 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 protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater
• Argon Purged: Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability

 

[Hovenator]

Thanks for all the help! I should have said a budget in my initial post. I would like to stay under $300 if possible. Hope this helps narrow the information.

Also, what power is recommended? I’ve always had 8x bino’s, but I see 10x are popular too.

The Leupold bx-2 Alpines peak my interest… And perhaps the Vortex and Nikon’s.