Looking for my first pair of binoculars

[Huntin Fool]

A touch over your budget but you can get vortex vipers for $300 at cabelas and the usually have 10% off on mondays or tuesdays. They’re the older model but still tuff to beat at that price

 

[BLJ]

Dudes got $200 wants to shoot some squirrels. So you reccomend swaro's?

Sure.

Pick up an Anshutz in a nice piece of German walnut.
Slap a SB on top.
Grab the Swaros.

And for the low price of $10k you’re shooting squirrels.

YOLO, right????????

 

[Agross]

Spend a little more and get some maven b3 6’s. Great binos for what u need .

 

[Agross]

If the glass is clean on that pair on eBay that is a helluva price!

 

[BLJ]

I’ve got a couple pair of Leupold Yosemite 6x30’s that are pretty good for what they sell for used (less than $100)

The Kowa YF II are supposed to be very similar to the Leupolds. I’d say a very good squirrel binocular for the price.

These are out of your budget, but these are what I’m looking at next.
Talked to a few people with first hand experience and they’re supposed to be very good.

https://www.eurooptic.com/kowa-bdii-xd-65x32mm-wide-angle-roof-prism-binoculars

 

[nm.otter]

Vortex Viper HDs are a reasonable value. Gen1 8x42 or 10x42 should be available used around that price.

 

[Batsonbe]

Alright..who poached those mavens off ebay?

I know! I didn’t even get to look at them lol

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the Hawke Frontier HD X 8x42 Binocular on sale from $359.99 down to only $229.99

• Dielectric Coatings provide increased light reflectivity
• Fully Multi-Coated optics to produce sharp images
• Focus knob with 1.5 turn - close focus 8.2ft/2.5m
• High resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 roof prisms
• Water repellent coating on objective lenses
• Lightweight rubber coated magnesium alloy chassis
• Stay-on lens covers for maximum lens protection
• Replaceable twist-up eye cups with position stops

 

[Batsonbe]

Take a look at the Hawke Frontier HD X 8x42 Binocular on sale from $359.99 down to only $229.99

• Dielectric Coatings provide increased light reflectivity
• Fully Multi-Coated optics to produce sharp images
• Focus knob with 1.5 turn - close focus 8.2ft/2.5m
• High resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 roof prisms
• Water repellent coating on objective lenses
• Lightweight rubber coated magnesium alloy chassis
• Stay-on lens covers for maximum lens protection
• Replaceable twist-up eye cups with position stops

Thank you Doug for sharing the info with me! That seems like a great deal. I am really wanting to stick with 30-33 objective. Did you recommend them for the sale and value for price point or are they also a good brand quality binoculars?

 

[tony]

Sportsman’s warehouse was blowing out vortex diamond back 10x42s prior to Christmas.
Under $150.00, bought a set for my gf to take on her safari.
Might check and see if they still have them.
Vortex isn’t well received here. But if your needing a set to woods bum, I say these would be fine.

I have 2 sets of Kowa BD 2s. Perfect for what I need.

 

[StupidLightweight]

I've owned more binos than anyone I know. Lots of good suggestions above, but $200 means you should buy secondhand, which is a gamble in and of itself.

If it were you, i'd reach out to this seller and ask if the Swift Audubon 8.5x44 for sale is in collimation, meaning both barrels are pointing the same direction. If these are as good as the five pairs of used Swifts Audubons I've bought, you will be amazed at the image quality and performance. They are fine optical instruments that rival the best made.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[LongWayAround]

@Batsonbe

Sold Thread 'Vortex viper HD 8x42 binoculars'

Feb 3, 2026

Really nice pair of vortex viper HD 8x42. Great shape with very nice view/glass, very smooth focus wheel. $275 tyd lower 48

• 270wsmnutt
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Optics Classifieds

 

[Batsonbe]

@Batsonbe

Sold Thread 'Vortex viper HD 8x42 binoculars'

Feb 3, 2026

Really nice pair of vortex viper HD 8x42. Great shape with very nice view/glass, very smooth focus wheel. $275 tyd lower 48

• 270wsmnutt
• Replies: 4
• Forum: Optics Classifieds

Thank you so much for thinking of me and tagging me. I’m really wanting to stick with a compact size binocular in 30-33mm objective.

 

[Sccritterkiller]

Vortex is fine...been using 10x42 razors for 7 years...elk, antelope, deer, hogs, ducks, turkeys, ect...the paint has worn on the barrels where you hold but they still work just fine..Just got them back from being cleaned and sorted by vortex..after years of carrying around they got bumped had bit of a collimation issue...good as new now.

 

[Rleeh]

I have a pair of diamondbacks hd 8x32s and love them.

 

[hillbillyfab]

I have a pair of diamondbacks hd 8x32s and love them.

This will be my next pair of binos, despite the hate for Vortex. I have a pair of 10x32 Diamondback HD’s that I drag everywhere.

 

[UnckleBob]

Swaro - buy once, cry once…

Nobody needs Swaros to hunt squirrels in the forest. We barely need binoculars.

 

[UnckleBob]

I have had good luck with inexpensive Leupold 8x32's. My models are no longer made. If BX-2's are out of you budget, Vortex Diamondbacks are a good choice for the price.

 

[Jamie930]

Are you veteran or 1st responder?

If sign on Govx.com or Leupold.com

Look around and find what you like. With the discounts you get new at used prices

 

[grfox92]

Vortex gets alot of hate here, but Diamondback HDs are excellent glass for the money.

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