Looking for my first pair of binoculars

[Batsonbe]

I am wanting a pair of binoculars primarily to spot squirrels in the tops of trees when hunting. However I do a bunch of turkey and deer hunting as well, so I will probably start using the binoculars in those applications as well. I have done a ton of research and have decided I want a 8x pair but wouldn’t be opposed to a 6x. I’ve used some 10x and at squirrel distances the binoculars have extreme tunnel vision. I want the objective lens to be no larger than 30-33. I had decided the diamondback hd was the one I wanted because of how small / short the height is of them. However I’ve noticed a ton of hate on here for vortex. I don’t see the need for Swarovski’s for squirrel hunting. That seems excessive to me. I have a budget of around $200. Please help me decide I’ve been all over the place on brands. I do know at that price range I am looking at used binoculars.

Thank you

 

[jdl25]

Take a look at the Kowa SV's. Are you opposed to buying used off the bay? You can get some nice binos for $200 if you are willing to buy a used pair of 8x32. Look at Sightron, Hawke, Kowa, Maybe a Zeiss Terra. Lots of options better than a Vortex Diamondback, although for squirrel hunting Im sure they would work fine. When I think about squirrel hunting, I think about field of view being important.

Edited to add, post in the classifieds here WTB... you may get lucky.

 

[n816kc]

Kowa 8x25s are great for your intended use. Light and compact but still usable with a good image for the size and price point.