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.

 

[houser52]

I’ve been using the Kowa YFll 30-6 for a few years.

I liked them so much I now have three pairs, one for home, pickup truck and the old farm truck.

 

[Batsonbe]

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.

Thank you so much for your help! I’m new here but have done a ton of reading and just made it past my 10 post requirement to get full access to the sight. I am fully open to buying used. I’ve researched hawke endurance, Kowa SV, Nikon monarch 7, Celestron trailseeker, and a ton more I’m sure. I’d just like to nail down the best one for me, I live in SC and will be using them for squirrel hunting, turkey hunting, and tree stand deer hunting, then I’d like to get to looking for the right deal.

 

[Batsonbe]

I’ve been using the Kowa YFll 30-6 for a few years.

I liked them so much I now have three pairs, one for home, pickup truck and the old farm truck.

Thank you for the suggestion I’ve been looking at those as well

 

[Batsonbe]

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

Thank you!

 

[TheGrayRider]

Swaro - buy once, cry once…

 

[jdl25]

If you will also use them for deer hunting, I would avoid the smaller (25mm) objective lens size options, 30mm or 35mm would be much better in low light. Also, the Nikon Monarch 7 you mentioned would be great if you find those in your budget. If you want super cheap, get the pair of Pentax PCF 7x35's on that auction site right now for $62.

 

[Batsonbe]

Swaro - buy once, cry once…

I believe in that statement. My dad taught me that. However I don’t think swaros are going to help me pick out a squirrel in a tree better than something half their price lol at that price I might as well get a thermal monocular.

 

[Batsonbe]

If you will also use them for deer hunting, I would avoid the smaller (25mm) objective lens size options, 30mm or 35mm would be much better in low light. Also, the Nikon Monarch 7 you mentioned would be great if you find those in your budget. If you want super cheap, get the pair of Pentax PCF 7x35's on that auction site right now for $62.

Thank you!

 

[North of 60]

If you hunt in deep, dark woods/timber in low light, i would get 40mm objectives minimum, and 50mm if your eyes aren't the greatest.

Smaller objectives will generally be more useful in open terrain.

 

[Batsonbe]

If you hunt in deep, dark woods/timber in low light, i would get 40mm objectives minimum, and 50mm if your eyes aren't the greatest.

Smaller objectives will generally be more useful in open terrain.

The area I’m at is pretty diverse. I could find myself on a clear cut over looking a pine thicket, open hardwoods or somewhere in between. We’re at the base of the Appalachian mountains and I do find myself up that way from time to time.

For squirrel hunting I’m mostly hunting thicker pines or river bottoms with oak nearby

 

[n816kc]

The area I’m at is pretty diverse. I could find myself on a clear cut over looking a pine thicket, open hardwoods or somewhere in between. We’re at the base of the Appalachian mountains and I do find myself up that way from time to time.

For squirrel hunting I’m mostly hunting thicker pines or river bottoms with oak nearby

You’ll probably be better served with a good 8x30 or 32. Big fan of the 8x25s for squirrels and light duty use but you’ll need better low light performance for deer hunting.