Looking for my first pair of binoculars

[Steve300xcw]

Set of maven b3 6x30's on ebay. Bit outta budget, but that wouldnt stop me from tossing an offer his way

Premium Maven B.3 Binoculars 6x30 (with strap, eye piece, and micro fiber cloth) | eBay

These Maven B.3 Binoculars 6x30 are a high-quality option for outdoor activities like hunting, birding, and general purpose viewing. With a maximum magnification of 6x, these binoculars offer clear and detailed visuals of distant objects. The Maven brand is known for producing durable and...

www.ebay.com

 

[NickyD]

I think the low end vortex options would be a good fit for your budget and need. You mention deer hunting so I’d suggest 8x42 for low light performance but if you want to go smaller, go for it.

While vortex isn’t a top tier option, they do make solid gear for the price. I think the hate for vortex is overblown. If the reliability issues were as bad as some on this site make it seem, they’d out of business.

 

[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 .

 

[Steve300xcw]

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????????

I mean, that would be pretty legit

 

[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

 

[Steve300xcw]

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

Like I said, I'd toss out an offer and see wtf. Maybe sell a few foot pics or something to make up the difference.

Plus it would keep me from buying them

 

[nm.otter]

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

 

[Steve300xcw]

Alright..who poached those mavens off ebay?

 

[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.

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