Looking for my first pair of binoculars

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Swaro - buy once, cry once…

He’s hunting squirrels. And has said his budget is $200. I have a ton of Swaro, and would recommend it to anyone, but it isn’t a

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.

Don’t even consider comments like that. You were pretty clear on your use case and budget. I have several pairs of Swaro and yes, they are amazing. But you can absolutely do fine with much less.

I’m not a fan of Vortex, but they will do the job. If that’s your budget, get them and put them to work. I have a couple friends who could care less about optics where I kind of obsess over them. They do just fine with their 2-300$ vortex binos.

Get the best YOU can afford and go enjoy your time out in the woods.

 

[LostArra]

Sightron Blue Sky II 8X32
I've used them for deer, elk, hogs and squirrels.
In your budget and they perform well above their price.

I don't hate Vortex. After using their warranty a few times I sold them and just don't want any more.

 

[Xperimental]

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.

Another vote for Kowa SV series. underrated glasses.

 

[Rleeh]

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.

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.

You wont regret it. I love how compact they are. They fit in my turkey vest.

 

[Oman]

I would also support Kowa binoculars. Have a pair that I gave to my son, that still work incredibly well.

 

[Reed104R]

In the $200 range, Vortex Diamondback HD is the ticket.

 

[Deerhorn412]

Love the Sig sauer zulu 6 in 16x, however they seem to fog in real cold weather. Some people are against them but it sure nice to not need a tripod for a set of 16 powers.

 

[LCguy]

Nikon Prostaff P7 if you can get up to ~$230

 

[kcm2]

In addition to your first choice, go on Ebay and get a used set of Nikon Venturer 8x23 binos for about $30.00. They are optically very good but not as robust as the more expensive gear. I keep a pair in my Jeep and used to use them as my primary binos. Now, I have 8x23 Swarovskis (bought used for $500)for my normal hunting pair, or the 10x Kahles for longer ranges.

 

[jmsdad]

Spend a bit more and buy the Kowa BDII 6.5x32. Perfect for the squirrel and turkey woods. Been using this pair for the last 6-7 years