Recommended Budget Binoculars

[Drenalin]

You can get Leupold BX-4s for just under $400 new. You might, maybe, find a used pair at $300-350 but you'd have to patient and quick.

 

[jeremiahosgo]

I kept my eyes open and picked up a pair for $350 shipped, I been using and beating on em for three seasons now, worth the shopping process. Keep an eye open in the classifieds...all of em!

Thanks, @qwerksc!

 

[Drenalin]

FYI, there's a pair of Maven C.1 10x42 on ebay right now for $270 + $20 shipping. Not a bad deal if you're ready to go now. They're not mine - I'm a little tempted to buy them just to compare to my BX-4s.

 

[nobody]

Thanks. I've liked what I've read on the Vortex Vipers...just don't find (m)any used ones in the <$350 price range of my budget. Looks like the Vortex Diamondbacks are in that price point, though. From all I've read through, it seems like the Maven C1s and Vortex Diamonbacks are both in that $300 range have comparable specs and reviews.

Not sure I could really go wrong with either of them.

The C.1's and the Diamondbacks cost about the same, but they're in different classes altogether. Maven's are more comparable to a Razor HD (not the UHD). They just do direct to consumer, so you don't have the retail markup. The Diamondbacks are a decent binocular for the money, no doubt, but the Maven's are a step above for sure. Now the Razor UHD's, THAT'S a binocular you should chase if you can!

 

[jeremiahosgo]

This is a good one to keep your eye on https://www.birdforum.net/threads/binocular-bargains.124267/page-219
Also set up an alert on ebay. I just bought the maven cs1 spotter like new in the box for 450 shipped, got my zulu7 new in box for 500

Wow, you got some great deals. I'll keep looking around. I like the "alert" idea. Thanks!

 

[Michael54]

FYI, there's a pair of Maven C.1 10x42 on ebay right now for $270 + $20 shipping. Not a bad deal if you're ready to go now. They're not mine - I'm a little tempted to buy them just to compare to my BX-4s.

They are clearer than the bx4s and a more neutral color image in my opinion.

 

[Agross]

They are clearer than the bx4s and a more neutral color image in my opinion.

Agree. I picked up the bx 4 recently because of all the love they get on this forum. Much prefer the mavens for the image and eye cups and focus knob. Wasn’t impressed with the leupys at all. I know everybody’s eyes are different but wasn’t close for me.

 

[STL]

Another vote for the Mavens. Otherwise, Nikon Monarch are decent for the price and I got a pair of Vortex Diamondbacks for around $150 during a sale.

 

[kkoerperich]

FYI, there's a pair of Maven C.1 10x42 on ebay right now for $270 + $20 shipping. Not a bad deal if you're ready to go now. They're not mine - I'm a little tempted to buy them just to compare to my BX-4s.

I have a pair of diamondbacks and would upgrade if i found a deal like this. Diamondbacks are good for the money but after looking through a buddies mavens I’ve been wanting to upgrade.

 

[kkoerperich]

I would definitely wait and try to find a used pair of mavens or kowas if possible.

 

[KnCaffre]

Another vote for the Mavens. My buddy has a pair and I have been trying to steal them from him for a year...

 

[oryxman]

Athlon 10 x 50 and a Tripod it will work great for you