Sub 500 binos

[Jmort1754]

Limited budget for a friend, hes looking for 10x42 sub 500 whats the best quality out there ?

 

[Steve300xcw]

C.1 - 8x42 / 10x42 / 12x42

Our C Series Binoculars are dependable, solid, powerful and will deliver when you need it most. Buy Maven Outdoor Equipment Company C.1 Binoculars here.

mavenbuilt.com

 

[twall13]

How and where will your friend be using the Binos? I know a lot of people that are very happy with Vortex Diamondback binoculars for general use. If all you are doing is pulling them up to freehand a quick glance, I wouldn't spend more money on something more expensive personally.

If your friend wants to put them on a decent tripod and really spend some time being them it will be worth investing in better glass. A little more info. on how they will be used might be helpful for us to guide you in the right direction.

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[nnmarcher]

I like my Maven C.1 10x42s. I haven't directly compared them to many other 10x42s, but I have Zeiss and Swaro in other configurations and I still enjoy looking through my C.1s when I have them.

If you keep your eye on the used market, I sometimes see Zeiss Conquests get down into the $500-600 range. That would be a great step up from many binos that retail under $500.

More recommendations here: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/best-build-quality-among-sub-500-binoculars.349788/

 

[Mojave]

Was he ever in the military? There are some programs to buy at cheaper than retail, not quite wholesale but 30-50% off.

I have a couple of pairs of Bushnell's Primes 8x42 and 10x42 that are sub $350 for my kids. I bought them for around $275 on special. They stay in the safe until we do a hunt, but it helps them have their own set.

Kowa BD56 are spectacular for about $600 the same model on a 42mm format is less than $500 BD42.

That would be my first choice. I would never choose a 10x42 over a 10x50 or an 8x42.

 

[JFK]

I don’t own them but I hear people speak pretty highly of the Leupold BX4 binos. You can find lightly used Tract Torics for right around $500, which would probably be the way to go if you can find a pair.

 

[Maverick1]

Limited budget for a friend, hes looking for 10x42 sub 500 whats the best quality out there ?

Above your budget but something to consider. Zeiss conquest Heck of a price. Most people evaluate these very favorably. (I had issues with kidney beaning, but it’s not common from what I’ve read/been told.)

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

Limited budget for a friend, hes looking for 10x42 sub 500 whats the best quality out there ?

I was able to get my Vortex Viper HD 10x42's for around $350.00 on Ebay. With the vortex warranty being transferable, there is little risk to the buyer. If your friend is willing to shop used, they could look up which manufacturers have good transferable warranties and shop that way. Should be able to get bino's from a higher price bracket but still meet his budget.

For what it is worth, I have had zero complaints with my Vipers. Especially for the price I paid. If this is his first pair, I really don't think he will benefit from spending much more on glass. I believe bass pro and midwayusa often sell the old model Vortex Diamondbacks for $180.00 or less. I believe they are even cheaper used on Ebay.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Really depends on use, in my opinion. Scanning thick woods for deer or wide open glassing? Will likely get different responses based on that answer.

 

[hereinaz]

Used binos

 

[juju]

WIthout knowing what he needs specifically, I'd suggest Athlon Cronus. And if he can swing a little over budget, the Eurooptic sale on Meopta Meopro Air is a significant jump up over $500 quality for not much more.

But there are plenty of factors that could mean something else would work better for him specifically or not be usable at all.

 

[Drenalin]

I don’t own them but I hear people speak pretty highly of the Leupold BX4 binos. You can find lightly used Tract Torics for right around $500, which would probably be the way to go if you can find a pair.

I like the BX-4s for what they cost.

 

[NickyD]

I think the Maven C series is pretty solid value, and was very impressed by my friends Vortex Vipers 10x50 if you can buy on sale

But if you can get closer to the $1k range (new) but buy used you will be much better off.

If you cannot, I’d look into going 8x. You’re not going to miss anything with 2x less but lower magnification helps kinda “hide” imperfections in glass quality. You also have a larger depth of field at lower magnification, which is something lower quality glass also struggles with

 

[Bert01]

I have a friend that really likes the maven c1’s and he has access to other top tier brands. I got my BX4’s for <$450 and really enjoy them.