I couldn't find a thread for just binos. My pair of field and stream pro series 10x42's are falling apart. A lot of the areas I hunt I can't see more than 100 yards, but we have lots of fields around me that I glass for turkeys and deer. What's a good all-around pair under $300 (under $200 on sale preferred) that are worth the investment.
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Binoculars
- Thread starter Tknapp
- Start date
I bought a pair of Meopta 8x25 and for the price the clarity is spectacular. These are a small pair of binos and are great for the whitetail woods. I bought these based off a review John Eberhart did a while back. I've been very happy with them.
(101) 10. John's Hunting Pack! What he keep in there? And why. Also John's newest tool in his tool box. - YouTube Binos are at about the 10:30 mark.
Meopta MeoSport 8x25 Binoculars 572850 836538003035 | eBay
I did not buy from this particular seller. I bought mine from a seller in Germany and it took a month for shipping. Hopefully a stateside seller will be faster.
(101) 10. John's Hunting Pack! What he keep in there? And why. Also John's newest tool in his tool box. - YouTube Binos are at about the 10:30 mark.
Meopta MeoSport 8x25 Binoculars 572850 836538003035 | eBay
I did not buy from this particular seller. I bought mine from a seller in Germany and it took a month for shipping. Hopefully a stateside seller will be faster.
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Definitely look Maven. Some very nice glass for the money. I'd go with 8s for sure. Farthest I can look out in PA is roughly 500 yards and I never ever not once felt underpowered with 8s
I went to a 10x25 vortex monocular. I dont have a need for long range glassing in the areas I hunt and this thing works great for my needs.
Many people will say vortex but I’m not a huge fan of their binos. I think Styrka will give you a much better product for the same money. Leupold and Athalon might give you something usable too. However, going with previous posts, Meopta would be the best option if you can find them in the price range and Maven is a solid option.
I love my Leupold binos. I just wish I had bought a little bit smaller pair. When I bought them I wasn't working so hard to get back into my hunt locations.
Can't count the number of times I've seen deer I couldn't see with my eyes. I know some people say they aren't necessary for bowhunting, but I would be lost without them.
Can't count the number of times I've seen deer I couldn't see with my eyes. I know some people say they aren't necessary for bowhunting, but I would be lost without them.
Need some new Binoculars, what do you like?
Dropped my old Brunton. 8x42s in the river crossing Sunday afternoon, because I was distracted by a hole in my rubber boots…… train wreck deer recovery. Anyway, hoping to capitalize on my misfortune this weekend & catch a deal. What do you like & why. Like to be under $300ish
saddlehunter.com
For the OP's intended use, I would look for an 8x42. With all else being equal, an 8x42 beats a 10x42 in just about every way in the whitetail woods. The 8x42 will be brighter in low-light, show less image shake, have a wider field of view, better depth of field, and just have an overall easier, more relaxed view.
An 8x bino with smaller objective lenses like an 8x25 or 8x32 might be a good option if you don't use your binos all that much and want something really lightweight/compact, but understand that you're giving up low light performance and ease of view. The big 8x56 SLC puts to shame EVERYTHING I directly compare it with, every time, regardless of viewing conditions, in terms of sheer brightness and an easy, natural view. That said, it is a beast of a binocular to lug around the woods, so my 7x42s and 8x42s get used a lot more.
In the $300 range, the maven C1 gets rave reviews. There are a few guys on here that use them and really like them. Worth noting that Mavens customer service is as good as it gets, in my experience. EDIT: just checked and the C1 8x42 is $400 now. They go on sale a few times a year for 15-20% off.
Whatever you end up with in that price range is probably going to be made in China or the Philippines. I have seen quality control issues and sample variation in $2000+ European made optics... It runs rampant in a lot of the Chinese made ones. If going that route, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy 2 or 3 of the same bino on Amazon, and keep the best sample.
An 8x bino with smaller objective lenses like an 8x25 or 8x32 might be a good option if you don't use your binos all that much and want something really lightweight/compact, but understand that you're giving up low light performance and ease of view. The big 8x56 SLC puts to shame EVERYTHING I directly compare it with, every time, regardless of viewing conditions, in terms of sheer brightness and an easy, natural view. That said, it is a beast of a binocular to lug around the woods, so my 7x42s and 8x42s get used a lot more.
In the $300 range, the maven C1 gets rave reviews. There are a few guys on here that use them and really like them. Worth noting that Mavens customer service is as good as it gets, in my experience. EDIT: just checked and the C1 8x42 is $400 now. They go on sale a few times a year for 15-20% off.
Whatever you end up with in that price range is probably going to be made in China or the Philippines. I have seen quality control issues and sample variation in $2000+ European made optics... It runs rampant in a lot of the Chinese made ones. If going that route, it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy 2 or 3 of the same bino on Amazon, and keep the best sample.
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I’ve got some vortex that suit my needs. They do everything I need and have a lifetime warranty. The cost was very reasonable. I like that I can use them in any conditions and be carefree about them.
I like my Leupold BX-1 Mckenzie HD 10x42 binos. Teamed with a Horn Hunter op-x harness makes for a very nice combo.....Amazon has good prices on both...
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A bit more than your budget, but I have a pair of Athlon Chronus g2's that have been great so far this off season. I'll be putting them through their paces more come September, but so far so good. I hear their warranty and customer service is top notch as well, though hopefully I won't have to test that.
Here’s a couple more threads:
I myself am a Vortex guy. Both the diamondback and crossfire would serve you well, both are below three bills.
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saddlehunter.com
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I hunt mostly woods, looking to add a set of Binoculars to my pack, what is the consensus 10X or 8X ?
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Bino Upgrade?
Looking for some advice. I currently run a pair of Vortex 8x42 Diamondbacks. I've enjoyed them and don't ever hunt without them. I hunt equally bow and rifle, often hunting powerlines/gas lines, so good glass is important if a long shot presents itself. I had a few times last year with animals...
saddlehunter.com
Thanks everybody for the info and recommendations. I found a new never used pair of Vortex Diamondback 8x42's for $150.
I love the diamondbacks. They are good enough for my needs and the warranty makes them ideal. I’m not afraid to take them out and use them in any conditions.