Blue Collar Bino's?

[HuntNorthEast]

Looking for some input here and it may be tough.

I'm looking into getting a set of bino's for all around use. I'm talking 30yds to 300yds. I know you get what you pay for when it comes to glass but there has to be a middle man somewhere. I need a set that can still be clear in the 300 yard range (or more) but won't break the bank. I don't want to spend the same on a set of bino's that I would on a rifle. If I had to put a number on it I would say under $200... I know that isn't a lot of money for glass but I will mostly be overlooking swamps or pole lines within a reasonable shot distance.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Patriot38]

I would highly recommend anything from Vortex. They come with a lifetime guarantee and have options that will fit your budget. THP (the hunting public on youtube) have a promo code that you can use to save 10-20%. I can't remember what it is but if you do a little digging it should be easy to find.

 

[HuntNorthEast]

I would highly recommend anything from Vortex. They come with a lifetime guarantee and have options that will fit your budget. THP (the hunting public on youtube) have a promo code that you can use to save 10-20%. I can't remember what it is but if you do a little digging it should be easy to find.

I have a gov account and get discounts on a bunch of vendors. Any personal experience with budget models? I know they are good but I am looking for first hand experience with model numbers. Thank you!

 

[rhagenw]

I have vortex 8x32 that I love and recommend but the leupold McKenzie 10x42 I have for a hundredish more is well worth it if you don’t mind the added cost, bulk and magnification

 

[bj139]

Leupold BX-2 Tioga HD binoculars- camo

Selling these like-new binoculars in order to fund other hunting toys. Rarely used, never outside in the rain or weather of any kind. Like-new with all lens covers, strap and bag. No tears or ware on binoculars, strap, lens covers or bag. Asking $200 shipped, PayPal only. Message me if you’re...

saddlehunter.com

 

[Oakridge]

I have the vortex 10x32’s and like them a lot. Seems about perfect here in NH for the woods I’m usually hunting.

 

[bj139]

Porro Prism Binocular a Best Buy — Ron Spomer Outdoors

Here's why a Porro prism binocular equals the performance of more popular roof prism binoculars at half the cost. Leupold's 6x30mm Yosemite is a best buy.

ronspomeroutdoors.com

 

[Patriot38]

Vortex crossfire 8×42. I live in MN and use them year round. They are great binos. I have no desire to switch into something new at the moment.

Another good line is Nikon (monarchs).

 

[HuntNorthEast]

I have the vortex 10x32’s and like them a lot. Seems about perfect here in NH for the woods I’m usually hunting.

I've been hunting Farmington area a lot, man NH has a healthy deer herd!

 

[JBDaddy]

Vortex has a warranty worth considering, but on cheap binos, meh. Vortex also has the hunting market pretty well cornered. If you're after best glass, look at birding forums or star-gazing forums, because binos are central to what they do, and it's just one of many things here - so we tend to get fixated on vortex because of hunting shows, warranty brags, etc.

I've compared Vortex to Nikon and a discontinued line from Bushnell and actually thought the low-end vortex were the worst. Dimmest, most distortion around the edges, highest price at that level. They could still be good binos, my eyes are different from yours, etc.

Here's where I'd start today: https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide it has tiers based on price so you can decide what you want to spend, then compare the options at that level.

 

[SETXsportsman6]

I have a gov account and get discounts on a bunch of vendors. Any personal experience with budget models? I know they are good but I am looking for first hand experience with model numbers. Thank you!

I haven't tried to use them out to 300, nor am I a glass snob like some folks are, but the $150 vortex crossfires impressed the hell out of me and everyone else that I've let look through them. I think I got mine from scheels and if was a combo set with the chest pouch for $150

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[raisins]

Try a bunch out and see what you like. Also, at the lower price range, you should look at porro prisms first. They do not look as sleek, but it is easier to align/build the prisms in that configuration so at lower prices they will have a better image. Roof prisms (cool looking straight walls) have advantages but they emerge at a higher price tag and can be less clear at lower prices.

For the money, I have found that Pentax binoculars are excellent. I hardly carry them though and instead carry a cheap Vortex monocular that I can slip in a front pocket (don't do much glassing).

 

[rhagenw]

Don’t get Nikon worse customer service in the business...don’t ask I’m still sour over that

 

[kenn1320]

Think of how long you will have bino's. I have a few pairs. If you just want to see something magnified, anything works. However if you want your eyes to be blown away, Maven optics is the one. They have various levels to fit different budgets. They offer a trial period, if you dont like them send them back. They only sell direct to customer, no chain store crap.

 

[TNbowhunter]

My dad bought a pair of Vortex binos, and they stink compared to the Leupold's he bought for my brother and me as gifts (two different models). I'd recommend buying the best Leupold binos in your budget--they really are fantastic. I've been impressed with Nikon Monarchs, too. Remember that the Vortex lifetime warranty is built into your purchase price, too.

 

[cartman]

Don’t get Nikon worse customer service in the business...don’t ask I’m still sour over that

Kinda have to ask since I love Nikon products.
Never had to deal with Customer Service yet though.

 

[BackSpasm]

I have a pair of swarovski's I use for dedicated out west trip and observation sits. For knocking around the whitetail woods and hunting from the ground, I carry a pair of Bushnell Trophy XLT 10x42s. I beat the CRAP out of them by crawling around, keeping them on my chest 12 hours at a time etc, guilt free. They are compact for what they are and I have bought two more pairs as gifts.

 

[smshuntr]

if you get a discount on Leopold the BX-2 would be the direction i take. If i were trying to stay under $200 without a discount i would go with Nikon Monarch found new on ebay all day for around $200. I own both and the only reason i would go with the BX2 over the Monarch is the durrabilty and customer service claims i see bad reports on them. Ive personally never had any issues but why chance it. The variations in the glass IMO is nonexistent.

My personal experience with the Vortex Crossfire is they are very poor clarity at low light when compared to the the Leo/Monarchs. Ive never looked into the upper level Vortex glass so cannot say how they are. Nor can I compare to the newer lineup of entry level vortex. I only assume the new ones are the same as the Crossfires but i dont know. Vortex is the new household name in optics so youll get tons of Vortex comments.

 

[Weldabeast]

Hutact...

Nice pricetag and just as good as my dad's expensive Nikon

 

[Reedler]

Another vote for Vortex...
I have the 8x32 Diamondback HD's and they are great for the money!