I hope i can get away with asking a binocular question in this forum. I'm planning on buying my first pair of binoculars this summer for the upcoming hunting season. So far from what i've read most like the Nikon Monarch and Vortex diamondback. I'm thinking of going with the 10x42 version. Is this the right size for hanging off your neck while trekking around? Any other opinions on brands i should be looking at? From what i've heard in the research i've done is that Vortex has the best warranty? I'm pretty sure i want these but want some other opinions before i buy. Also, where's a good place to buy from online? I'm in BC. Thanks,
Best $300 budget binos for hunting
- Thread starter rosscopeeko
- Start date
used (still have them) a nikon monarch atb in 10 and 8 *42.
after that time i prefer the one in 8.
the redfield 10*42 are less expensise and if you compare with the vortex or nikon they re similar but less expensive ...
after that time i prefer the one in 8.
the redfield 10*42 are less expensise and if you compare with the vortex or nikon they re similar but less expensive ...
it's hard to beat a good pair of 8x40- the 10's will "pull" your eyes if used for long periods of time, and the weight increases when you go from 40-50mm. there are so many choices as far as manufacturers go , it's best you make a trip to a city and judge for yourself- and visit CAMERA shops as well as the big box stores and sporting goods stores- also see what the local BIRD WATCHERS are using- they, by necessity use pretty good glass, and generally know what they're talking about
MikeTheRock
Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
I would go with the Vortex Viper 8.5x50 at Cameraland NY (VPR-855-VX). Just ordered a set for $299 on sale from $589. Don't think you'll be able to beat that deal very much.
Costco has some Steiner ones for 319.99
The new Predator Xtreme utilizes new lens technology to deliver the highest levels of contrast and light transmission. The result is bold colour contrast between your prey and its surroundings. With Steiner®’s unique CAT (colour adjusted transmission) technology, deer and other game pop out of background foliage and shade. From close up to far away, the new 8 x 42 delivers bright, crisp images. It is rubber-armoured, dry nitrogen-pressurized and waterproof.
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&topnav=
The new Predator Xtreme utilizes new lens technology to deliver the highest levels of contrast and light transmission. The result is bold colour contrast between your prey and its surroundings. With Steiner®’s unique CAT (colour adjusted transmission) technology, deer and other game pop out of background foliage and shade. From close up to far away, the new 8 x 42 delivers bright, crisp images. It is rubber-armoured, dry nitrogen-pressurized and waterproof.
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product..._Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&topnav=
TV-PressPass
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Mountains, Alberta
furies are a great purchase! ive got a set of 8x32 that are just awesome for the price.
monarchs are the lighter binos for sure, but i like the glass through vortex
monarchs are the lighter binos for sure, but i like the glass through vortex
Most of my hunting for many years was in the mountains, and I carried 8X32 Pentax binos. They were light, VG optics and cheap. Cheap was important, because they were going to get beat up while guiding sheep hunters.
Surprise, surprise, they continued to take the knocks, year after year, and did not need to be replaced. Dropped, dragged across rocks when crawling, generally beat up good every Fall and Spring, and often wiped clean of dust, rain, and snow with a shirt tail, they lasted more than 20 years!
Put to rest in a corner when I was no longer guiding, they were still serviceable, and eventually fogged when they were used again in two days of solid rain. Someone tried to dry them out by a fire, and that was the end.........
They were $89 or $99, back in 1973, close to forty years ago. I also had a pair of $500 Bausch & Lomb that were carried occasionally, but never abused like the Pentax were.
All that to say this, ninety-nine 1973 dollars would easily be $300 today. Just because you can't spend five times that amount doesn't mean you can't have good glass. The last inexpensive binos I bought were Vortex Diamonbacks factoy seconds. They had cosmetic blemishes in the armoured finish, and were $149 from Camera Land. They are at least as good as many $5-600 units I have looked through.
Contact Doug, at Camera Land. A CGN sponsor, he is very helpful, and has a terrific deal on right now for superb glass that will arrive at your doorstep within your budget.
www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62195
And, these ones weigh almost a third less!
www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62149
Ted
Surprise, surprise, they continued to take the knocks, year after year, and did not need to be replaced. Dropped, dragged across rocks when crawling, generally beat up good every Fall and Spring, and often wiped clean of dust, rain, and snow with a shirt tail, they lasted more than 20 years!
Put to rest in a corner when I was no longer guiding, they were still serviceable, and eventually fogged when they were used again in two days of solid rain. Someone tried to dry them out by a fire, and that was the end.........
They were $89 or $99, back in 1973, close to forty years ago. I also had a pair of $500 Bausch & Lomb that were carried occasionally, but never abused like the Pentax were.
All that to say this, ninety-nine 1973 dollars would easily be $300 today. Just because you can't spend five times that amount doesn't mean you can't have good glass. The last inexpensive binos I bought were Vortex Diamonbacks factoy seconds. They had cosmetic blemishes in the armoured finish, and were $149 from Camera Land. They are at least as good as many $5-600 units I have looked through.
Contact Doug, at Camera Land. A CGN sponsor, he is very helpful, and has a terrific deal on right now for superb glass that will arrive at your doorstep within your budget.
www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62195
And, these ones weigh almost a third less!
www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=62149
Ted
PerversPépère
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Shawinigan (Quebec)
I love Nikon's 8X40 Action EX waterproof binos.
Good price and very sturdy. Good optical quality. I use them all the time when birding in rain, snow, cold and humid/hot weather. The lens protector cap is very useful.
Still going strong since I bought them, 5 years ago.
PP.
Good price and very sturdy. Good optical quality. I use them all the time when birding in rain, snow, cold and humid/hot weather. The lens protector cap is very useful.
Still going strong since I bought them, 5 years ago.
PP.
Bought a pair of Bushnell 10x42's H2Os a while back and were decent.
WSS had the Bushnell Excursion cammo on for fifty per cent off for
a hundred dollars when snow was still on the ground. They are the
10x42's as well and a nice step up from the H20's.
WSS had the Bushnell Excursion cammo on for fifty per cent off for
a hundred dollars when snow was still on the ground. They are the
10x42's as well and a nice step up from the H20's.
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Redfield!
While I lust over a pair of Swaro ELs, I needed something good & cheap for the truck. I compared a Redfield to the Leupold Green Ring (at more than twice the price). Could not distinguish a difference between the two. $200 at Bass Pro and it was a no-brainer. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a week-long hunt...since I may never have the coin for a Swaro, I may just have to.
While I lust over a pair of Swaro ELs, I needed something good & cheap for the truck. I compared a Redfield to the Leupold Green Ring (at more than twice the price). Could not distinguish a difference between the two. $200 at Bass Pro and it was a no-brainer. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a week-long hunt...since I may never have the coin for a Swaro, I may just have to.
I have a pair of Bushnell Excussion camo binos but bought a pair of Minox BV 8x42 BR these are way better I don't have to focus all the time.
When did you get these? Are they still available? I would like to get another pair!
