Best Binos for under $200?

Give a call to Doug at Cameraland, he's a class act and often got some smoking deals on demo (That could pass for new)

- What do you want to use them for?
- What kind of power do you want or need?
- What size?

Just going through his listed demo (he often has stuff that's not on the site)

Nikon Trailblazer 8x42, $109
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For a little more $
Minox BL 8x42 BR, $199 (Open box)

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That's what I use :D

Since the Canadian $ is strong, might just as well enjoy it.
 
Check their website. It says free ground shipping on orders over $100. You can e-mail or telephone CameraLand and ask. They have a very good reputation for their service and their prices are very competitive.

I bought some binoculars from them a few years ago and they came by mail. Things may have changed since then. CanadaPost will collect any taxes and duties that may be due on a package before they hand it over to you. But, yes, FedEx and UPS like to appoint themselves as your customs "broker" and sting you with a large additional fee and should be avoided.

I am pleased with what I got from them then but I won't deal with them anymore because they say international customers must pay through (FRAUD ALERT) and I don't want to use (FRAUD ALERT).
 
Another vote for Cameraland. I purchased Nikon Monarch bino's ($199, 10x42) last year and am very well pleased with them. Prior to purchase, I did some internet research and found that these binos were well reviewed on a number of optics/bird watching sites.
 
I got some Vortex 12.5X42 from cameraland for 199.00 These bin's are crystal clear and not shaky at all for being over 12 power. Plus unconditional lifetime warranty Hard to beat that for 200. I did get nailed 25.00 for duties though but still well worth it.
 
Of course... as long as the local retailer can offer the same level of service... something I haven't the opportunity to see.

When I was shopping for binos a few years back, I had 3 types of local retailers

1st. The type that will try to talk you to a more expensive binos, even though you stated your budget.
2nd. The type that will try to talk you into the model they have in stock, even though it might not fit your need.
3rd. The type that couldn't careless what you buy, as long as you buy something from them.

To Doug's credit
- he didn't mind spending a few minutes on the phone talking about binos.
- he took the time to find out what my needs were and what I prioritized.
- he took the time to find out what I'd use them for.
- he then suggested I waited a few more weeks (instead of buying a more expensive binos I was considering from him) to get a model slightly less expensive one that would better fit my need...
 
I bought myself 7x30 russian army binos, they are super. Used them hunting this year, quality of glass is superb . If you look hard they sale for under $200.
Used to have Ior Valdada 7x40 romanian army, more they $200 but also highly reccomend
 
struff55 said:
No such thing as good binos for $200 you get what you pay for.$400 would be a good entry level .
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So by that logic the Minox BL 8x42 that are on sale for $199 at cameraland with the regular price being $439 are a great deal, no? They are not the latest and the greatest anymore but they did originally cost over $400.......
 
Whatever you find it should be on sale, check the EE to as finding Good $200 glass is hard to do. Ebay is a great place to look aslo, and don't be afraid to buy old german glass. its still good, very good.
 
LuckyLuc82 said:
So by that logic the Minox BL 8x42 that are on sale for $199 at cameraland with the regular price being $439 are a great deal, no? They are not the latest and the greatest anymore but they did originally cost over $400.......
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Yes. Minox's worst are good quality.

And I have a pair of Bushnell 7x50's that I got off E-bay for U.S. $5 plus shipping (which was about $7, if I recall correctly,) and once upon a time they were top of the line for Bushnell. I don't think you will find a $400 pair of binoculars that will make you see eighty times better than my $5 Bushnells.
 
struff55 said:
No such thing as good binos for $200 you get what you pay for.$400 would be a good entry level .
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The OP asked for the best binos under $200. That doesn't mean it will nescessarily be considered good by other people's standards.

Steppenwolf, if you're also looking for a rifle scope the Burris combo is a good deal. I bought a Fullfield II 3-9x40 scope with a Landmark 10x32 bino for $180 from a local store last year. :dancingbanana: That deal's not around anymore, but Bass Pro has this combo for $220.
 
This is a touchy subject for some people. Sometimes it's just a matter of determing what one can afford. An additional consideration that I always think of is related to the possibiity of loosing the binos in the bush somehwere. I'd rather loose a pair for $200.oo then $2,000.00 any day. On average I find that after 3-4 years of tough hunting, through thick and thin weather conditions. I'll still go with the $200.00 glass.
 
KDX said:
I have some Nikon Action Extreme that are a pretty good bang for the buck.
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I will second that. Mine are 7x35 ($150) porro, waterproof, rubber armored, litle heavy but are cristal clear and distortion free. FOV of 500' at 1000yds is a bonus. In my opinion nothing on the market now is better in value.
 
Minox is extremely good glass for the $. The $199 ones will not disappoint, and will compare very well with binocs priced considerably higher.
 
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