Sub $1k bino recommendations

Simplesam

Simplesam

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Location
Burks Falls, Ontario
Hey folks, looking for a decent pair of Binos for Archery, hunting, hiking. Ideally around $750 to under $1k. They will be used for spotting targets mainly. I’d like clear glass and durability. Don’t have much choice in shopping around as all I’m close to is a Canadian tire or Walmart and those binos there wont cut it for me. I’ve read and have heard of options from Vortex, meopta, Athlon and such. Any insight would be appreciated.

Sam
 
For many years, my gotos were Nikon Monarchs.. which became "5"... and I think now "7".

For PRS, I have been using Athlon scopes and really enjoy their new ED lenses (Ares ETR). Just got the new Midas 12X50 ED binos and simply blown away.

My friend now has my Nikons... still fantastic binos and for the money, really a great buy... however, the Midas ED lenses just moves things up a big notch with long range resolution much better (important when you are trying to call wind adjustments vs just seeing a hit)

I wouldn't want 12X for a hunting binos but for my use as a spotter/target finder, I am really liking them.

PM or email if interested... and they are WAY under your price target.

Jerry

PS.. ED lenses are heavier vs HD lenses. The Nikons are quite a bit lighter vs the Midas... if weight matters, I got options there too.
 
Nikon monarch 5 for <1k$ value, personally have a pair on window sill at cabin, only other option would be brand like celestron. If you are buying for spotting/hunting pay a little more and get the nikon laserforce model (can be had for 1100$ sometimes) with built in rangefinder. Awesome combo and only need one item not two pieces.
 
Why not look at higher end used binos. I just lucked out and found a mint pair of 10x42 Leica HDs for $750 shipped. It might take a bit of looking but with some patience, will produce much higher end glass for under your budget. Just another option
 
I agree with Longstud. I got a set of nikon monarch 5 for $210 and a set of meopta meopro for $450. $1000 can go a very long way if you look at something lightly used
 
I also bought a used set of Nikon Monarch 5s off the EE for a couple hundred bucks and was VERY impressed with the glass... I can only imagine the 7s are that much better!
 
Have to agree with Longstud & Jimmy, used Bono’s can get you a LOT. A friend bought some Nikon’s last year for about $500 and they’re quite nice BUT they don’t come close to 35 year old Leitz (Leica) or old Zeiss binoc’s. In your price range (and below) you’d likely get some GREAT / BETTER glass.
 
My 2 pairs of binoculars that get the most usage are a Minox 8x32 (the wife's actually) and a vintage Zeiss-Jena 7x35
We all have different want/needs. Personally, 6x to 8x is what I'm comfortable holding for any length of time. I find 10x "bouncy". I'll be more inclined in carrying/grabbing smaller binoculars, someone hunting at dusk will benefit from a bigger objective, I'm happy with a 32mm... Heck, if I was adding another pair of bino, I'd probably look for a Leica 8x20

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The optic that is getting the most use, a pocket-spotting scope. Celestron Hummingbird 7-22x5

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Two optic stores that I've had great service from
- Doug at cameralandny(dot)com (out of the US), often has great deal on demo's from big shows
- Michael at peleewings(dot)ca

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If you are not sure what you want/need.
- The Kowa 8x30 YF are a good starting point (for not much $$)
 
I have nikon prostaff 3s and they have been tossed around by people loading float planes,boats and trucks,they work great and dont miss a thing ,best glass I ever had.even better then my Tasco I used for 25 years.im not sure what I'm missing with them,do remember looking through a pair of sworskys an American had at my buddies moose camp and they were nice but my eyes couldn't tell the difference.im a fan of nikon glass.the glass today is just so good all-around and its amazing.im not sure what the 3s cost they were a fathers day gift but I'm blown away how good they are,so the others liking nikon I'm with them.
 
for the price hard to beat nikon monarch 5. look up the review made by bird viewers that tells a lot.

i had for over 15 years the old monarch 3 that i used for hunting and guiding. they finally gave up last fall and i got monarch 5 in exchange and i was really impressed but i do not know if i will it use for shooting targets. spotting scope are made for this.
 
medvedqc said:
scott lens name means nothing: the treatment on and in is the difference.
Click to expand...

Agree about the coating of the lenses but poor quality glass with the best coatings is still junk. Schott glass is renowned for optical excellence and used by many of the top optics companies in the world.
 
The used market can be a gold mine for some nice bins! I’d highly recommend starting there. But if you are solely after new I’d suggest you look into the Leupold Bx4 HD. I found them to be great and I have a pair of Swarovski SLC’s for context. They have Fluorite Lenses and are very comfortable to hold due to the open bridge design. I found these to be much sharper and provide a more contrastful and bright image compared to the Vortex Vipers the gentleman at Cabelas was aggressively pushing to me.
 
Vortex Diamondbacks will come in well under your budget, and I've been using my 10x50s for years now. They're awesome.
Vortex Vipers will run about the high end of your budget and are even better.
Plus, lifetime warranty. A total must for hunting and hiking binos.
 
steiner military marine,

under budget, rugged, and great glass to boot.

only issue might be the sport focus (not meant to be adjusted on the fly)

love my 10x50's
 
Mr_Mike said:
steiner military marine,

under budget, rugged, and great glass to boot.

only issue might be the sport focus (not meant to be adjusted on the fly)

love my 10x50's
Click to expand...

Agreed! Another Steiner owner here, I own four pairs of Steiners. Last year I bought the new Predator AF 10x42 for $525 and am quite happy with them. I got used to and really like the sports or “auto focus” feature. During hunting season in cold weather I don’t have to fiddle with a focus wheel, I can just pick them up with one hand even with a heavy winter mitt on and everything is in focus.
 
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