Hey all,
got some money for Christmas and was thinking i might spend it on some new binos. So basically I am soliciting opinions for quality binos that are in the 200 dollar range. Plus or minus a little and cheaper is better assuming the quality is good.
Primarily I hunt river bottoms for whitetails so dont really need super hi power glasses.
Caleb
Caleb,
I have a 15 year old pair of Swarovski binos that I love and would highly recommend to anyone BUT in your price range they are not a fit. Go on line to Eagle Optics out of Madison/Middleton, Wisconsin. They have all brands of optics and also their own brand of binos - Vortex. In the Vortex line there are a couple of price points and I think one of them will be in your range. From what I have seen, Vortex are in the same catagory as optics with twice the price tag - great value for the money.
Take a look at Minox binos, well made and in the price range.
Google GarrettOptical.com- a great source for binoculars. Inexpensive considering the build and lens quality, shipping fast. Ain't Swarovski but you'll get alot for $200.....Phil
I have had a set of Minox 8x32 for about 10 years and I highly recommend them. My next choice would be Leupold in the price range you mentioned.
Good luck.
i agree on the Minox. i sent you a pm where you can get demo models at a reduced price.
Took a recommendation from another member here on a set of Burris binos and couldn't be happier. Signature Select Semi-Compact Binocular 10X32mm and in your price range. Comparable to much more expensive brands. Plus Burris has a lifetime warranty.
Casey
Vortex and Minox are good bang for the buck. The Leupold Yosemites 6.5x32 are great for under $100.
www.opticsplanet.com (http://www.opticsplanet.com)
I'd check out the vortex brand, I'm considering them myself
I have a set of 6x30 Leupold Yosemites...they're 88 bucks all over the web.
The major determinates- good glass and the factor of the two lense numbers- 30 divided by 6- gives you the a factor of five- and that's about all the light your eye can take in ...
They won't work out west....but in a close creekbottom environment they're perfect. They meet your under 200 criteria by a wide margin- I think they're worth a look.
I would check out the Vortex Diamondback in that price range. They are a great little bino with a no fault lifetime warranty. Great company to deal with as well as they are the most customer service oriented in the business.
In that price range I'd look at the Steiner Military/Marine in 8X30. Great glasses for bowhunting in thicker stuff, set them for your eyes and your set. When critters are moving thru the brush you don't always have time to focus. It's a shame they quit making the 6X30, they were the ultimate glasses for close range in dense cover.
I have a pair of Bushnell's Legend 8 x 26 WP binocs and am very happy with them. They are small and, so far, waterproof and fogproof even in heavy rain.
I have better and larger, but because they are larger and heavier they stay home, it seems.
14mm eye relief - which is great for me (eyeglasses).
For the price - outstanding. Still under $80, I believe.
6x32 of your choice. I use the Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum for heavy / close-in areas.
good ideas here, also look at the alpen line.
I 2nd the Leupold's. I know a guy who has 3 pair and when I look out of them, I am impressed.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Hammond:
I have a set of 6x30 Leupold Yosemites...they're 88 bucks all over the web.
The major determinates- good glass and the factor of the two lense numbers- 30 divided by 6- gives you the a factor of five- and that's about all the light your eye can take in ...
They won't work out west....but in a close creekbottom environment they're perfect. They meet your under 200 criteria by a wide margin- I think they're worth a look.
I agree 100%. They also are the single best deal out there.
I bought a pair of the 8x30 Leupold Yosemites this year and I really like them also. Good light bios.
For $200 or less ($88-100) I doubt seriously you can do much better than the (mentioned several times) Leupold Yosemite bino. My brother had the same cash as you and I talked him into them. VERY clear/bright and WIDE angle, Light-weight, too, and compact for a porro-prism bino. I bought German glass 8x32's costing much more several years ago, but these Yosemite binos compare very close! Get the 6x30's for bowhunting- they are all you need; trust me. Then use the other $ for a good (snap-removeable) thin neoprene bino strap and some broadheads/arrows.
well its looking like I need to really look at the Leupolds. For what its worth I have a 50 dollar gift card to cabelas so that would make them really cheap.
C
I too suggest the Yosimite's 6x30's... However, I will add that they work very well in the "West".. At least where I hunt Roosvelt Elk on the coast of WA state... lots of dark timber, rain and not always much sun... they gather light very well.
Since getting mine a couple years ago [for $65 to my door thru the classifieds here on TG], my 8x42 Gold Rings Leuplods are spending alot more time in the truck or camp trailer.. The optics are very clear and they are light weight.. In speaking with Leupold [ located out here about 35 miles from where I live ] about new raincovers for my 8x42's, I was told during our conversation, that the Yosimites are also "Lifetime Warranteed" to the origional owner. :readit: :wavey:
You can't go wrong with Nikon Monarchs.
Just my $0.02
There is a site called "Optics4Birding" which you can google- it gives a very easily understood review of every pair of glasses out there- obviously not geared to 'bowhunting per se', but birders need most of the same things we do, including waterproof optics, which interestingly aren't even mentioned in this review of the Leupold Yosemite which I mentioned earlier.
If you're looking at all the great optics mentioned above, you can probably find a good review of them on this site to compare all the features.
Leupold Yosemite Binoculars
Review Highlights
Designed for kids but great first binocular for any age, including seniors
BaK-4 glass prisms, fully multi-coated for increased light transmission and brighter images
Waterproof, compact, very light weight and available in 6x or 8x models
Full Review
Yosemite binoculars are made by Leupold, a well-known American manufacturer that has made excellent and innovative scopes and binoculars for decades. The Yosemites were designed by a Leupold engineer who is a devoted birder, and wanted something suitable for use by his young daughter. As such, they are somewhat unique in the optics market today because they were designed first and foremost for kids. Yosemite binoculars are optimized for kids by being compact and lightweight, having a large focus knob that is easy to manipulate and being specifically made to fit smaller faces, though they will accommodate most adults as well. Additionally, Yosemites are very affordable at about $96 and $112 for the solid color 6x and 8x models respectively. Let us tell you more about why we really like these.
Size, Weight and Design
click image to enlarge
You might assume that such a binocular would be of cheaper quality but in that you would be much mistaken! Yosemite binoculars are made with high-quality BaK-4 glass prisms and are fully multi-coated for increased light transmission and brighter images. The binoculars are a porro prism design, and they are wider than they are long, measuring just 4.5 inches from front-to-back and 6ΒΌ inches wide when fully extended. They fold down to just over 5 inches wide. This means they have a very broad interpupillary range (think of this as the distance between your eyes), and in particular, it is unusually small on the narrow end meaning it will easily fit smaller faces. The Yosemite 6x30 and 8x30 models weigh in on our postal scale at a feather-light weight of 17.0 and 18.5 ounces respectively.
Magnification and View
The 6x30 and 8x30 numbers provide important information about the binoculars. The 6x or 8x is the magnification or "power" provided by the binocular. The 30 refers to the diameter of the objective (big) lenses as measured in millimeters, which gives a rough estimate of how much light they will admit. The lower the magnification, the wider the field of view (the area encompassed within the circle one sees through the binocular). The 8x model offers a 393-foot field of view at 1000 yards, while the 6x version comes in at 420 feet. These properties have several important consequences especially for someone inexperienced with binoculars trying to aim them at something. First, if you can see more of the world around you at a glance, the chances are better that what you were looking for specifically is in view when you lift the binocular. Second, little hands may not hold a binocular as steadily, and a lower magnification reduces how much the image shakes, making it easier for children to see things clearly. The small 30-mm objective tubes or "barrels" are also easier for a child to hold steady.Lastly, the very low weight of these binoculars also helps make them easy to hold steady.
Focusing
The focusing knob is particularly large, and its rubber coating has raised ridges to provide additional purchase, making it easier for small fingers to use. The focus mechanism is pitched quite steeply: these binoculars go from minimum close focus to infinity in about 0.7 turns of the knob. Having less distance to travel to achieve reasonable focus is an advantage in a child's hands. We measured the Yosemites as having a minimum close focus (the shortest distance at which an object can be sharply seen) of 13 feet. While this is not very close focus by modern binocular standards, the Yosemites have excellent depth of field which may be more important to the young Nature Watcher. Interestingly, the two models have rather different eye relief shown in the table below. The longer eye relief of the 6x Yosemite may be better for user who wear glasses.
Optical Performance
We noted fairly impressive performance in some of the other things we routinely check. Color fidelity was good with no readily discernible bias in color. The image was quite bright for a 30-mm objective, and image quality was excellent too. There was little or no color aberration in the center of the field, even on brightly lit objects. Even at the field edges, color fringing was minimal. The pin-cushioning (a tendency for straight edges to bow inward at the edge of the visual field) was very slight. This would all be pretty normal for a high-quality, expensive optic, but it's rather impressive in one in this price bracket. Overall, optical performance of this binocular was excellent especially for a binocular of this price class.
Mag x Obj Eye relief Field of view Close focus Design Weight Dimensions
6x30 17 mm 420ft/1000 yds 16.4 ft Porro 17.0 oz. 4.5" x 6.25"
8x30 14 mm 393 ft/1000 yds 16.4 ft Porro 18.5 oz. 4.5" x 6.25"
User Adjustments
In the user-adjustable features, everything is simple and basic on the Yosemites. The diopter is adjusted with a twist ring on the right ocular. A raised ridge on the ring lines up with a white dot on the ocular tube to indicate the position for equal eyes, while plus and minus signs to either side indicate the direction of adjustment. The ring stiffly resists movement to help hold its place. The eyecups adjust between two positions with a helical counter-clockwise twist to raise them. There's nothing fancy here, but it is all functional and practical.
Accessories and Colors
Typically, porro-prism binoculars aren't sealed, so most are not waterproof, but Leupold claims the Yosemites are "absolutely waterproof" and warranties them as such. The rain guard is the same kind that we've seen again and again: a pair of soft rubber cups joined by a flexible bridge region. The strap threads through a complete bracket on the left side and a gapped one on the right, so that it can be readily detached and swung free if the user prefers that. The fit of the rainguard is tight enough that it is not readily dislodged even when inverted and shaken, but it goes on readily. In other words, it's about perfect. The ocular lens caps are made of harder rubber and their fit isn't as secure. These will dislodge easily and be lost in the field, so their primary function is limited to protecting the lenses when putting the binocular in its case. Had they been made out of the same rubber used in the rain guard, they might have been a bit more useful, but overall, it's a very minor point. The strap is the usual inch-wide, padded leather and nylon cord affair. The strap fits into recessed lugs at the corners of the objective tubes where they won't come into contact with the hands, a nice bit of design. In a binocular this light, the strap has little impact on user comfort, and if it's an issue, there are plenty of comfortable straps and harnesses available. The rubber armoring is comfortable in the hands, providing a secure grip without adding too much weight, a nice compromise overall. Lastly, the case is a simple padded vinyl affair with enough room to easily house the optic, and a flap with a Velcro closure that adequately covers the binocular. The Yosemite 6x30 and 8x30 models are available in a broad array of colors as shown in the chart below.
Black Dark Earth Natural Mossy Oak Treestand Mossy Oak Pink Mossy Oak Blaze
Our Conclusions
Clearly Leupold made a decision to hold the cost down on minor design issues while providing better quality optics, and in this, they succeeded very well. Interestingly, while it's clear that this binocular was designed with kids in mind, kids may not be the only users who will like it. The compact, lightweight design and the strong optical performance at this very low price give the Yosemites a broader appeal than they might otherwise have. This is a great first binocular for a beginning birder of any age. Incidentally, all the properties that make them ideal for kids or beginners also make them a great binocular for more elderly users. We wish we'd had starter binoculars this good when we first began looking at birds!
Caleb, I just got a set of nikon trailblazer ATB 10x42 for $149 from Cabelas, I love em I hunt here in southeast ohio and where the brush is pretty thick and they are great. I feel for the money they are a real good deal.
Don't overlook the Nikon binos , got a pair for safety award at work a few years ago and they are great. I have the travel lite model and love them for tite work hog hutning or our eastern Whitetail woods.
Jack
Any thoughts on the Bushnell XLT's
C
Do yorself a favor and look at the Leupold 6x30 Yosimites. They can probably be found for 1/2 of your budget, click on to a search engine to get some customer reviews.
I have Leica and Zeiss brand, but I did not like either for down in the brush bottoms, so I tried the Yosemite. I think you would be well served with Ray's choice - the Leupold Yosemite, especially for the price.
Alright Yosemite it is. You guys are a tough crowd. LOL
C
Before buying new, might want to keep an eye in the classifieds? Backing up the above however, I've had a pair of Leupold Wind River 8x32's for 10 plus years and have absolutely zero complaints...
If you hunt open country, go with 8x and up. Farm country, woods and brush, stay with 6x of your choice. Mine are Vortex and are incredibly bright and clear.
I got some Nikon Monarch 8 X 42's for Christmas. I love them. I think they are in the 200's
I have the Nikon Monarch 10x42 ATBs and feel they are a good bino for the money. Shop around and you can find them at reasonable prices in the 200's.
You will be hard pressed to find anything better than the Zen Ray Summits which sell for about 250 but compare with glasses 3x that amount. Do a search for reviews you will see how they compare to others mentioned here. Go for the 8x42's
Well i lied I guess. Did a little more searching and wound up buying a closeout model of Minox glasses. 8x42 and on sale for 139.00. I really think the Yosemites are great looking glasses but the Minox caught my eye and I hope that will be pleased with my decision.
C
http://www.samplelist.com/Binoculars-C5.aspx
I've gotten some great deals over the past few years on rifle scopes and binos here. Lots of demos and refurbs for good prices.
If you got the BVs they are verry good glass for the money, I have a pair that stays in the truck.
try and find nikon monarch atb, they are best bang for buck! plus 25 year warrenty.
Just bought the Minox BV 10-42. I'll let you know.........
I got the BF which is the same as the BV just an all black version. I would say that anyone in the market for glasses right now should at least check them out. They are new glasses but a closeout model and discounted about 150 dollars. 30 year warranty to boot and everything thing I could find about Minox seemed to be outstanding. If anybody is interested PM me and I can get you the website.
C
Well, thanks to this thread I've just received a set of Leupold Yosimites, 6x30 in black.
$79.99 delivered from Opticswarehouse.com
I've been living on a steady diet of $30 Wally World Bushnell 8x42s for ages now. Pretty clear, but they don't last.
These Leupolds are about the best glass I've put to my eyes! Perfect for the close woods we have in south Tennessee.
Thanks everyone for y'alls recommendations!