Not sure if we can post it here, but this tradbow guy is looking for some good COMPACT mid-price binocs ($500 or less) to be used in thick woods. Needs to gather light well for those last few minutes of shooting time
Vortex diamondback 8x42 or Leupold green ring Yosemite 6x30
I've been pleased with my 8x30 Leupold Yosemite binoculars. They are well under your price limit but work well for hunting. I don't see how you would need any more than that for thick woods, although if you have the money to pay you might want more just to have nicer.
Nikon Monarch ATB 8X36, about half what you are looking too spend and very nice. I agree with the Yosemite but like more magnafication and a bit better light gathering than the 30mm allows. I have owend a pair of the Nikons 8x36 in the camo version for 10 years and love them. Shawn
Take a look at thesamplelist.com. If that doesn't work, go to SWFA.com and find the button for the sample list, which is their discount (reconditioned, used, floor samples, etc) site. The prices are good. I would look for Bushnell Custom Compacts. Mine are 35 years old and still work fine in the thick. I also like my pentax 8x32, though they are not compact.
Richard
I am a fan of Nikon Monarch line. Heck of a bang for the buck. I have some 42 mm and want smaller.
I'll check them out
Yeah, I have found them for around $239 or so, put them on a butler creek or crooked horn bino strap and ya can shoot with them on all day. Shawn
Which model in Vortex's line Mr. Ray
Another vote for Leupold 6x30's. Way more performance than what you pay for.
I love my Nikon Monarch 8x42. Great binocs and not a whole lot of money.
Diamondback 8x42's are $219 on the web
If you look at review forum you'll see a write up on the Leupolds
They are great and at 90 bucks an unbelievable value
Vortex
Burris signature select. They are discontinued but still can be found. I got the recommendation from someone here, and they are hands down some of the best binos I have ever looked through. They have been compared to binos costing 3 times as much.
Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.
Nikon Monarch 8x42's are GREAT!!!!!
Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.
I tried out those Leupold 6x mentioned here and they were rockin.
No substitute for good wuality glass. Just put Zeiss glass on my 1903sporter and it's a whoel new world ... you can literally shoot by moonlight. I dont think Zeiss makes binocs in that price range, but I'd recommend them anyday.
I just picked up some Leupold Yosemite 8x30 and they are fast have a wide view and are crystal clear. I love them.
In thick woods, you're not looking very far so you don't need 8 power. I'd recommend 6 or 7 power instead with a fairly large objective lens for good light gathering.
Those old Custom Compacts mentioned previously, are a very good glass, came in 6 and 7 power, and probably sell now for under $200 if you can find them. I still have a pair. In newer glass, Vortex and Leupold are hard to beat in the price range you're considering.
QuoteOriginally posted by smoke1953:
Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.
I'd up the price point if they are really worth it.
I have the Vortex Viper 6x32 and love them.Very clear and stable. I hunt in thick woods where its often dark. Bob
Try any of the Steiner brand in my opinion. They are European made and well worth the $$ ...if not and you can afford it one can't go past Swarovski binos.
Cheers,
ak.
Nikon Monarch 8x42! I've had mine for years and they are perfect for me.
x3 for the Leupold 6x30 Yosemite Green Ring binocs. They are light, bright, clear and a great value. Perfect for thick woods hunting.
The Yosemite 6 x 30 is a good inexpensive choice for several reasons: Under $100. You really don't need any more magnification than 6 or 8 in the deep woods. The 6 x 30 gives you a pretty wide field of view.
The Vortex line has really awesome customer service and they can fit your budget in a real nice 8 x 42. But you can also find a lot of other good choices within your budget in a 8 X 42. Which IMO is the best all-around combination of magnification, field of view, and light gathering properties. I use mine for deer and elk hunting.
Try to stick to a proven brand in case you have issues down the road. In your price range that would be: Pentax, Nikon, Leupold, Konus, Vortex, Minox, Steiner and Brunton. As you can tell most of these companies are Japanese. If you want American-made, it is limited to Brunton and Leupold.
Many consider the very finest glass to be made by Swarovski, Leica and Zeiss. But all of these are beyond your current budget. However use them as comparisons to the ones within your budget when shopping. You will see what you are possibly missing then.
The bottom line is to try as many units as you can BEFORE buying. The more you look and compare, the more you will learn.
I have the minox 10x44 binos that I use and love for looking in brush while on a photo safari while in SA. looking forward to using them on a scouting trip this year to get a better feel for using in CO.
I have some Leopold 12X42s, but I was looking for something smaller and less magnification for when I'm bow hunting.
I think 6x30s would be just about right. I'm really looking to extend my ability to see into the thick stuff (inside 125 yards) at those last moments of light to help "adjust" my setups.
Those last minute bucks take some fine tuning in stand placement