Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 go for almost 5 hundred bucks.   :eek:

Are the Leopold's Yosemite's 6x30's made in the U.S.A.?   :confused:  I see most Leopold's listed are.    

Steiner Safari 10 x 26 has worked for me for several years. Around a $100.00

As stated above the Vortex Viper 6x32 has gotten some good reviews for whitetail hunting. Low light, water/fog proof. Even Gene Wensel just got a pair. They are usually $500 or so, but Gene said they are on sale now for $275. I might try a pair too. I've been using my 10x40 Ziess for over 20 years, maybe I should try something new and slightly smaller. Ha!  Mike

Got a pair of 8x20 Swarovski compacts off Fle**** for $370 (they're $720 new now) that replaced my old Cabela's 7x35's.  The light gathering is the same based on my side by side comparison and they're 1/3 the size and fit in an upper pocket. Crystal clear image.

The compact Nikons.  I own two pair and they can fold up and be put in a shirt pocket. Both are very clear to view thru.

Not sure they'd fall under the heading of compact tho' they are quite manageable. Just picked up a set of Eagle Optics Ranger 6x30. Clear as a bell and multi coated and fogproof. On sale for $179. Been using Zeiss 7x42. Little big for bowhunting. These are a great alternative at a good price.

I have been very pleased with the Vortex Viper HD 8x32. I debated on the extra field of view and larger exit pupil on the 6x, but opted for the 8x for the extra magnification. They do quite well for my use.

Everyone would have a pair of Swarovski's if they could but they in no way are worth what they cost.Same goes for a lot of the high end binocs.There are a lot of good ones that are a fration of the cost as mentioned here already that are not a long ways behind as far as optics go.A lot of people that put out $1000 for a pair of high end ones will think they are that much better simply because if they paid $1000 or more you HAVE to think that,lol.Yes Swarovski's are great, but not THAT great,lol.I have a few pairs,some older bushnel 7x30 and a newer pair of compact Nikon 7x30's.The Nikons are great! One thing on cheaper binoculers that helps is dont get the high power ones like the 10X.Stay around 6X or 7X especially in compacts.

I have some nikon monarchs in 10x42 power that are clear and powerful and they come in a case that fits on my belt so I don't have them hanging on my neck unless I want them there.

QuoteOriginally posted by swampwalker:
Not sure they'd fall under the heading of compact tho' they are quite manageable. Just picked up a set of Eagle Optics Ranger 6x30. Clear as a bell and multi coated and fogproof. On sale for $179. Been using Zeiss 7x42. Little big for bowhunting. These are a great alternative at a good price.

I second the Eagle Optics Rangers 6x32.On sale for $179.99,regularly $349.95.I have had a pair of these for years.

I have a cheep pair of Bushnell sportsman, they are light, clear and work great above 10 degrees. 10 x 42 I think I bought them for 20-30 bucks.Great glass for the money IMHO.

I think one of the best "performance for price" binoculars on the market is the Sightron SII Blu Sky 8x32.  Don't let the name fool you, for $180 you won't find a better quality optic!

In my quest for the Swarovskis I finally settled on I was most impressed with Nikon Monarchs for that price range.   BILL

Redfield Rebels

Looking at the leopold bx-2 acadia's 8x42 or the nikon monarch 3's. in my price range. what do you folks think?

Anything with 42 objective is NOT compact.  I have Cabelas compacts, they are good.  Can't remember, but about 25 objective.  Really packable.  I actually will carry them.  I love the 42's but man, that's weight and bulk unless you are glassing a LOT.

Bushnell 10X42 at Cabelas. $99 binoculars on sale for $29. I got a pair and they are crystal clear. Not real small but close enough.

Picked up a couple SpecWell monoculars off the auction site. Great lenses compact and are a specialty optic for visual impaired focus down to 8" to infinity. Very high quality for under $200 bought mine for $20 each a 3x and 10x.