I hunt in the Southern Zone of NY State. Primarily hardwoods with maybe a few fields mixed in. No expansive western views. I'm looking for some recommendations for a light, compact, set of binoculars on a budget. looking for something that I can throw in a pocket or a pack and not worry to much about. I'd also like some info and recommendation on power recommendations.

Thx in advance guys.

i like a low magnification for the woods 2 - 4 or so, higher 8 or more for longer distances like fields. thats if you get a fixed mag.
adjustable is nice. my current pair is a bushnell 7-15 i believe.
if your looking for a throw away pair so to speak, you can get tasco,bushnell, nikons etc pretty cheap, but they are not going to be the sharpest, clearest, most rugged.
the more you spend usually the better the optics are.  
i like to look at binoculars as an investment. a good pair taken care of will last a long time.
also when in the woods, a larger objective lense will gather more light.

I've got a pair of Leica 8x32's that I love. In fact I can't stand to be in the woods without them no matter what I'm doing. They work perfectly for whitetails.

Hard to beat a set of Leupold Yosemite 8x30's for all around effectiveness and budget.  For sheer bang for the buck can't ask for much more.

I'm also a big fan of Alpen binos.  Have a set of Alpen Apex 10x40's that I upgraded to from the Yosemites.  Super quality Japanese glass and built rugged.  I joke about the Alpens being poor man's Swaro's.  Lifetime no-fault warranty on the Alpens.  No store receipt required.  They have different models to fit your budget also.  Apex series gets high marks.  

You'll get a lot of recommendations for Vortex binos as well.  Also great value and have same kinda warranty.  

I don't have personal experience with Vortex but you always hear good things.

Can't beat the lifetime no-fault warranty you get with Alpen or Vortex glass.

I would look at a inexpensive Bushnell pair. I have two pairs of Zeiss. I use Zeiss 8X20 compact for the type of hunting you are describing. I own a pair of Bushnell H2O I use out west. They are great and inexpensive. I would look for a compact pair of Bushnell H2O 8x25. They are $50. If they are as good as my 10x40 they will be great. My Bushnells are better than my Zeiss in my opinion.

I have q pair of Zeiss 8x32 conquest.  They have been great for my Whitetail needs.

Though 8x is a very popular all around glass, for hunting the thicker woods of the East and Midwest, I'd recommend 6x or 7x compact binoculars. Smaller and lighter than larger power glasses.  Easier to hold with one hand without a shaky image. With an objective lens of 26-30 mm, they'll also gather light pretty well in low light situations.

I hunt upstate PA so our terrain is similar. I find 6X32 to be just the ticket. Adequate magnification with a wider field of view than I higher powered pieces. Mine are Vortex and I think they are a great value.

Lots of decent glass is available at lots of price ranges.  Nikon is another who makes a small binocular that works very well, and they fit into a jacket pocket. Best thing is the <$100 price tag.

ChuckC

im a fan of the Nikon Prostaff binos. they also have the monarch which are just a tad more $.

very clear and wont break the bank. about 150-200

You will be hard-pressed to find a better combination of price, quality and useful application than the 6x30 Leupold Yosemites.

I hunt in NH, similar to the terrain you are in, maybe just a tad thicker here. I own three pairs of 8X42 or 8x32 binocluars. My favorite is a pair of Vortex 8X32 Diamondbacks, they aren't compact and aren't fullsize, they are kind of in the middle. Perfect size and magnification for the hunting I do. Good glass with a lifetime warranty at a decent price.
I would also look at Vortex's 6X30 binocular, it is smaller and a good glass for eastern whitetail woods.

David

I recommend the Leupold Yosemite 6x30. They are small, but at 6x30 have a large exit pupil and are thus good at dawn and dusk. Plus, they are available all over the internet at under 100 bucks. I think they are perfect for eastern hunting. I have had mine for years and love them.

Leupold Yosemite 6x30 is a good glass for thicker stuff.  Around $100.  I use the in Texas brushy stuff, also can get you an idea of what is coming if you have 100-200 yard view.  Have had mind fof going on nine years.

QuoteOriginally posted by Jim Wright:
You will be hard-pressed to find a better combination of price, quality and useful application than the 6x30 Leupold Yosemites.

Agreed, best bang for the buck I've seen.

vortex, they have a great warrantee, great eye relief, light weight, and........

for the weight you can go with a little bigger glass.

I have the razor 8x40, and love them.

Leupold Yosemites 6x30-

Another vote for Vortex. I just bought a pair of Diamond back MID size in 8x30 with a incredible warranty no questions asked lifetime transferable where they will repair or replace.
THEN what ever binocs you end up buying IF they have the tripod adapter screw in the front Vortex makes a binocular lock that you can lock them to fit the adjustment between your eye distance. Then the only thing you have to do is pull them up and focus! I absolutely love my Vortex binoculars especially with the binocular lock!!

Most of my hunting is also southern zone. I love my Nikon Monarch's. I have the 10x42 and they are perfect for any hunting I've ever done. They arent pocket binoculars but I love them in low light. My father has the 8x32's. Really nice but I'd never go smaller than that.
If I were looking for a new pair, I'd look at vortex for sure

Can't find a better budget bino than an 8X Vortex Diamondback IMHO