Hi fellers,


My bino budget is $450. I mainly spot'n'stalk hunt in thick south louisiana swamps, so I don't think I'll be needing 12 power magnification.

So, what do you guys think?

Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 6X32 - $300. Perfect for the type of hunting you are going to do IMHO. If you want to go cheaper check out the Leupold Yosemite 6X30 or the Katmai 6X32 which is a little more expensive but still in your range. One other excellent glass in this range is the Vortex Fury 6.5X32 great warranty and quality for the price!

Ken

no brainer. Leupold Katmai 6X32

Nikon Monarchs.....

I bought these this past year. I love 'em.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-yosemite-8x30-black-red-natural-binoculars.html

I was sold on Leupold and still am, but, the Vortex brand of Binos are very impressive for the money! Lightweight, sharp and crystal clear! You can also pick up blemished ones for a lot cheaper and would be hard pressed to find what's blemished about them, they say the color is a slightly off!

I loved my Nikon Monarchs. Hope the person that stole them from me likes them.  

I forgot to add that the Vortex have got rave reviews on warranty and customer service! I'll be making a purchase this spring/summer, I'm torn between the Leuplod and the Vortex, tough call!

and minox are great also...you can pick up some new demo ones top of the line right now from Cameraland in NY in that price range maybe a little more.

Nikon Monarch 10X42, very clear especially at low light!
Samll and lightweight as well.
John

Another vote for the Nikon Monarchs.

Low power, large objective lense. Have a pair of Steiner 7x35's Wide Angles that work great in the thick stuff. Always wanted a set of 6x30's and when I finally decided to buy a set they quit making them.

SpankyNeil and John Nail hit it right on the money.

Purchased a pair of leupold yesomite 6x30 based on recommedation's on this forum and very pleased for the money. Might serve you well in louisiana, spot and stalk. Doesn't shake when you look with one hand and have the bow in the other, light-weight and compact.

I love my Nikon Monarchs. Recently had a pair of the Nikon Eagleview Zoom....just as impressive, if not more so due to the zoom factor.

Nikon Monarchs. I wouldn't go more than 8X42 though if you hunt in brush etc.

I agree with Spanky.  In close, thick cover, no need for an 8 power, and certainly not a 10 power.  6-7 power will work much better.  Eagle Optics makes an excellent glass for the money.  The others he mentions are also good.

Another vote for the Nikon Monarchs. I think I paid about $250 for a pair of 10x42's about 3 years ago. At the time I set a limit of $300 since I knew I would be knocking them around a bit while hunting. I've been well pleased with them.

8x should be just fine for brushy country.  

I have a pair of Vortex Viper binoculars I bought last year after much research and I'm very happy with them.  Great warranty(unconditional lifetime warranty!) and quality glass for around 500 bucks(maybe less for the 8x)...about as good as you'll get for that price.  Really, the next step up from this would be the big three(Swarovski, Leica, Zeiss) which cost around $1500-2300.

Monarchs and Leupold binoculars are also good options and are a good value for the money.  Many have used them and are happy with them.  

Remember, binoculars are one of those pieces of gear that is an investment.  Believe me, I know what it's like to have spending limitations, but  buy quality glass now and you won't regret it...buy cheap glass and you'll be replacing it in a few years and wish you had shelled out the cash for the good stuff.  Oh, and don't forget to go to the store, get the binoculars in your hands and compare them...especially under low light conditions.  
Happy gear hunting!  Matt

Zeiss conquest 8x30 gets my vote. They are only about $100.00 more than your budget. I hunt thick stuff in New England and, these are a great pair of glasses for the money. Good luck in your search.

Steiners, 8X30 or 7X30 should do the trick and stay in your budget. I love mine!!!