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

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