Recommendations for a new pair of Bino's

[DB is Here]

I've been rocking a pair of Vortex Crossfire 10x42's and the glass just isn't that good compared to others I've used in the past. Budget is $500, anyone have a brand they can recommend?

Mainly used for glassing out to 300-500 yards. Would like a better sight picture in low light situations, but this isn't a deal killer.

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[Member 24198]

Everybody's eyes perceive things differently. Go to your biggest outdoor box store and look through all that are in that price range. You won't be able to compare low light, but you can at least look at the animals from across the warehouse for clarity comparison. Good luck in your search.

 

[Nosferatu]

A lot depends on what you're looking at. Counting points on a buck vs just seeing if it is a buck at 500 yards requires much better glass.

I've been pretty happy with my 8x42 Vortex Razor HDs. I'm not trying to count points at distance though.

 

[Koda]

Mainly used for glassing out to 300-500 yards.

If you want affordability and quality glass get Leupold.

 

[bionic knees]

what he said

 

[Aero Denezol]

Great question. Following with interest.

 

[Zingger]

Steiner has been my brand of choice- crystal clear and auto-focusing. 8x30 military/marine are my go-to set.

 

[Certaindeaf]

Optics don't wear out. Buy used Swarovski, Zeiss etc for 1/3-1/2 off.

 

[Retired Guy]

If you're a Vet, Leupold offers a decent discount. You will still pay sales tax and shipping but it's worth it. You can get a good Leupold BX-4 HD in your price range. Avoid the lower end stuff.

If you wanted to stay around the $300 range, Oberwerk is decent. German design but made in China. I have a pair that I keep in my truck. A bit heavy but well made and a lifetime warranty.

 

[Nosferatu]

At your budget, I'd find it hard to beat the Maven C.1 https://mavenbuilt.com/collections/binoculars/products/c-1-8x42-10x42-12x42

 

[DB is Here]

If you're a Vet, Leupold offers a decent discount.

I am...thanks for that.

 

[Member 24198]

If you want affordability and quality glass get Leupold.

FYI, unless something has changed, Leupold binos aren't made in the US. I haven't looked recently, but some models are made in China and some in Japan.

 

[Catfishmoon]

Take your current pair of binoculars with you when visiting the store and take both pairs outside to look through and compare. I did this when contemplating purchasing a new pair and decided my existing binoculars were very similar and my money could be better used on something else.

 

[ksjayhawk]

Are you wanting a smaller size for constant all day hiking deer elk spotting. Or a closer to full size set. Nikon M7 10x42 is considered a full size with great reviews. They can be found from $437-499 online. I'd bet your local store would match an internet price. I loved their rifle scopes when they made them. Sold a rifle here with a Nikon on it. Wished I'd swapped scopes b4 I sold it. Easiest eye relief and overall immediacy clarity I've ever seen. I still have an early pair of Their compact binoculars. Great clarity and very stable to this day. Great idea of taking your current pair in for comparison.

 

[ksjayhawk]

Tract is another fantastic company. Pennsylvania based. They use Nikons supplier of glass. They are about 200$ above your price range but maybe you can find a set on eBay. The 2 guys were originally Nikon USA scope makers b4 Nikon shut down their rifle scope division. I have their 4-12x40 rimfire T-plex scope on an ancient Win 52. Scary. I've looked thru their binos at the sportsmans show. Outstanding. Their reviews on each of their products is 5.0 pegged out.

 

[former173rd]

If you want affordability and quality glass get Leupold.

Second that....leupold gold ring..maybe outside your budget, but save some more dough for a while!

 

[ksjayhawk]

Tract sells on Amazon so you can always send them back if not happy. My friend paid for his 1700$ scope for his sako 300wm at the sportsman's show. They gave him an on the spot 15% show discount no tax no shipping and sent it to him a week later. Maybe you could hint for Amazon gift cards from family and friends to get it into your price range.

 

[Joe13]

Here ya go!

Amazon.com

$35!!!

 

[Member 24198]

Second that....leupold gold ring..maybe outside your budget, but save some more dough for a while!

Unless something has changed, that don't have the gold ring on the bino line.

 

[Koda]

Budget is $500, anyone have a brand they can recommend?

$499, $100 off full price...

Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Binoculars 10x 42mm- Blemished

The Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 Binocular is an upgrade in both form and function. This latest version of the best-selling binocular uses...

www.midwayusa.com