Best $300.00 binoculars?

[WebHobbit]

So I wanna buy some GOOD binoculars soonish. These will be for looking at wildlife on our property in rural Spencer County. Lots of deer, turkey a few coyotes and a pesky muskrat or two are out and about the fields around here. Anyway I have it narrowed down to 3 possibles but will look at other options. My budget is $300.00 or less (although one choice is a bit over).

Vanguard Endeavor ED 10x42

Vanguard Endeavor ED 10x42 Binocular ENDEAVOR ED 1042 B&H Photo


Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42

Amazon.com: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x 42mm Roof Prism Binocular: Sports & Outdoors


Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 10x42

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7577-Monarch-Binocular-Black/dp/B00C66C784/

 

[42769vette]

Of those option's the ultra HD is the winner.

 

[OutdoorDad]

Take a look at the Steiner offerings.

 

[cwillour]

I might put this out there:

Vortex® Talon HD 8x32 Binoculars : Cabela's

I believe it is from old stock on a discontinued model, but ...

If you prefer a 10x42, you might see how Vette feels the Diamondback 10x42 compares to the Ultra Legends (these two models seem to draw a fair number of comparisons online, but I haven't seen anything that points to a clear winner.)

 

[patience0830]

My best advice is, "spend more than $300!"

Especially if you are gonna spend any significant time looking through them. I've had Bushnell, Nikon, and cheaper binos and the Leica's that I bought at somewhere over a grand are the best investment in glass I've ever made. Like having bionic eyes..

And one of my boys will get them in my will. Meopta or Cabela's euro- optic line would be my fallback budget options. Swarovski's when I win the lotto or find a good used set, cheap.

 

[tradertator]

Take a look at the Steiner offerings.

My best advice is, "spend more than $300!"

Yes, and yes.

 

[WebHobbit]

These Steiners are another "almost in budget" that I could possibly get:

Amazon.com: Steiner 10x 42mm 2444 Predator Binocular: Sports & Outdoors

 

[Ward250]

Stieners or Liecas are great but I have a pair of those Nikon's and never had a problem with them in Indiana. Out west, you really make use of the quality glass.

 

[tradertator]

These Steiners are another "almost in budget" that I could possibly get:

Amazon.com: Steiner 10x 42mm 2444 Predator Binocular: Sports & Outdoors

Might check these out too if you want something rugged:
http://www.amazon.com/Steiner-8x30-Military-Marine-Binocular/dp/B000063EKE
I have a pair of their M80's (http://www.steiner-optics.com/binoculars/military/m1580-military-15x80), and they are pretty incredible glass. But they are HUGE so I would love a pair of their 7 or 10X50 Military's with a ranging reticle.

 

[mammynun]

I have these Steiners, and they're very good. But they're also a little heavy and large. But they're outstanding from an optical perspective.

http://www.amazon.com/Steiner-648-1...=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1432901020&sr=1-2

I was also able to get them for 1/2 of what they go for these days.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...78-smoking-deal-steiners-10x50-648s-$163.html

 

[Yeah]

Steiner's glass is routinely awful in low light, and not much better in the bright.

Of those on your list I've spent time peering through only the Vanguards and they were pretty nice considering the price. If another $40 isn't a stretch, Zen Ray ED3s can be had from Camera Land. I have 8x ED2, 8xED3, and the linked 10x ED3 and they all dazzle.

 

[ljk]

[h=1]$300.00 shipped.

Steiner 645 10x42 Police Binoculars[/h]
Steiner 645 10x42 Police Binoculars - Botach

 

[sprmario123]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DQG5XC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

These go on sale for ~ $200 every so often if you are willing to wait to save a few bucks. I have a pair and they have held up well in the worst weather . Lifetime warranty on any damage as well.

 

[WebHobbit]

$300.00 shipped.

Steiner 645 10x42 Police Binoculars


Steiner 645 10x42 Police Binoculars - Botach

Wow...that website has a TERRIBLE resellerrating:

Botach Tactical / botachtactical.net Reviews - botach.com Ratings at ResellerRatings

 

[cwillour]

From what I can tell, the ZenRay ED2 & Vortex Talon are essentially the same items physically and the primary difference would be in the support (if there is a difference, as I have zero experience w/ ZenRay CS & haven't researched them much.) The ED3s appear to be an improved variant, but not at the level of the Vortex Viper HD binos.

 

[Gabriel]

Wow...that website has a TERRIBLE resellerrating:

Botach Tactical / botachtactical.net Reviews - botach.com Ratings at ResellerRatings

There's a reason for that. Avoid Botach like the plague.

I didn't see the Nikon Monarchs mentioned at all in this thread(specifically the Monarch 5). Is there a reason? I was looking at getting a Vortex Viper, but was curious about the Nikons.

 

[WebHobbit]

Nikon Monarch is a poll option

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I have Stiener 8x30 on my vest, and a similar powered Swarovski in the truck. Both perform well and were sub $300. I prefer the Steiner after falling in love with a 10x50 military set. (NOT sub $300) The Swarvski has just as good quality glass, but eye cups that require me to take off my glasses.

 

[Gabriel]

Nikon Monarch is a poll option

That's what I get for reading the original post before there are any responses and then only looking at the replies several days later.

 

[bulldogs42]

I have a pair of Leupold binoculars that are excellent. Took them to the Indy 500 last week and boy are they clear. They were about $100 to $120 and of excellent quality. I think they are the Yosemite model. Why pay $300 if you can get a pair for much less without sacrificing quality. They are 8x power. I'm sure Leupold has some with higher power that cost a bit more, might even get you to the $300 budget.