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Best binoculars on a budget?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by bethes, Mar 24, 2012.

  1. Mar 24, 2012 at 4:10 PM
    #1
    bethes

    bethes [OP] Señorita Member

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    Don't have $2K to drop on Swarovskis or Leicas. And I don't need night vision.

    So what are the best binoculars for around $150-200?
     
  2. May 17, 2012 at 1:32 PM
    #2
    coffeesnob

    coffeesnob Well-Known Member

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    did you find anything? I am looking myself for a decent pair.
     
  3. May 17, 2012 at 1:34 PM
    #3
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Range might not be great but you can't beat the price!
    [​IMG]

    Sorry, I have nothing constructive to add... free bump!
     
  4. May 17, 2012 at 4:03 PM
    #4
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    $200.

    look at the lower end VORTEX binos. talked a buddy into getting a pair and he LOVES them.

    i went big time on my pair!! :D
     
  5. May 17, 2012 at 4:07 PM
    #5
    blue97taco

    blue97taco Well-Known Member

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  6. May 17, 2012 at 7:09 PM
    #6
    bethes

    bethes [OP] Señorita Member

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    Two months from now I'll be sure to say thanks. :D
































































    Just kidding. Appreciate the tips, thanks.
     
  7. May 17, 2012 at 7:16 PM
    #7
    Boerseun

    Boerseun Well-Known Member

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    Don't skimp on binoculars, although $2k is probably too much.
    Bushnell is good, and at $250 should be around your price range, but don't go cheaper than that. Less than that it becomes a toy.
    I have a Carl Zeiss and it is good, but probably around $500.

    Also, check on brand names - beware - some good names now have low budget made in China crap, so even if it is a good name, check for quality.
     
  8. May 17, 2012 at 7:24 PM
    #8
    nfs257

    nfs257 Well-Known Member

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    Not sure what you are going to use them for but I used a set of Tasco binoculars for years hunting. Somewhere between $50-150...
     
  9. May 17, 2012 at 7:28 PM
    #9
    186000mps

    186000mps ..Slingin' up mud and we're scarying off bunnies..

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  10. May 18, 2012 at 5:06 AM
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    coffeesnob

    coffeesnob Well-Known Member

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  11. May 18, 2012 at 5:23 AM
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    CantSitStill

    CantSitStill Well-Known Member

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    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1337343620.713000.jpgI have to admit that I don't have much knowledge to contribute, but I have these and they work well for me. My uncle is very outdoorsy and got them for me last year when he knew I wanted to get a pair. Waterproof, no slip grip, neoprene case and strap, rubber eye ups. Leupold Rogue.
     
  12. May 18, 2012 at 5:28 AM
    #12
    CantSitStill

    CantSitStill Well-Known Member

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    Looks to be around $160 and pretty good reviews. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1337344087.785050.jpg
     
  13. May 18, 2012 at 5:35 AM
    #13
    186000mps

    186000mps ..Slingin' up mud and we're scarying off bunnies..

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    The negative most people find is that there ia a one piece cover/cap for the eyepiece end which has a tendency to come loose. This can be solved by opening up the eyepiece distance to put more tension on it. Too me no big deal. The resolution on these is super crisp! I own two Celestron binoculars as well, but much prefer these.
     
  14. May 18, 2012 at 7:01 AM
    #14
    bethes

    bethes [OP] Señorita Member

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    Awesome. I'm really just looking for a decent pair to throw in the truck and use when I'm out doing whatever. Not only do I not have $2K for a pair, but if I saved up and bought a pair like that I'd worry about breaking them all the time anyway so I'd be less likely to use them. $250 would be fine.

    I'll be using them for hiking, looking at animals or rock strata across a valley or whatever, just general use. I used to have fairly cheap binoculars in my truck, but a friend's 3-year-old daughter fell in love with them while riding in my Tacoma last summer and I let her keep them since I wanted a nicer pair anyway. But I haven't found a pair I like since then.
     
  15. Mar 16, 2013 at 11:31 AM
    #15
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Bumping this thread as I am looking for a good set of binos for general use , my budget is about $400-500 tops

    Thanks for any suggestions
     
  16. Mar 16, 2013 at 11:37 AM
    #16
    OldGeezer42

    OldGeezer42 Well-Known Member

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    Nikon ATB 's good glass, waterproof ,several different field of views , rubber body, I use mine 100-150 days out of year , I'm very hard on them and they hold up very well.
     
  17. Mar 16, 2013 at 11:38 AM
    #17
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    Thanks
     
  18. Mar 16, 2013 at 11:56 AM
    #18
    skidooman

    skidooman I'm your huckleberry

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    Another +1 for Nikon's ATBs. I have 12x42 and love them.
     
  19. Mar 16, 2013 at 12:01 PM
    #19
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    the BEST glass in that price range. Vortex Vipers. you can run them over with a truck and they will replace them with an apology for letting their binoculars get in the way of your truck.
     
  20. Mar 16, 2013 at 12:05 PM
    #20
    OZ-T

    OZ-T You are going backwards

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    8x32 are over $600 here , 10x42 are about $50 more than that

    They look cool though
     

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