Compact Binoculars

Looking for input on if anyone has some compact binoculars they use and can recommend.
When i say compact, im looking to probably stay 10 oz and under. I already have a great pair of midsize i would say in some Nikon Monarch 5's. Great binoculars and have taken them many times, im just starting to lessen the load a little. If it came down to it, i would just take my Monarch 5's at 23 oz. The reason is we go on a lot of fly and hike vacations, so on top of boots, poles and all that other stuff, it adds up.
Edit: I should add budget $100ish. I know what that gets you in the optics game, just looking for something decent i can pack away. Been eying the Nikon travelite or trailblazer.

 

It’s difficult to get real quality for $100 or so. The Nikon Travelite are ok binocs for around $100. I suggest trying to find binocs with a larger objective lens diameter than the Travelites in your price range.

 

yeah i know, i am looking for not the impossible but close, a good pair of optics at a cheap price. I dont want to buy something the same cost as my Monarch 5's at $300, so again just trying to see if there was something serviceable around $100. Compromises are made for light travel. There aren't a lot of options in the compact space with larger objective lens than say 25ish. my monarchs are 8x42 so if i get close to that and am paying the same, just might as well take the weight.

 

I use to be an avid backpacker and I measured everything in ounces. Weight of equipment was everything but for some things I just had to ignore weight to a certain extent. I think in your case just stick with the binocs you have. 13 ounces or so isn’t really going to make much noticeable difference. Perhaps you can reduce weight in some other equipment. Save the $$ on the binocs and spend it on something else.

 

thanks for your input Sprig. I know i would have missed my Monarch's, so prob just bring'em. Theres been too many times where off in the distance is a bear or moose and i love having good optics.

 

Just be careful with your binoculars. Years ago I had a pair of Swarovski binocs I paid around $2000 for. I somehow lost them while on an elk hunt. I retraced every step and couldn’t find them. Made me sick. I generally buy top of the line outdoor gear but after that $200 is about max I pay for binocs. Also had a pair of Steiners fall overboard from my boat and disappear to the bottom of a lake. I do not have good fortune with binoculars.

 

I have the Nikon Trailblazer ATB 8x25. At about $90 and 10 oz., I think they are pretty good for thier price and size. They are never going to match the low light performance of a larger objective lens, but they can fit in a pocket.

 

I have a pair of these I keep in my center console for the random times I say "I wish I had some binoculars ". Certainly not top of the line, but the glass is clear.


https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-vanquish-8x26-binocular.html

 

Those are intriguing, decent price, I have some firearm optics from them I enjoy

 

Take a look at Celestron binoculars. They are fairly inexpensive, and (I think) punch above their weight (price). I'm happy with a pair of their compact binoculars I bought several years ago, but I think they were in the $150-160 range.

Normally I would recommend you go with something that has ED glass, but doubt you'll find that for $100.

Binoculars | Celestron