“Budget Bino” for son

[Cold_Bore_88]

I am looking to get my son a “reasonable” binocular. I think that 8x42 or 10x42 range will be perfect for a young boy.

Looking to spend $500-$1000. I see the Vortex Viper HDs for about $500. Alternatively, I see some Zeiss conquests and Leica Trinovids on sale for $700-$800. Thoughts on value with these 2 options?

 

[clefairy]

Vortex has awesome warranty in case he ever drops them.

 

[sjmpcc022]

I have a set of Athlon binos from Cameraland, they were in the 500$ range if I remember, 10X42, very nice for the money!

 

[WB300]

Maven B1.2 8x or B.6 10x. Both are outstanding.

 

[FNG1001]

leupold santiam bx5 is a good one to look into

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

Vortex has awesome warranty in case he ever drops them.

HAHA! This is a concern I have so durability and a good warranty is key. Considered the Leupolds for the same reason.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It's our pleasure, as a long standing supporting vendor here, to discuss the different available options and special opportunities with you.
Your timing is great as our July 4th Sale runs though this Monday. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have the time. We are in today till 5:30. Thanks

 

[Conqueror]

I have a set of cheaper Vortex 10x binos and they are solid.

 

[Birddog6424]

Everyone overlooks the Burris Signature HD Series. They are one of the nicest binos in their price point. No questions asked warranty.

Made in Japan! Not China..

Signature HD Binoculars | Burris Optics

www.burrisoptics.com

 

[W54/XM-388]

For the $1k range find yourself a great deal on a new or lightly used Vortex Razor UHD binoculars the glass is excellent, and will compete hard with brands costing twice as much. You also get a great warranty.

Ignore the crazy insane high MSRP, you should be able to find them brand new for around 60% of that or used for around 50% you just have to look around and do some research.

It's well worth going with the UHD versions over the cheaper line.
Buy once, cry once.

 

[powdahound76]

Ran the Viper HDs till I could upgrade

Still have them for my 12 yr old and they work dandy.

$500 seems high. I think you can do better.

Not pushing for them, just offering the experience.

I think there are a LOT of good binos in the $500 range these days.

 

[ChrisAU]

Zeiss Conquest 10x42’s are $585 at Midway USA today. Smoking deal.

 

[FNG1001]

Depending on how far you want to take it, you might want to also look into a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 setup. that is a pair of binos with builtin laser range finder and/or ballistics.

Vortex Fury AB

 

[Mike Casselton]

Swarovski just released a kid friendly bino for around 500

 

[Zebulon]

I’d go Mavin. Then vortex. Burris. Riton

They all have 10x42 for reasonable $. And very good warranties

 

[kthomas]

Kowa Genesis 10.5x44 are essentially alpha glass, and can be found for right under $1k at CameraLandNY when they have open box deals

 

[DougGlatt]

I have really enjoyed my Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 15x56s. Probably on the high end of your budget, but I would highly recommend, I've been using mine for years without ever feeling the need to upgrade. I like them so much I've got 2 sets, one of which may be looking for a new home.

 

[mullmann]

Zeiss conquest 10x42 would be my vote. I am still using my first pair of binoculars that I got in 2003 when I was a teenager.

 

[jpjulian]

Consider Cabela's house branded Euro binoculars. Mine were made by Meopta and are quite good for the money. Better than Steiner's I've used. Much better than a vintage Bushnell poro prism bino I also have.

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

Swarovski just released a kid friendly bino for around 500

You have my attention.

 

[Schütze]

You have my attention.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1817659-OREG/swarovski_38000_7x28_my_junior_binoculars.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2gTS26EoJpsmYRHjWYpC766&gclid=CjwKCAjw4ri0BhAvEiwA8oo6F_v-YYsQIhbKbzaeRmJlkzZl3vjfgUL020GVMuf1V5TrlR0YN2UicxoCsG0QAvD_BwE

 

[koshkin]

Everyone overlooks the Burris Signature HD Series. They are one of the nicest binos in their price point. No questions asked warranty.

Made in Japan! Not China..

Signature HD Binoculars | Burris Optics

www.burrisoptics.com

They are made in China. I just spent a weekend with them at BOTC. I can comfortably recommend the 10x42.

ILya

 

[koshkin]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1817659-OREG/swarovski_38000_7x28_my_junior_binoculars.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2gTS26EoJpsmYRHjWYpC766&gclid=CjwKCAjw4ri0BhAvEiwA8oo6F_v-YYsQIhbKbzaeRmJlkzZl3vjfgUL020GVMuf1V5TrlR0YN2UicxoCsG0QAvD_BwE

That's a decent bino, but the FOV is strangely narrow. Apparent FOV is only around 50 degrees. If you are looking for a low power, I would take Kowa BDII 6.5x32 over it any day.

ILya

 

[Jefe's Dope]

I have some Swarovski CL 8x25 for sale in the PX for $500 shipped.

Optics - Swarovski CL 8x25

Swarovski CL 8x25 Very good condition. Minor crack in rubber near the objective lens. See picture. Glass is perfect and clear. Everything but the neck strap. Light and compact for easy carry. Glass is spectacular for viewing. $550 $500 shipped OBO.

www.snipershide.com

 

[Zebulon]

Easy enough to get a prodeal. Vortex has some 70$ options that are really good

 

[Birddog6424]

They are made in China. I just spent a weekend with them at BOTC. I can comfortably recommend the 10x42.

ILya

I just got it from Sky last year that the HD Signature is made in Japan. I asked on behalf of a poster here. There are other optics coming out of China for Burris. But got it directly from him on that line.

 

[NewsShooter]

Kowa Genesis 10.5x44 are essentially alpha glass, and can be found for right under $1k at CameraLandNY when they have open box deals

I have a pair and they are really nice!!!

 

[kthomas]

I have a pair and they are really nice!!!

They are - comparable to Swaro's in glass quality.

Swaros will edge out the Kowas in certain categories. Edge to edge clarity. Ergonomics. Weight.

But for the price, the Kowas are amazing, and give up little to a pair of binos 2-3x their price.

 

[alcap]

This might be poor form, but I just posted these: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/minox-bl-10x44-hd-binos.7224834/