Cheap Around 12x50 Bino Suggestion

[Basic user]

I know good aint cheap and cheap aint good, but I'm still curious- Do you guys have any suggestions for some 12x50s, for just casual bird watching and whatnot out the back kitchen window? I havent touched a set of binos besides my vortex diamondback HD 10x42s in years, so I've no clue if the cheap tascos or other Kmart brands have gotten better than they were in the 80s lol.
I dont need tangent theta clarity for what I'd be doing with these, but then I dont feel like taking a chance on the 40 dollar pair in the counter at the local sporting goods stores either.
Any suggestions?

 

[Simonsza1]

Shameless plug for myself

Optics - Vortex Razor HD binos BNIB

12x50 razor hd binos brand new in the box. $900 shipped

www.snipershide.com

 

[Basic user]

lol. I dream about those binos, but a little outside the casual bino budget right now lol.

 

[ironpony52]

craigslist, find an old pair with Japanese glass some are pretty good. I have 4-5 pair like that around. I don't have to worry about them if they get dropped or banged around.
Wife wanted a smaller pair for going on a trip and picked up a $79 set at Wal Mart and they do everything you need too. I guess with modern manufacturing even the cheap stuff is better.

 

[Ronws]

I like my Diamondback 12x50, even for deep woods hunting. It's like dialing between the layers of trees.

 

[Basic user]

I see. Ok, I think I'll try that.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the Kowa SV50-12 12x50mm Binocular on sale for only $199.99
For the money these will way out perform what you'd expect

 

[JayseM_SportOptics]

I would be another vote for the Diamondback 12x50 if that's kind of price you're trying to stay close around. I do think they perform better than their price might suggest.

 

[Entropicitis]

Sometimes you can get Burris binos on Amazon for a steal. I got a pair of 8x42 signatures (made in Japan) for under $300 a few months ago.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I bought some of these for my wife as a demo set.
The price was way under $400.

 

[Mike Casselton]

But a used set of the Bushnell Forge

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We just a demo Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 12x52mm Binocular - Shadow Gray for only $199.99. Great optic at a slammin' price