How much money for quality binoculars

[RgrDat]

I'm sure this topic has been beat to death, but I need a pair of Binoculars that will do the job for spotting shots up to and around 1000 yards +/- that aren't going to break the bank. How much do I need to spend in order to buy some quality binos keeping in mind I can't be spending much more than a few hundred bucks (3-400 tops)? Also, any recommendations on what magnification and/or what type anyone would recommend?

The caveat being, should I get a spotting scope of a pair of Bino's first? I assume Bino's are more useful but that's why I'm here asking you guys. And no, they aren't for hunting. Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[47guy]

Your budget is short for what you want.

 

[chutinlead]

A pair of 12x Vortex Vipers might work if you've got good eyes. I would troll the PX optics section and wait for quality binos to show up in your price range. I was all ready to buy some vipers and a smokin deal came along for some 12x Razors that I snagged.

 

[47guy]

A pair of 12x Vortex Vipers might work if you've got good eyes. I would troll the PX optics section and wait for quality binos to show up in your price range. I was all ready to buy some vipers and a smokin deal came along for some 12x Razors that I snagged.

this might work...I don’t have the best eye but the 12x were under powered for me.

that said I did just buy and sell a pair of SWFA 12x binos with the reticle in them and they were pretty decent...they have some demos for a bit less than your budget might give them a call.

 

[cattleman99]

Cronus binoculars will be in your price range, and the glass is really great.

 

[47guy]

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I’d call them and ask about the demos

 

[Arc Light]

I would avoid Chinese glass at all costs. Every time I have purchased binos with Chinese glass, even from highly regarded companies like Nikon, I have regretted it. Now I look for glass from Japan and Europe only. The difference in optical quality is very apparent. Unfortunately, unless you find used, you'll probably need to double your budget.

 

[John Glidewell]

Shop for Lightweight Binoculars - Riton Optics

Our lightweight binoculars are perfect for your next adventure. Made with our own Riton HD glass, buy the X5 Primal 10×42 HD binos today.

www.ritonoptics.com

These are an excellent bino. Had them out at a match with the Cronus binos. Everyone liked the Ritons more, even though they are a lower power. They can be found for $450 or less. I have used them for spotting out to a mile without a problem.

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I've done exactly what you're looking for with the Bushnell Forge 10x binos. The 15s give better performance, but they're well outside your price range. The 10s have worked well for me out to 1k-1200 yards for spotting on steel, but it definitely gets a little tricky around 1200 for the smaller 6mms like Dasher. The 10s are a lot more compact than the 15s, though, if that matters to you.

Edit: As for spotting scopes, the only time I even use mine any more is when I HAVE to have a reticle, or when I want to use my PhoneSkope to record. Any other time, I'd MUCH rather be behind binos. I can see more detail (yes, even with lower magnification) due to both eyes being involved, I can see trace better, and I don't get eye fatigue and headaches like I do with a spotter.

 

[RgrDat]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help. I knew when I was writing the original post that my budget is low, but I jus spent $4K+ on a rifle and scope + all the "extras" to go with it (bipod, rings, mount, etc.). Leaving me with a low budget and a pissed off wife. I'll definitely keep what you guys said in mind and perhaps just wait a bit until I've been doing some more long range shooting before dropping the necessary bills on things such as Bino's and whatever else. That is unless you guys truly believe that a good pair of Bino's are more or less considered "essential" gear...?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The best available, under $500.00 are:

Athlon Midas 12x50 reduced from $379.99 to only $299.99
&
Kowa BD56-12XD 12x56mm Prominar XD reduced from $675.00 to only $499.99

 

[hk401]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help. I knew when I was writing the original post that my budget is low, but I jus spent $4K+ on a rifle and scope + all the "extras" to go with it (bipod, rings, mount, etc.). Leaving me with a low budget and a pissed off wife. I'll definitely keep what you guys said in mind and perhaps just wait a bit until I've been doing some more long range shooting before dropping the necessary bills on things such as Bino's and whatever else. That is unless you guys truly believe that a good pair of Bino's are more or less considered "essential" gear...?

I just spent more than 2k to build ar15 rifle. My wife pissed off as well. For the binocular I had Leupold BX-4 HD and right now it is on sale at midwayusa.com for $400. It does have a lot of good review. BTW most of my binocular is 1500k to 2500k. Buy it used or demo from hide and play with it, you can still sell it back when you need the money

 

[RedDogN8]

I've seen Chronus go for around $300 on the PX. And so far pretty happy with mine!

 

[chutinlead]

Ill join the crowd. Just spent $800 building a Sig P320 from parts. Wife is pissed. Especially when I told her, guns I build don't count lol

 

[FN-Whitney]

Not the answer you are looking for but save, save, save. Get about $1000 together and you have more options. I went with the Meopta Meostar B1 HD 10x42 and I have no problems watching trace or impact to 1000 yds. Doug at Camera Land will help you, he did me. gr8fuldoug

 

[MudMuppet]

C.3 - 10X50 / 12X50

Buy Maven Outdoor Equipment Company C.3 Binoculars. Our C Series Binoculars are dependable, solid, powerful and will deliver when you need it most.

shop.mavenbuilt.com

That’s the only thing I’d look at under 500, but just sell some crap and buy the Meoptas 10x42 hd’s are excellent I was on the fence between them and the SlC’s and went with the meoptas after using them side by side for a while

 

[Luke]

$300-$500 will get you good binos, $1000-$1200 will get you better binos, $2000 will get you the best binos.

My current set of binos is a pair of 10x Burris Droptines. They're pretty decent glass for the price.