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Hey guys after opinions on best bang for bucks on cheapish 10x42 binos. Got a budget of $4-500 max and would prefer new. Will be used for open country stuff and cutover forestry blocks.
Been looking at the following:
Diamondback $400
Bushnell Trophy $400
Burris Droptine $500
Thanks in advance.
Second that, I picked up my Leupold Bx2 10x50 for $350 used but as new and they are actually pretty damn good for the money and even spending 3x that investment wouldn't see 3x better :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by 7mmwsm
Leupold cascades
Like my diamondback's but I really haven't compared them to much else.
Another vote for the Loopy BX2 as I picked mine up for that price a few months ago.
Second hand but new and box hadn't been opened.
I've also got the 10x42s and haven't had the opportunity to compare them with anything else. They do have a fair amount of chromatic aberration towards the edges, but the centre of the image is good. Overall not bad, but again, I am not able to quantify their performance.Quote:
Originally Posted by viper
Quote:
Originally Posted by Northlandnewbie
I had a similar question a couple of years ago as had a trip to the Kawekas planned. I went with the Diamondbacks, but 8x42. Given they come with a pouch/harness, they are good value.
By the way, I've yet to find anywhere in Northland where binoculars are of any use!
Ive got the bx2s and deer are actually easier to spot with my mates bx1s imo
I was watching a set of BX1 but went just under $500 and most people seem to rate BX2 at a similar level to Diamondback.
Never had much joy buying things secondhand but I guess if the extra value was there I’d spring for it.
Why are the Nikons not on your list?
Nikon prostaff 7s 10x42
Im in EXACTLY the same boat. Went into hunting and fishing today to have a look at some diamondbacks 10x42 , but they said they had stopped stocking them as they were having difficulty with the warranties . Tried to get more information but didnt say much else.
So I had a look through some of the Burris Droptine's. They were nice but now all you guys saying leupold has me thinking again !!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jusepy
The H&F store in Whakatane still stocks, sells, and warranties the Vortex Diamondbacks... a bit of a slow warranty turnaround though.
I suppose since each H&F is a separate franchise, one store could decide not to stock them but all ok at most stores by the sound of things.
In what way ? I find my bx2's to be fantastic but they are the 52mm objective which probably helps by allowing more light in.Quote:
Originally Posted by matto1234
I wager the Delta Forest from Sarvo will beat out any Leupolds for twice the money https://www.nzgrhunts.com/specials
I loved my deltas when I had themQuote:
Originally Posted by Moa Hunter
I've had the 8x42 diamondbacks for 5 years now. Crisp and bright picture. It's got all the glass that I'll probably ever need. Ergonomic and easy to focus.
One minor defect is the factory glue used for attaching the rubber cover over the eye piece is of poor quality, mine came off for both eyes. Had to use super glue to reattach. They have stayed since.
I picked up some Kowa BDII from BHphoto. They were the shop sample pair(9/10) but were in perfect condition. Came to less than $400 (last years exchange rate) including shipping to NZ which in hindsight was a pretty good deal. I rate them but I dont really know any better. IMO they're nicer than my partners BX-2 alpines.
The Leupold Cascade line discontinued some years ago. Replaced by better and brighter in their range.
The diamondbacks were rated highly in this review
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topic...est-binoculars
Some specials on Marine Deals
The Delta Forest binos are quite cheap and I haven't heard bad things about them. Might be another option?
There’s Burris Droptine binos on special at Shooters World in Gore for $399
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That happened with my 10x42s at the beginning of the year, but only one eye-piece. I just sent them back and they sent me a brand new pair. Was a bit of a slow turnaround, but that was primarily due to a screw up by NZPost. Other than that I've been really happy with my Diamondbacks. Know quite a few other hunters with em and all seem to like them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Synthetic
I have Leupold BX2 Alpines 10x42 and rate them. Like most things, they have increased in price over the last 12 months or so. 'Forever' warranty.
I paid $400 for a pair of bushnell binos 5 yrs ago,the glue on the eye pieces gave way almost immediately,then I finally lost the rubber eye piece this roar,so I’m using them without the rubber,I can still see deer so it’s ok,I find the quality good without having the worry about care and maintenance of a top brand of binos