Entry level Binos

I have decided that I need to get my first set of binos.

Seeing as my young family eats money faster than I can make it, I am limited to a budget of under $300.

Im guessing 10x mag however I am realistic about what I can expect for my budget but im only using them for scanning for goats on farms/clearings during the middle of the day (not a deer in the bush in the last few minutes of light).

Has anyone had any experiance with any brands/models that fit this (maybe before upgrading)?

Any input is welcome.

Cheers

All though I have personally never used them quite a few seem to rate the lower end Vortex binos which probably fit your budget. Or go second hand, have seen a few sets of Leupold cascades go for around that cheap on trademe, even seen a couple of Minox HG's go for not much more than your budget second hand, real good buying and excellent warranty even with no reciepts/original owner

Within your budget you wont go wrong with Leupold Yosemites. I have them in 8x30 (which is a good all rounder size) or you can get them in 10 power too now. I got mine for $199 from memory but it was a few years ago now. Still should be well under $300.

I also have 10x40 Vortex Diamondbacks which i use for the tops (longer ranges etc) and these are also great performance for the money. About $350-$400 new.

Can you stretch to $350?
https://www.huntingandfishing.co.nz/...binocular.html

Leupold Mackenzie, can't remember what I paid for them might have been around $400 but very happy wih them

Hands down I would go for the Leupold yosemites great glass for price and reliable. Compared to my mates Acadia we could not see any difference optically throughout all hours of the day.

Thanks for the replys guys - at least I now have some idea of what im shopping around for.

This is the way to go. I bought a set off this guy for my son. Great service and great bino's for the money.

Vortex 10x42 Diamondback Binocular - Authorised NZ Warranty! | Trade Me

I just purchased a set of Minox BF 10 x42 binos from Optics Planet in the US. $298.00 nz landed within 7 days. The German glass is superior to Leupold (I own 3 leupold riflescopes and one spotting scope so my opinion is un biased) importing is the best option as on this purchase as you immediately save $45.00 gst. I will try to post a link.

I have the bushnell H2O binos

They work good for me. :thumbsup:

BINOCULAR BUSHNELL H2O, 10 X 42mm, ROOF, WATERPROOF, FOGPROOF, BLACK COLOR, NEW! | Trade Me

Cheers
Pete

Can't work that one out in a hurry. Google optics planet and search Minox BF 10x42. Currently on special for 149.00 us. If you want to try before you buy, Gun City have them at $499.00

I'd keep an eye on trademe and/or cash converters. I've picked up some awesome deals...

Secondhand Geovids for $599... :-)

Just when I think I have made a choice.....more options. Good problem to have though.
Cheers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pineapple

Just when I think I have made a choice.....more options. Good problem to have though.
Cheers

---

But wait, theres more
Attachment 65201

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gibo

But wait, theres more
Attachment 65201

---

Aaaaand my problem is solved :thumbsup:

I was doing the same thing with the same budget. I ended up getting some Sightron 10x40 from Deadeye dicks but was also looking at Bushnell Trophy, Bone collector and Nikon

https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...ll-8x42-trophy
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...x42-roof-prism
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...ism-waterproof
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...-42-roof-prism
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...a211-binocular
https://www.jacobsdigital.co.nz/coll...n-a211-8-18x42


Jacobs had a large range available but there are other places to get them. I was able to get some decent prices from some of the local stores but the Sightrons took my fancy and thats they way I went.

I would avoid cheap zoom versions like the plague. You're paying for unnecessary mechanicals at the expense of basic optical quality, and there's far more to go wrong with them.

Saw a classic example on a mate's boat on the weekend. They were Bushnells and the collimation was so bad, it near ripped your eyes out after 10 secs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 6x47

I would avoid cheap zoom versions like the plague. You're paying for unnecessary mechanicals at the expense of basic optical quality, and there's far more to go wrong with them.

Saw a classic example on a mate's boat on the weekend. They were Bushnells and the collimation was so bad, it near ripped your eyes out after 10 secs.

---

Cheers for the heads up. I did notice that there was not alot of models offering that in this price bracket so it was probably something to avoid.

Minox BF 10 x 42 BR Binoculars | Trade Me

Minox Trade Me

Hit the Mrs up for the fly buys points, there's usually some on there, get the better ones.
Basically free.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bully

Hit the Mrs up for the fly buys points, there's usually some on there, get the better ones.
Basically free.

---

Thats a damn good idea - didnt even think of that .....pretty sure we dont need another toaster or pillows!

I have a pair of Vortex Diamond Backs I bought sight unseen for my boys to use so I could get my Leica's back when hunting rabbits. My brother has a pair of budget end Leupolds. The Leupolds beat the Vortex hands down. I looked at everything that was on offer at this years Sika show, and you will not get better than Leupold in any price bracket under $1K.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Benelli Boy

I just purchased a set of Minox BF 10 x42 binos from Optics Planet in the US. $298.00 nz landed within 7 days. The German glass is superior to Leupold (I own 3 leupold riflescopes and one spotting scope so my opinion is un biased) importing is the best option as on this purchase as you immediately save $45.00 gst. I will try to post a link.

---

I don't think you'll get German glass in a $300 pair of binos,sorry to burst your bubble

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bonecrusher

Minox BF 10 x 42 BR Binoculars | Trade Me

Minox Trade Me

---

These, good binos

I had a pair that I used while my Minox HGs were sent to be repaired (took a very big tumble...) and they were bloody awesome, sold them to a forum member, can't remember who!

Hi mate , I have a pair of Bushnell Powerviews 10x42 and a pair of bushnell 10X42 LEGEND E-SERIES , Both great binos, The powerviews go for $140 ish the legends go for 300 ish, My opinion leupolds are over priced there are plenty of other brands out there that have great optics and will definitely do the job for you!

Thanks for narrowing down the field - I missed out on the minox on trademe so went to H&F to have a look through the yosemites and mcKenzies and pick my winner but after about 1/2 hour and 1/2 dozen different pairs of binos in my price range I walked out with a pair of Bushnell trophy bone collector's. I couldnt put my finger on it but I kept coming back to them as they just suited my eyes (or piss poor eyesight) better.

Yip as said bushnell trophy xlt 10× great binos