I'm looking for a decent set of compact binoculars. 10x42 or smaller to use for hunting in central NC. These will be used in timber and not in open country or glassing fields. Whats some decent glass you guys have used that won't break the bank. I have been reading reviews for the past couple of weeks. I'm leaning toward Vortex just because their warranty seems to be the best.

Your best bet is probably to call Doug at Cameraland. You might also want to check out Tract. I have a Tract Toric 8x42 set that are very good.

Both my boys have the vortex diamond backs. 10 x42. They are quite good for what they cost. This will be our third season with em.

I have a set of Vortex Diamondback (I think) 10x42's that I like a lot for this purpose. The price point was good and they're great for what I use em for. I think I got them for $199

I use my 10x42s for glassing big fields but they are too much power in the woods for my taste. I love my 6x30 Leupold Yosemites for that purpose.

X2

10x42 isnt compact and 10 is too high for woods. 6x30 Yosemite's are exactly what i have for hunting pines in GA. And work great for scanning across clear cuts

That's good to know. Standing in a store looking through them, 10x doesn't seem bad. I looked at those also.

6x, 7x, or 8x will give you a wider FOV and given the same Obj size, will work earlier in the AM and later in the PM than 10x will.

I use the cheap, little Nikon Travelite, as does my father. Great for the woods. He had a pair about 10 years and wasn't focusing anymore. He sent them back and Nikon replaced them no questions asked. I believe his are 8x and mine are 9x. I would def take a look, esp. since you can get em for about $90

Give a serious look at the Redfield Rebel binoculars. For $150, they are super nice and I believe they have a full lifetime warranty.

Kowa 6x30 YF. Great small bino and can be bought for around $100. Don't let the price fool you, they are quality glass.

As others have mentioned above, the field of view won't necessarily be your friend with a 10x - particularly if scanning with it.
If your only intention is to confirm something with it, then 10x might be alright.

Also, given the same brand/model, the 8x (vs 10x) will let you see a bit longer @ dusk.

My preference is nearly always a 6x for this kind of work. You might consider giving the KOWA BD II XD 6.5X32 a looksie.
The Kowa 6x30 YF that alpinecrick mentioned is another fine option.

I got the 10X Steiners Doug had on special.
Not used to them yet.
10X is a bit wobbly.

For more casual usage, 8x proly less taxing.
Doug had some Meoptas on sale.

Anybody tried those (around $300) ?

Like my Steiners, but proly glass from the truck with those.

Get an 8x or less. I use a B&L Discoverer 7x42 and love it. Unfortunately they're are no longer made. Call Doug at Cameraland.

I use Nikon Monark 8x42 and love them

What is your budget?
For timber hunting look at 8x or less
Doug quit carrying Vortex for a reason

I'm real happy with my Leupold BX-3 Mojave 8x32. They seem to be the perfect size for in the woods. They're my first set of really good binoculars. Keep your eyes peeled for good deals like these in the Classifieds here, that's where I got mine.

Used my Steiners today. Liked em just fine except I had a Mountain Dew earlier.
10X was a bit wobbly.
Let my bud try them, he really liked em.

Thinkin' 8X Leupold Mojave or Steiner Predators my next ones.

Check out the Meopta Optika binos from Doug

I used a pair of 10x32 steiners I picked up here in the classifieds today and they worked great in the woods. Woods were recently logged off and plenty of brush left and I could glass into them completely. Sitting in a ground blind and it gives ya something to do.

Nikons are great. The monarchs if you can afford them. I’d go 8x tops for a pair of woodland binoculars.

leupold wind river Katmai 6x32 for the same reason

8x meopta x2

No complaints with my 8x30 Yosemites, in the past eight or ten years. When I'm in the woods, they come along.

+1 on 8x being what you want for woods hunting. I tried Leupold 10x and they did not work as well as 8x. My current binoculars are Bushnell that I bought used off eBay, they work well for the kind of hunting I do.

Bought Maven’s this year...impressed

These are an incredible bang for the buck, and very well-suited to the OP’s uses.

FWIW, Cabelas used to market these as their Guide Series.

FC

Like others for what the OP described I would go 6-8x. I like the Yosemite for woods hunting and would get the Kowa version now.

I would check out used listings as well as calling Cameraland. Last pair I bought for a friend I just told Doug the use and the budget and he discounted a nice pair of binos down to the budget I mentioned.

I just got 2 pairs of Kowas, to be handed for my kids while accompanying me if/when deer hunting. Easy to get behind for them, and plenty of adjustment for an adult. Very light, but sturdy and good quality glass