Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Best binos under $300

I would not treat them like beaters. But I’m also not going to baby them. Low light capability is important

[Donning my serious hat]

I'll assume from the "PA" moniker that you're not in the Rockies, and your hunting area is not 10,000 acres of wide open ground. Accordingly, I'd recommend a quality 8x32.




That particular Sightron model has way more fans than most, so there's probably a good reason for it. Getting it from Amazon would be about as no-risk as you could get.

I'd also add the Leupold Mojave BX3 8x32 (one model previous to the current one) for your consideration: one could probably find used specimens for $300. I snagged the Cabela's Guide Series version of that one, and I'm still blown away by it.

I've seen good things about the Athlon Midas bins (and have very pleased with an Athlon scope & spotter), but I don't believe they offer it in a 8x32. The Ares line is supposed to be a step-up from the Midas, and they do offer a 8x36. It shows a bit heavier than the Sightron, and it runs $60 over your price limit. Maybe give Doug a call, and see if he could work you a special deal to give one a try. He is the consummate optics enabler, y'know...




+1.


FC

I am wanting to get a smaller set. I currently have Steiner 10x50s. I was thinking Vortex or Nikon.

If you can get the viper for 300 then that's a different story for vortex, but they are 500ish usually which puts them up against better binos in that category.

If buying new I would get the steiner predator af porros unless you just want roof, which is alright, then I'd buy the best minox deal I could find.

Never know what can pop up used.

Kent

Meopta optika 6 (8 or 10x) retail at $289 or $299. Doug at Cameraland (optic forum’s sponsor) can hook you up.

Do an eBay search with $300 as your parameter and see what pops up.

I bet Sandbilly and blackhart could really swap some stories.

Lmao. Put your feeder closer.

Binoculars change so fast anymore it’s hard to keep up, especially the mid- low price range. And then again, everyone’s eyes are different and what they expect/are able to see in an image differs too.

I would just ask Doug at Cameraland.

If I were looking I’d also browse birdforum.net where you’ll find in depth evaluations of prob’ly every binoc on the market.

Optics4birding was a good reference site in years past but it looks like they ain’t updated since last year, ergo given the rapid change in the binoc market are out of date.
From their website tho the compact 8x32 Optichron Traveller BGA which they recommend caught my eye, discounted to $329.

https://www.optics4birding.com/top10binoculars.aspx

Compact Binos used to be horrible, but now are appearing in the necessary 4:1 objective lens to power ratio.

At this point, ifI was looking, I’d google on em at birdforums.net.

At $300, Plan “B” would be a pair of 6x30 Yosemite’s AND a a Taurus 32c 9mm, cheap stuff that ain’t junk 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/Redfield-67605-Rebel-10x42mm-Binocular/dp/B0033C3P9A
Redfield Rebel 10x42. You can get yourself two pair for under $300, and they are damned good binos.

unfortunately 300 is in between quality levels... not enough better than some 100 to 200 binos... and not into the decent HD models. What happened to all the chinese HD brands touted a few years ago? Things do change fast I guess.

Kent

If we start talking about upping the budget I'd be VERY curious to look at the Kowa Prominar from Doug for $425:
https://cameralandny.com/shop/kowa-...0134-b5d9-00163e9110c0?variation=1666056

Their new model just came out. I bet you could score a deal on those from Doug

Very good point. A bird forum is where I found two of my binocular sets. Pentax 8x42 DCF HR II and Swift 8x42 "Ultra Lite". Both excellent glass. This was a few years back, sooo, things do change.

First thing I would look at- or through, as long as you weren't wanting something more compact.

Recently got a pair of the Meopta 8X42s through Cameraland and am very happy with them. You can not go wrong by giving Doug a call.

I've got a pair of NIkon Monarch 3 10x42 that I'll sell to you cheap. No box but strap and case included. Look and perform like brand new. PM me if interested. I'll let them go cheap.

Good a consensus has been reached.