Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Binos for my Daughter

I wanted to get a compact binocular for my daughter (9 yrs old). I was thinking Nikon Tavel Light or Pentax or Bushnells. She's used my better than decent Pentax 10x40 DCF WPs and my compact Minox glass many times to look at the moon, when we camp, looking at targets when she shoots .22s, out on the ranch looking at game and stuff, etc., so she knows what decent glass looks like. I mentioned this to my Mom, who said not to buy her anything b/c she & Dad had several in the closet. So I looked. They had two brand new, off brand, compact binoculars that sucked, an old 7x35 Tasco set that was horrendous and a set of Jason 7x35 Fast Focus binocs. that were ok. I looked further and in the back of the closet I found a set of old porro prism Bushnell 7x35 Insta Focus binocs., but no case and no strap or lens caps. They were fairly dirty, but they are actually fairly decent binocs. I cleaned them up and was a bit surprised just how decent they were. + they are a good size for her - not exactly compact, but definitely more compact than my Pentax 10x40 DCF WPs.

So here's the delima: I need to get her a case, a strap and probably some lens caps. Once I do that, I will likely approach or exceed the cost of a decent vintage pair of these which include all the accessories, which range from about $20.00 - $100.00 on flea bay (I could reasonable expect to spend ~ $30.00 or a bit less on these accessories + shipping and tax). Then again, they're my Dads, so maybe it's worth it for the sentimental value, but probably not... So should I purchase the accessories for the 7x35 Bushnells or should I just follow my original plan and get her a good used compact Nikon, Pentax or Bushnell?

Any other suggestion on a decent used binoc. for under $50.00?

After being there and done that, I would error on the high dollar side. Lots of great at under $500. By once, cry once.. Nothing to turn a child off worse than bad optics.

RICKMELEAR: Thanks for the response. While I agree with you regarding bad optics, & while I appreciate your experience, I'm not prepared to spend close to $500.00 on binocs for her.

Kowa 6x30's. You won't regret it. If you look around you can get them for $100.

https://www.kowaoptic.com/optics-ra...s/687/kowa-6x30-yf-porro-prism-binocular

bdan68 & SKane: Thanks. I'll take a look at Kowa.

I found the Kowa 8x30s for less than the 6x30s. Do y'all recommend the 8x30s as well?

Leupold 6x Yosemite. Easy peasy. Beauty is she’ll be able to get the eye pieces close enough to actually use them.


And you’ll likely “borrow” them. 😉

I've never tried the 8x30's but I have a feeling that I wouldn't like them as much as my 6x30's. They're so easy to look through and easy to hold, even with just one hand. I think the 6x30 would be especially good for a 9 year old.

No, the 8x30s are not comparable - and little hands start seeing image shake with the higher power. On the other hand 6x30s are so good you will want to "borrow" them from her!

I've bought the Yosemite 6x30s for my grandkids and they are great. The Kowa 6x30s have had many favorable reviews on this forum. I'd get the one I could find at the best price.

Yeah, the Yosemite's are essentially the same as the Kowas or maybe even identical, I'm not sure anymore. Midway has the Yosemite 6x30 on sale for $95.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...0CdHJXoOdSp_2SnLZpmqcLmfo1IaAh7GEALw_wcB

Thanks fellas. I appreciate the info.

I have a set of the Leupold 6x30's for my daughter who is also 9yo. They work great for her. I got hers from a fellow Campfire member a couple of years ago.

From all I have read, the Kowa's are the same unit with different badging.

You should reach out to Doug @ CameralandNY and see if he has the Kowa or the Leupold 6x30's. If anyone can make you a deal before Christmas, he would be the guy!

She'll love the Kowa 6x30's. Great optic

Same here, got 2 sets of them for my kids. My 10y and 9y had no problem with them, great FOV and clear. At high noon I hardly noticed any difference with my 10x43 DCF SPs.
They fit my 6yo and 3yo hands and faces too, but I don't trust their judgement on optics, just yet.

I started my girls on the Yosemite 6x30 years ago and they performed perfectly. Not expensive, fairly robust, surprisingly good glass and super easy to use.

The only bummer about the Yosemite’s is the eye cups don’t like to stay out. Easy fix, especially when you have a daughter.

Extend the eye cups, then take a hair band and wrap it twice in the “gap” between the cups and the body.

Problem solved.

Another vote for the Yosemite. I tried them for myself to use hunting in the woods after hearing so many good things on here. They aren't my MeoStar HDs, but for 1/10th the price I'm amazed by their quality.

Thanks again fellas. I sent Doug a PM regarding both the Kowa & Yosemite 6x30s.

Get the Kowa