Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Moderate-Priced Binocular Options

I'm currently looking for mid-priced binocular in 8x. I want something that I can leave in my truck because I tend to need optics at random times. I also intend to use the binocular when hunting dark timber. I do own a large, heavy alpha-glass binocular in 10x that I am unwilling to keep in my vehicle. My budget will be $500.

Thus far, I have looked at the Zeiss Terra, Vortex Viper HD, and the Leupold BX-2. I have looked for the Leupold BX-3, but cannot find any locally to try out. The Zeiss Terra was unimpressive with noticeable chromatic aberration even indoors. The view also seemed dim to the Viper HD. The Viper HD was around the budgetary limits, if not a little over. Additionally, the Viper HD tended to feel cheap and it never really seemed to focus well, but perhaps that is a problem with fatigued eyes at the end of the day. I daresay it felt over-priced. The BX-2 seemed like an OK optic, but lacked the "pop" of the Viper HD, however this is inside a building under artificial lighting that I compared them side by side.

Is the BX-3 8x42 any better? They appear to be available for about $500 right now, which is cheaper than the Viper HD at retail. Should I buy one on faith? Does anybody have experience with it?

Look at Nikon Monarch 7’s! Right at your budget, good optical performance to my eyes.

I’d consider $500 more on the low end than a mid price.

Do you have any advice on $500 binoculars; semantics aside?

Doug at Camera Land has good prices on the Kowa BDII line which is running in your price range ~ $450.
I would strongly suggest giving him a call and see what he suggests. I’ve been very pleased with his recommendations in the past.

Occasionally you can find a Tract Toric for right at $500. That's an absolute steal for some stellar glass. The Leupy BX4 is a good one in that price range as well but not as good as the Tract. I'm not very impressed with the Viper HD personally. Another sleeper, but is Chinese made, is the Athlon Midas. It is excellent.

Thanks for the suggestions, I will check these out.

Can’t believe no one has mentioned the Meopta MeoPro. I would definitely give them a look. And as JG said the Tract Toric is a great option as well. I had a pair of them and really liked them. The only problem with them are that they are sold factory direct so it won’t be easy to look through them unless you know someone who owns a pair. Good luck

Thanks for the responses. I will see what I can find out about a few of these.

If you'd consider 10x, the Athlon Cronus G2 should be a strong consideration under $500. Based on the Backwoods Pursuit review, I picked up a pair from Doug @ Cameraland. The Cronus were the best of the $500 class and beat out several in the 500-1000 like the Tract Toric, Leupold Santium X5, Maven B.1, Sig Zulu 7. They are made in China though.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...0137-81b9-00163ecd2826?variation=2075634

https://backwoodspursuit.com/26-best-binoculars-for-hunting/

I’ll second the motion to give Doug or Neil at Cameraland NY a call. See what he may have a special deal on today that might be unadvertised. I’ve got 2 binoculars that serve truck duty; Alpen Shasta 8x43 and Brunton Echo 8x42. Alpen is too heavy for anything except the truck or home use. Not bad glass. But I think they are both discontinued now.

Always a pleasure to assist the members here

I would get the Burris 8x42 Signature HD binoculars. I believe that Camera Land has them for $399 and Muledeer speaks well of them.

As a cheap option, I have a pair of Bushnell 10x42 (they also make 8x) Bushnell Trophy series. I paid less than $100 for the ones I have and they're really pretty decent. Good enough to keep in the truck I'd think.

I would look at the offerings from Meopta.

https://www.eurooptic.com/Meopta-Optika-HD-8x42-Binoculars-653500.aspx

We have those 8x sightron s2’s stuck everywhere from when they had them for $99. I would like them at $250 or whatever regular price is.

https://www.amazon.com/Sightron-SIIBL832-8x32-Binocular-Green/dp/B004MFBSL4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=5ZRDJ77A3EJR&keywords=sightron+8x32+sii+blue+sky&qid=1661182387&sprefix=sightron+8%2Caps%2C550&sr=8-3

Don't leave Steiner out of the mix, the auto focus 8x35 are amazing. And for 300.00 bucks you don't have to worry about leaving them in the truck. Like you I'm not leaving the Swarovski in the truck.

If you could get the Kowas for your budget money that is the route I would go. My son has some Bushnell ED binos and they are very nice for the price, which is about $350 right now IIRC...

Can't go wrong calling Doug and asking some questions. About as straight a shooter as you'll find anywhere and hard to beat his prices and service IME

Blow your budget and get the Tracts.
Cry once.