Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics best 10x bino's under $250

Have $250 in Cabela's points to burn on a backup set of 10x bino's. These will mainly be used for open country elk/muley hunts if, knock on wood, I break my Conquest HD's. I have a pretty good handle on the high end stuff, but havn't looked through much in this price range. I'm kinda between Acadia's, Monarch 3's/5's and Vortex Diamondback's but open to other options that can be purchased at Cabela's.

Thanks in advance

I used to use the Nikon Monarchs & old Leupold Wind River models as my "cheap" binos to leave in my ranch trucks for looking at our cattle & deer. Never ever left my Swarvoskis or Leicas in my truck after a vehicle break got my good spotting scope several years ago.

Anyhow, a buddy showed me his "cheap" Vortex Binos a couple of years back & I've been using them ever since. They are crystal clear, never fog, & I just love them! I'd buy Vortex if I was you & never look back. But that's just MHO.

Bushnell 10 x 42 HD. Great glass and really comfortable binos to use. After looking at many different binos in this range for my son, these just stood out. Better than the Monarch ATBs by just a little bit, IMO. Best glass I've seen in this price range and actually better than many binos that cost 3 times as much, IMO.

Bob

Before you buy a 10X in whatever brand you like, I suggest you try out an 8X in the same size. What I've found is that 8X bins are often sharper than the same companies 10X when it comes to the cheaper binoculars. The other thing is that an 8X will have less image shake which makes them nicer to use. E

Thanks, fully understand 8 vs 10's and just prefer the 10's for my style of hunting.

I've heard the Bushnell HD's are good, but just can't see myself owning a "Bushnell" anything.....reminds me of Tasco or BSA, but I should probably get over that and check 'em out.

Anyone have experiance with any glass I mentioned?

I haven't peered through them yet, but the Kruger 10x50s are getting some good reviews; you may want to check on them. IIRC, Mule Deer had some great comments about them.

Here's what a quick Google found:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/21266062?...6595030&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

Think of the "higher end" Bushnell glass as Bausch & Lomb and it makes more sense. I've got a couple of the B&L Elite scopes and the glass is terrific in them- at least the equal of my Leupold glass.

Bob

I checked Cabelas online, and the Monarch 5, 10x42 is now
on sale for $249.99.
This model has di-electric prism coatings, and is well regarded.
This one has very nice optics, and would fill the bill.

You won't go wrong here.

yeah leaning towards the Monarch 5 and Acadia's

My vote is Wind River and Vortex, but it depends on what you like. You will probably find a preference by using each available model.

My preference is either Leupold Wind River or Zen-Ray ZRS HD binoculars

the Monarchs are tough to beat in that price range

After looking through all of them outside Cabela's I'm down to the Vortex Diamondbacks or Nikon Monarch 5's....kinda a toss up except DB's are a touch less expensive and better warranty. Any input from actual owners?

If you haven't checked out the bushnell hd's you should.Like yourself I couldn't see myself owning them until I tried them out.Now my son and myself both have a pair.You'll spend alot more money to beat them.

Monarch 5's hands down.

my buddy who worked for bass pro for years and now spostmanwarhouse says the vortex is only good on the "top end" of there line <300$ vs 700$

Did you look at the Bushnells mentioned in addition to the Nikon and Vortex?

I prefer 7x and 8x myself but if I had to only pick from Cabelas and within your price range then I would probably opt for the Bushnells. They are the only bin in that uses ED glass on the objective design and therefore should produce the sharpest and most colorful images.

Nothing wrong with the other two you mentioned especially if they fit you better from an ergonomic standpoint.

I've used Nikon for years without issue. BTW. You have exquisite taste in avatars.

Ok, I'll look through the Bushnell HD's next time I'm out.

Back at ya 280...

^^^^^^^^^^
Good advice above for the money