OK first I know you get what you pay for, if I could afford a$1500 dollar pair Id go for. Im retired and have a budget of
$400 for a pair of 10/42 power binos. Real world suggestions ? Clearlity. Thank you for all replies

I’ve been using refurbished Nikon Monarch 5 for the last 4-5 years. Recently bought a second pair in Monarch 7. Very clear, easily focused, and well within your budget. Google Nikon Monarch refurbished binoculars. Several places sell them but I’ve found eBay the cheapest.
Just my two cents but I previously had 10x42 but now have settled on 8x42 and find them more useful.

I've been using vortex diamondback 10x42 for probably 8 years, if I ever get another pair it will probably be the 8x42's. For about 250 I don't think you can go wrong. Seen them on sale for less over the holidays. Unlimited life time warranty to boot. My son accidentally backed over his with his truck a few years ago. They replaced them no questions ask

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/vortex-viper-hd-binoculars

Pretty hard to beat for the price. I have a pair of these i keep in my truck.

Very happy with these

https://mavenbuilt.com/products/c-1-8x42-10x42-12x42

I agree, that is a great price for a bino that already was a great deal for the money at regular pricing. It looks like it is a special for BPS/Cabelas and does not come with the "glasspac" chest carrier. It is still a great deal!

I've used a pair of Vortex Diamondback 8x42s for about 8yrs. They were discounted blems from Cameraland. I forget what I paid but it wasn't a lot.

I like them a lot. No desire to replace and upgrade.

If you do a little looking around you can find a Nikon Monarch 7

Used pair of Pentax DCF SPs. Punch way above their price...

I use Vortex Vipers before that i used Diamondbacks, no issues with either and both are very good for the price.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/the-cornell-lab-review-affordable-full-size-8x42-binoculars/

I have the Kowa BDII 8x42s and am very happy with them.

1) Doug will never steer you wrong. It's hard to imagine anyone with more experience with all the options in this size/magnification & price range. Just a quick look at the open box/demos/specials shows...

Burris Signature HD 10x42

GPO Passion ED 10x42, at a touch > $400.

Athlon Cronus G2 10x42

Hawke Frontier EDX 10x42


2) My personal experience would lead me to take a long, serious look at these:



It appears the 10x42 are outa stock, but maybe the 10x32's would do well for ya.


Let us know what your eyes end up picking.

FC

Find a place that has both 10X and 8X 42 in stock so that you can be sure you want 10X. I have 10X in 25, 32, 42 and 50. It's not until I get to the 50 that I am glad I have 10X. I'd rather have 8 in all other sizes.

Nikon Monarch

I recently bought Nixon Monarch M5 for just under $260 from Amazon. The M7's are about $200 more. They both are great binocs.

I got 10X on sale for looking at crap from the truck.
In the field I'd rather have 8X.

I second/third the suggestion to look at 8x instead of 10x. Much nicer to actually use unless you’re steady as a rock.

Hunted the Hawke Frontier EDX’s this year and was very happy.

I have only owned sub 200 dollar binoculars. They are useless when the light starts fading when you actually need good ones. They are ok when it is bright out.

+1 This is a heck of a buy on some very nice binos.

Depends. You can get some fully multicoated porros that will certainly work. Some 7x35 (personal favorite) or 8x40 Nikon Action Extremes for example. If going roof just make sure they are dielectric. I haven't priced in a while but thinking some start around that price point.

Steiner 8X30 porros. They are very good binos for the money. You can sometimes find them for really cheap.

Athlon Midas is excellent.

Call Doug at Camerland for his opinion but here is one he has on sale and fits your price limit. I do not own them but others here have commented on the quality.

Athlon OpticsCronus G2 10x42 UHD Binoculars on sale $399.99

After a recent year-long comparison of 13 different binos (that I owned) for hunting that ranged from $2500 top-end euro brands to $200 budget pairs the only real surprise where the Vortex Viper HD's. I'm not saying they were the best but they were the only ones that completely outdid their price point in performance.

I settled on Zeiss SFL's in both 8x40 and 10x40 that fit my needs perfectly in both performance and size/weight.

Hope this helps.

Thanks everyone, I went with the Vortex Viper HD's

I liked my vipers however one issue that annoyed me and I ultimatley moved them along is they had extreme CA under certain lighting and angles. I recall snowy, looking towards clear sky, say at a ridgeline. Not into sun directly. I got lots of blue colors flaring.

For me, a dealbreaker. Otherwise liked them a lot.

LOTS of good suggestionsin this thread.