My cousin's wife asked me to help her find him a pair of $100 binocs. I have found Alpen 390s for $105 but I know nothing about them. Anyone wanna chime in with their opinion? Thanks in advance, how do I get myself into these things??
Nothing else much to look at in that price range other than the Leupold Yosemite 6x or 8x30. There are other binoculars in that price range, but usually they will not be waterproof, will be heavier, very probably not any better optically, and likely not as tough. I have both 6 and 8 Yosemite's and both work just fine for a hunting/birding/general purpose binocular.
There are some nearly compact reverse porro binoculars like the Vortex Vanquish that might fit the bill as well.
$100 gift certificate and have him save another $100 and get Vortex Diamondbacks.
Yeah, I am kinda stuck. $100 is a tough cookie. Anyone have any experience with these Alpens?
I'm with Steve.
Yo's 6x30 (hands down)
Never a mistake with the YO's.
+2. For 100 clams, I'd say the Yosemite is likely the only option.
I hear very good things about the Yosemetes, but have not 1st hand experience.
I have 1st hand experience with the Nikon Action Extreme 7x35 as I bough it for one of my sons a few years ago. I think it is great glass for the coin and IS WATERPROOF. It is bulkier than a roof, but you/she will be very impressed with the glass.
Doug has them for $99.99
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/nikon.pl?page=nikon7237I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again.
Good luck.
Mike.
Finally an easy question, the Yosemities without a doubt. I love my 6x30s.
Here are a few options in that price range that may work nicely:
Pentax 6.5x21 Papilio Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio Vortex Stokes Talon 10x42 Nikon 8x42 Trailblazer Please feel free to give a call to discuss it
The Nikon Action series or the Leupie Yosemite. Have both, both are nice.
Campmor has some house-brand Brunton 10x42s for $70. Their item # 86649.
www.campmor.com.I have 2 pairs of these and they work pretty well and, if they are lost or stolen, you aren't out much coin.
Jeff