binoculars
Contributors to this thread:Equipment
From: fran
05-Oct-20
I am looking for 8x42 bins around $500. and am thinking about the nikon-7's is there a better choice in that price range? trying to get the best quality I can in that price range. Thank you in advance.
From: esean
05-Oct-20
The Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 will give you just as good a view in daylight in a smaller, lighter package for under $400. 8x42 will have the edge the first and last 15 min of light.
From: lv2bohunt
05-Oct-20
There isn’t anything better for that same money. You would need to hit the $1000 level and buy Leica or Zeiss to see any real improvement. You are going to hear all kinds of recommendations to spend more and buy the “best” but if $500 is truly your limit Nikon 7 is hard to beat.
From: Aces11
05-Oct-20
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019481820
Ordered those for my son and have been impressed.
From: BackStraps
05-Oct-20
I have the Nikon Monarch 5’s in 10x42 and have been very happy with them.
From: Milhouse
05-Oct-20
Everyone knows you need to take out a second mortgage to get decent binos.......;)
Vortex Vipers are also nice glass in that price range.
From: Chuckster
05-Oct-20
I just bought the Vortex Viper HD 10X42 for $499 at Sportsmans about 2 months ago. They had the "upgraded" version for $999 but I just couldn't see the $500 difference when looking through them. These old eyes are very happy with the $499 binos. Great eye relief and the image is sharp out to the edge of the glass.
From: >>>---WW---->
06-Oct-20
I have a pair of Steiner 10x42 Predator that are brand spanking new if you would be interested. Asking $250 TYD. I think they list for around $400.
From: >>>---WW---->
06-Oct-20
I have a pair of Steiner 10x42 Predator that are brand spanking new if you would be interested. Asking $250 TYD. I think they list for around $400.
From: JohnMC
06-Oct-20
Nothing wrong with buy a pair used glass. Something to keep in mind if you are not in a hurry. Be it a $500 pair for $300 or a $800 pair for $500.
From: wytex
06-Oct-20
Look at Meopta and maybe some Leupold BX-4 HDs. Good idea to go someplace and look through a bunch. Cabelas used to be that place, maybe Sportsman Warehouse or a Scheels. Find a darkish corner of the building to compare the light gathering capability.
I agree on the used glass, a good pair of Swaro 8x might be found or some Leicas or Zeiss.
From: jbrownlow
08-Oct-20
check mavenbuilt.com - they've got great glass in a variety of price ranges.
From: Huntiam
09-Oct-20
I bought some vortex this yr don’t remember they name of them but they was right at 500 and man I’m really liking these So far
From: Habitat
09-Oct-20
Vortex has the best warranty
From: SlipShot
09-Oct-20
I have a pair of Leupolds 10x42, that are great! Leupold has an awsome warranty. I don't use them as much as I use to as I know have a Vortex that I love. This too are not 8X42 or in the $500 price range.
From: wilbur
09-Oct-20
Buy a used pair of Swarovski Binoculars on ebay and ship them to SONA to be refurbed.
You'll have the best for under $1000.00.
From: ESP
09-Oct-20
I got some meopta 8x32 on sale for $600. I love there size and clarity. If I need to see more I have a spotting scope.
From: sharp stick slinger
09-Oct-20
Big fan of the Maven B3 in your mentioned price and spec range. Good luck.
From: WV Mountaineer
09-Oct-20
If I were staying under $1000, I’d buy Pentax all day and tomorrow.
From: Heat
09-Oct-20
Next set I buy will probably be 12's, I will be looking hard at Maven and Meopta.
From: Jims
11-Oct-20
Do yourself a favor and take a look at classified section for nearly new Leicas or Swaros! I bought a pair of demo Leicas with rangefinder with a big discount in price and love them! It will save you having to buy binos plus rangefinder.
From: T-rex
13-Oct-20
Check out Maven's. Pretty awesome glass for the price.
From: Lone Wolf
13-Oct-20
Styrka are in that price range and are great.
From: Shawn
14-Oct-20
I had a credit from Nikon for 400 bucks as they could not repair a 20 plus year old set of Monarchs. I ended up getting a pair of 10x30 Monarch 7s. Very nice glass but if I were to spend $500 of my own money I would look at a used set of Leica or Swarovski in a small compact vino. Shawn
From: Habitat for Wildlife
14-Oct-20
Very happy with my Pentax 8X42 DCF HR2 and don't know if they still make them. Been perfect for mixed woodlots/agriculture gently rolling terrain in MO/KS. Never tried them for long range extended glassing sessions though. GL!
