Good compact binos?

[180-GRAIN]

I am looking for opinions on good compact binos out there people have used. Not trying to break the bank but willing to spend 600-700 on a new pair. I'm currently really looking at the vortex viper hd 12-50s anyone used these or have another recommendation? Thanks

[skinzner]

Try cameraland in new york they always have some really good deals in their demo/sample section  lots of vortex and minox stuff and really good customer service.

http://www.cameralandny.com/

[180-GRAIN]

Thanks I will check that out

[Magnum_Willys]

Happy with my Viper HD 10x42 which were smaller and lighter than the 12x50. After a season tho going to trade up back to the 12 power.   Bringin my swaro spotter to help you look for those beats tho!

[180-GRAIN]

Happy with my Viper HD 10x42 which were smaller and lighter than the 12x50. After a season tho going to trade up back to the 12 power.   Bringin my swaro spotter to help you look for those beats tho!

The spotter will come in handy over there! 

[jackelope]

12x50's are not what I would call compact?

Elknut1 seems to have the best prices anywhere on Vortex optics.

[grundy53]

I love my vortex viper 10x42's

[kentrek]

Might check out mavens line up...just another option

[X-Force]

12x50's are not what I would call compact?

 



What brand full size are you looking at besides vortex?

I would look at used 
I picked up Minox HG 10x43 BR off here for less then your price range.

[Bob33]

12x50's are not what I would call compact?

Elknut1 seems to have the best prices anywhere on Vortex optics.

12x50 is about as far away from compact as one can get. You're talking 30 ounce binos. To me compact is around 10 ounces.

[180-GRAIN]

Yep after looking 12x50s are bigger then i want. Really looking for smaller compact, less weight but still good spotters. Be using for all hunts but want to cut the weight for backcountry hunting the most.

[bobcat]

For compact and still useful, I'd be looking at something like a 8x32.

[jackelope]

Might check out mavens line up...just another option

BrockA did a great writeup on the Mavens on Rokslide. Worth a look for sure.
I saw the 8x pair he was using. Good stuff.

[bobcat]

The Leupold Yosemite is a really nice binocular that you may want to consider. Not quite small enough to be classified as "compact," but they're only 17 ounces. I got a couple of them for my daughters in the 6x30 and now I want a pair of my own. I'd borrow one of their's but they're pink.   

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362115679/leupold-bx-1-yosemite-binocular-30mm-porro-prism-armored?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google-_-pf_ci_google&gclid=CMGZx8-a58QCFVGUfgodmroACQ

[andersonjk4]

I picked up a pair of 10x36 Nikon Monarchs (now discontinued) 4-5 years ago and I really like them for what I would consider a "mid-size" binoc.  I have owned several true compact binos (i.e. 10x25) and was never happy with the low light performance or their long range glassing capability.  For me the 10x36 were a good compromise between performance and size/weight.  Two years ago I picked up a pair of 12x42 Nikon Monarchs.  I find myself grabbing these over the 10x36's for everything except turkey hunting and brush busting in the thick stuff.