Need new bino's

[sumpnz]

Not sure if someone took a 5-finger discount or what happened, but after elk season my binoculars were nowhere to be found.  So, clearly, I need a new set.  What had were Nikon Monarch 10x42.  I really liked them.  Don't recall what I paid for them, but probably around $200ish about 6-8 years ago.  I'm really wanting something in same size and class as those Monarch's.  I see Nikon now has a few different levels of Monarchs.  I hear good things about Leupold optics, and even Vortex is getting much better reviews than they were when I got the now missing Monarchs. 

So, with an overall budget of $250 what is the best deal in glass?  I'm perfectly happy spending under $200 if it is as good as something closer to $250.  Certainly not opposed to buying used gear in good condition.  I'm not a gear snob.  Much as I'd love a $2000 set of Steiners or Swarovski's it's not a happening thing.

If anyone has a pair of binos they want to sell within my budget feel free to PM me. 

[Dan-o]

Cabelas has Vortex Diamondback 8 X 42's for $129.99.

I think this is a steal optics of that quality.

I've also done business with Elknut on here and he is really good.    He has very reasonable prices, and he will take the time to talk to you about what you want and guide you toward something good (he didn't guide me to more expensive stuff, because what I was after didn't demand it.......    seems like a most trustworthy man.)

[hollymaster]

Vortex talons on CamoFire right now for 289.

[Buckewe]

Vortex talons on CamoFire right now for 289.

Great bios if you can get them it will be hard to beat that price

[Antlershed]

Just listed these. Nikon has a warranty at least as good as Vortex. 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=205005.msg2725603#msg2725603

[Hilltop123]

Cabelas has Vortex Diamondback 8 X 42's for $129.99.

I think this is a steal optics of that quality.

I've also done business with Elknut on here and he is really good.    He has very reasonable prices, and he will take the time to talk to you about what you want and guide you toward something good (he didn't guide me to more expensive stuff, because what I was after didn't demand it.......    seems like a most trustworthy man.)

I,'ll second this. I have the Vipers( I think that's what they are) 10x 42,  at work. I didn't see a 400 dollar difference, between the Diamondback's and the Vipers. It maybe there, but I was hard put to see any great difference between the two.

[Buckewe]

Cabelas has Vortex Diamondback 8 X 42's for $129.99.

I think this is a steal optics of that quality.

I've also done business with Elknut on here and he is really good.    He has very reasonable prices, and he will take the time to talk to you about what you want and guide you toward something good (he didn't guide me to more expensive stuff, because what I was after didn't demand it.......    seems like a most trustworthy man.)

I,'ll second this. I have the Vipers( I think that's what they are) 10x 42,  at work. I didn't see a 400 dollar difference, between the Diamondback's and the Vipers. It maybe there, but I was hard put to see any great difference between the two.

I can't speak from experience but I would say the vipers are better in low light than the diamondbacks

[bobcat]

Cabelas has Vortex Diamondback 8 X 42's for $129.99.

I think this is a steal optics of that quality.

I've also done business with Elknut on here and he is really good.    He has very reasonable prices, and he will take the time to talk to you about what you want and guide you toward something good (he didn't guide me to more expensive stuff, because what I was after didn't demand it.......    seems like a most trustworthy man.)

I,'ll second this. I have the Vipers( I think that's what they are) 10x 42,  at work. I didn't see a 400 dollar difference, between the Diamondback's and the Vipers. It maybe there, but I was hard put to see any great difference between the two.

I can't speak from experience but I would say the vipers are better in low light than the diamondbacks

The Vipers are also built better, they're just more durable. Drop the Diamondbacks and you'll likely have to send them in for repair, while the Vipers most likely won't need repair.

[MtnMuley]

Your best bet in your budget is from Antlershed. I recently found a pair that had been in the mtns for a long time and sent them in stating my story of the find. I offered to pay up to $200 to have them repaired like new, and was overwhelmed when I opened a brand new pair, like shown my Antlershed. No charge. Quality is a lot better than the 2 pair of Vortex Diamondback 10×42s I've recently purchased for gifts.

[MtnMuley]

To add, last time I checked they were $398 new on the average.

[sumpnz]

Just listed these. Nikon has a warranty at least as good as Vortex. 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=205005.msg2725603#msg2725603

Very interested.  Let me make sure I have the cash.  If so, I'll take them.

[Antlershed]

Just listed these. Nikon has a warranty at least as good as Vortex. 

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=205005.msg2725603#msg2725603

Very interested.  Let me make sure I have the cash.  If so, I'll take them.

Just shoot me a PM and let me know...im in no rush.

[bigsads]

Diamondback

[JDHasty]

Cabelas has Vortex Diamondback 8 X 42's for $129.99.

I think this is a steal optics of that quality.

I've also done business with Elknut on here and he is really good.    He has very reasonable prices, and he will take the time to talk to you about what you want and guide you toward something good (he didn't guide me to more expensive stuff, because what I was after didn't demand it.......    seems like a most trustworthy man.)

I,'ll second this. I have the Vipers( I think that's what they are) 10x 42,  at work. I didn't see a 400 dollar difference, between the Diamondback's and the Vipers. It maybe there, but I was hard put to see any great difference between the two.

I can't speak from experience but I would say the vipers are better in low light than the diamondbacks

The Vipers are also built better, they're just more durable. Drop the Diamondbacks and you'll likely have to send them in for repair, while the Vipers most likely won't need repair.

Beat me to it. 

I did replace a Docter 8x56 that was stolen out of our truck with an 8x42 Diamondback because I wised up that taking another thousand dollar binocular out of the safe and putting it in the truck was not smart.  I give up a bit of evening, under the shadows, but that is just fine for what never leaves the truck and the resolution etc is perfectly satisfactory for when the unexpected needs a closer look or if I just want to pull off and see if I can find a mammal to show the kids.  And, when I forgot my hunting binocular and range finder this year they worked fine for that week end. 

BUT, they are not really that robust.  Optically, they are fine though.  My older binoculars have all the paint rubbed off, because they don't get babied.  My rubber armored newer binoculars don't show that wear, but have been used and abused just as much.  The reason I say Diamond Backs are not that robust is from friend's experience.   The chassis is the weak point on them.   

[sumpnz]

Just Paypal'd the money to Antlershed.  Going to have his Monarch 5's in a few days.