$500 to spend on glass, how do you spend it?

[chiwawadan]

I know the real world isn't this cut and dry, but it's a fun way to see all the various opinions. Would also be interesting to change the dollar figure around.

The scenario is this:

You want to have the best all-around setup you can to ensure successful hunting of Washington game and any other various uses for glass. You've got $500 to spend on binoculars and/or spotting scopes. They would be the only glass you have access to (so you aren't changing out for each hunt type). Not guns, not ammo, not clothing, just glass. What do you get and why?

Just good binos? A certain brand of spotter in a certain config and some binos?  Scouring used ads to save your money? Crying because of the $500 restriction?

Curious to see the different takes!

[Scheindogg]

I would say look for the best binos you could find on closeout.
I am thinking you could find a last year model that was in the 700-850$ price range for around 450$ before tax if you look on the right sites

[northwesthunter84]

If that was my range I would look at Nikon, Leupold or Vortex and try to catch a sale.

[JeffRaines]

If that were my range I'd likely just buy binoculars and hold out on a spotter.

[opdinkslayer]

Binos only and would scour the classifieds & sales. New I would look nikon or vortex probably.

[X-Force]

Classifieds.

A couple years ago there was a pair of Minox HG 10x43 BR on here for $600. Half price for some outstanding glass.

When looking a new $500 glass its hard to see where it wont be/need to be replaced in 5 to 10 years so why not buy used.

[Rainier10]

Bino's only, 10x42, used or closeout.  Cabelas often times has some good stuff in the bargain cave.

[N7XW]

I would look into Zenray Prime HD Binos.  IIRC they are in that cost neighborhood.  I've got some ZR2s and they are fantastic for the money.  Much better than the Nikon Monarchs I had that were much more expensive.

[follow maggie]

Nice pair of binos

[Special T]

Classifieds.

A couple years ago there was a pair of Minox HG 10x43 BR on here for $600. Half price for some outstanding glass.

When looking a new $500 glass its hard to see where it wont be/need to be replaced in 5 to 10 years so why not buy used.

I bought a almost new pair of Steiner 8x30 for less than half that budget from a member on here...means I get to keep looking for a good used spotting scope. 2c

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[boneaddict]

in the old days Id spend 50 on a pair of bushnells and use the rest for beer.  Nowadays id save 500 from this year and add it to the 1500 from the tax return next year and go Swaro 

[D-Rock425]

500 Zeiss terra binos in 10x42

[Stein]

I would find an 8 power set of used Vortex binos, you should be able to get Talon or above without much trouble.

[chester]

500 Zeiss terra binos in 10x42

[colersu22]

Check out the Maven C1's  I looked at them at the sportsman show and they seemed equal or a bit better to my eyes than my Vortex Viper Hd's and they are half the price.  Since you cant buy them in stores they offer a 15 day demo and if you send the glass back they refund your card so you could get them and take them to a store to compare and try and find a used set.