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Author Topic: Cheap binoculars  (Read 4345 times)

Offline Angry Perch

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Cheap binoculars
« on: May 18, 2022, 09:00:48 AM »
I know "cheap binoculars" is a trigger for some, but bear with me!  :chuckle:

I'm looking for a couple pairs of binoculars for our place in Sequim. I want to always have them handy for identifying birds at the feeders, checking out deer, etc. They do not need to be hunting quality, and I'm tired of transferring my good binoculars to/ from the truck - mostly tired of forgetting them! Anyway, looking to spend $50-100 a pair. Any experience in this range?
Thanks
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Offline phildobaggins

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2022, 09:37:17 AM »
I know "cheap binoculars" is a trigger for some, but bear with me!  :chuckle:

I'm looking for a couple pairs of binoculars for our place in Sequim. I want to always have them handy for identifying birds at the feeders, checking out deer, etc. They do not need to be hunting quality, and I'm tired of transferring my good binoculars to/ from the truck - mostly tired of forgetting them! Anyway, looking to spend $50-100 a pair. Any experience in this range?
Thanks

Best I would suggest is buy a used pair of Vortex Crossfires, sometimes they're on sale on Amazon too.

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #2 on: May 18, 2022, 09:53:09 AM »
These Kowas are really nice for $100, I love them for hunting blacktails or elk in the timber:

https://amzn.to/3wnx3EK
« Last Edit: May 18, 2022, 10:14:10 AM by bobcat »

Offline Cylvertip

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #3 on: May 18, 2022, 09:57:38 AM »
Check out Konus too -  Konus Emperor Green 12X50 Binocular -   Looks like the price went up about $30 from when I bought them a couple of years ago. 
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Offline rainshadow1

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #4 on: May 18, 2022, 10:02:15 AM »
I've had really good luck with Nikon Prostaffs for "kid" binocs. I recommend them, and I think there's going to be a few on the used market these days, they've been around for awhile.
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Offline JDHasty

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #5 on: May 18, 2022, 11:59:00 AM »
That's an easy call:

Leupold Yosemite or Kowa YF II

The Leupold has been discontinued, but still out there.  The Kowa is still in their catalogue and available for ~$100.  Both are rubber armored and both were made in 6 & 8 power, the Yosemite was also available in 10 power.  These two are way out in front of everything else performance wise in that market niche. 

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #6 on: May 18, 2022, 12:02:57 PM »
I dont think you can just go on a brand for cheap binos. I think you have to lay hands on them. I have a cheap pair of 10x50 I use for shooting archery 3D. i had to look through about 5 pairs before I found one that had enough clarity to justify the $50. Ive seen really clear barska glass and checked every pair at the big 5 and they were all fuzzy. :twocents:
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Offline MADMAX

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2022, 12:09:19 PM »
Vortex crossfires
Like em
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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2022, 10:36:54 PM »
Sightron SII Blue Sky. Less known and underrated compared to the popular "hunting" brands.

Offline Bob33

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2022, 06:51:54 AM »
These Kowas are really nice for $100, I love them for hunting blacktails or elk in the timber:

https://amzn.to/3wnx3EK
:yeah:
They are a porro prism model which is simpler than a roof prism. The Kowas are similar to the Leupold Yosemite which is discontinued but had a good reputation for value. I think you would be quite happy with a pair.
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Offline boneaddict

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2022, 06:55:19 AM »
I used bushnell for years of different size range

Offline bearpaw

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2022, 07:08:45 AM »
I know "cheap binoculars" is a trigger for some, but bear with me!  :chuckle:

I'm looking for a couple pairs of binoculars for our place in Sequim. I want to always have them handy for identifying birds at the feeders, checking out deer, etc. They do not need to be hunting quality, and I'm tired of transferring my good binoculars to/ from the truck - mostly tired of forgetting them! Anyway, looking to spend $50-100 a pair. Any experience in this range?
Thanks

I would watch for a cheap pair of used quality binos. Put out the word to some of your friends to keep their ears open and watch yard sales. If you are patient you will find a good deal. A friend found a pair of Steiners for $30 at a yard sale.
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Offline Sandberm

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2022, 08:31:57 AM »
Vortex crossfires
Like em

Hey now! Why is it other folks cheap binoculars are my nice ones?  :chuckle:

On another note, anybody else subscribe to Sports Afield magazine in the early 1980's when they were giving away a free pair of binoculars with each one year sub? I wanna say the sub cost under $7 AND you got some Bushnells. I still have them, they work good enough to leave in the boat.  :tup:

Offline MeepDog

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Re: Cheap binoculars
« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2022, 10:00:45 AM »
Black Friday is the time to buy binoculars. The last 2 years Cabela's has had crazy deals. You can get a pair of Leupold bx2 for around $150. There was another model for around $100 too.

 


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