Best Bino's under $200

[oldschool.06]

You won't be disappointed with them. I've had mine for 2 years now and love them.

I love my Diamondbacks as well .. I got the 12x50 $320 ones on sale or $250 ...on a side not once I tagged out my buddy with the $700 Leupolds was borrowing my Diamondbacks the rest of his hunt

 

[missjordan]

I have both the diamondbacks and the Nikon monarch 5 and I think the Nikons are a little better than the vortex. They are just a little bit brighter in low light conditions

 

[Slugz]

Check out the new Bushnell HDs....I was quite surprised..I think they are a few bucks over like 230 or so.

 

[PeterJohnson]

I was advised to buy Vortex Diamond backs as my first bino's...

 

[shootbrownelk]

Nikon Monarchs for me. Had them for 3 years now, no complaints.

 

[amoor983]

I have lower end leupold 8x42’s and they have been fine, but one eye cup did break on a pretty soft fall. I am sure they would fix it if I sent it in. The diamondbacks, from what little I have used them inside the store, seem like they are actually better, with a solid warranty. Durability is the big question. My diamondback scope has held up well, so I am hopeful. I have not been impressed with Nikon quality, nor their warranty (although a friend did get binoculars fixed without a receipt).
For me, glass is a tool and investment, and not a status symbol. I have used cheap glass in the past and been frustrated. But I believe with products like the diamondback, you can do 95% of what high end glass can do, last nearly as long, and have the same or better warranty. Is uber expensive glass really gonna put more blood on the dirt or meat on the table? I hunt with working class biologists, and by far average products like this are the norm (even when the state pays), and their success is second to none. And I am in Nebraska, a wide open place with big, long viewsheds, where glass earns it. If I have to choose between glass and an elk permit, the very reason I am going to use the glass, which do you think I would choose? It’s far more productive and rewarding to scout, do the homework and sharpen skills than try to find some product that takes away the challenge.
What I REALLY want to know is why do these things have to weigh 26 ounces? Can’t they make them out of aluminum or titanium and lighten them up?

 

[JimP]

I have lower end leupold 8x42’s and they have been fine, but one eye cup did break on a pretty soft fall. I am sure they would fix it if I sent it in.

What I REALLY want to know is why do these things have to weigh 26 ounces? Can’t they make them out of aluminum or titanium and lighten them up?

I'd download the Leupold warranty return paperwork, fill it out and send it in. Odds are you will get a upgraded pair of binoculars.

As for what they are made out of. 99% of them are made out of aluminum, the weight comes from the optics themselves. And if they made them out of titanium the cost would go up quite a bit.

 

[Bughalli]

Without a doubt, a used pair that probably retailed for $500 and a few years old.

 

[JimP]

That is quite possibly what they will do but at least he'll have a good pair of binoculars instead on a broken one.

 

[droptine]

I purchased, for $219, a pair of Nikon Prostaff 10x42 All-Terrain binos a few months back. Frankly, they are fantastic. Great price, excellent image clarity, very easy on the eyes. I've used them extensively out scouting and they work great.
View attachment 15953

I have these exact ones and love them. Very clear. Last year I was able to spot elk from 1.5 miles in timber.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

The Vortex are a good choice for your money. If you can afford more spend more. There is a big difference between cheap binos and the more expensive ones.

 

[CabinetBulls]

Check out Vanguard... They make some ED glass that is VERY good quality for the price... I have the endeavor ED 10x42 and have compared them to some pretty high end glass and they are as good or better than some 700 to 1000 dollar binos, and they have an unconditional lifetime warranty... I paid $175 for them.

 

[7mag]

I really like my redfield binos! Ihave both 10x50 and 10x42. The 10x50 were about $180 and got the 10x42 on sale for $89. From what i understand they are made by leupold.

 

[MOhunter28]

I've had cheap to expensive glass in years past. Its makes a world of difference how much better spending what you can of optics. A friend of mine purchased some $300 binos and I bought a $400 set, same power and specs. We took them on a hunt and I was seeing things he could not see clearly. Specifically we went on a turkey hunt and he could see a tom at a distance and could verify it was a mature bird. However I could make out the beard of the turkey much better than he could. I cant imagine what more expensive glass could do. I know guys on this forum have beat this dead horse to death but spend the money on optics its well worth it.

 

[Theist]

I bought two pair for 99 each last Christmas sale at cabelas. My boys love them and 10x42 is great and lightweight. I use them often and think they are comparable to my wife's leupold cascades that were 350. I carry Swarovski slc. You will be happy with the Diamondbacks. They are a great deal for even 200. If u can go a model or two higher do it!!!!!


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[Blp440]

I've been really happy with my Diamondbacks. Can't beat the warranty either!

 

[SansSouci]

I've hunted for a couple years with inexpensive binos. When I discovered the difference between inexpensive and good-quality, I bought Zeiss. That was more than 20 years ago. They were expensive. I have had absolutely zero buyer's remorse.

You'll spend far more time glassing than you will looking through a scope.

My advice is to buy a used pair of good-quality binos rather than inexpensive ones that make it difficult to glass for extended periods.

 

[Murdy]

I know this would be $50 over budget, but Zeiss Terra ED's in 8x42 for $250:

https://www.rogerssportinggoods.com/zeiss-terra-ed-8x42-lost-camo-edition-binocular.html

 

[zeroforhire]

Look into some of the vintage Japanese porro binoculars from the 60s and 70s. Super cheap. (Like $30).


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