Best Bino's under $200

crzy_cntryby · Feb 4, 2016

Unfortunately with glass sky is the limit and quality jumps with it. What do you use it for? Thick woods? Open prairie? Competition shooting? No need to over buy. Leupold Yosemite's are good glass at $125. Haven't played too much with the binos you mentioned. Love my vortex rifle scope. It's their top tier though.

firebeck · Feb 4, 2016

Love my Vortex Diamond backs!!!!

badgerbob · Feb 4, 2016

I have Redfield Rebels. I think they were 135 and I am pretty happy with them. Leupold owns Redfield now. Pretty nice for the price.

Tim McCoy · Feb 4, 2016

Some birders are saying these are as good as some costing 4-5x as much, and they are picky about glass. Based on the reviews I've seen, I believe for a bit over 200 they are worth a look.

*Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Binocular

Geno45 · Feb 5, 2016

I been using a pair of Nikon Monarchs for approx. 10 years now. Was fortunate to find them in the bargain cave one day, I used a set of Cabelas Euro HD Binos one day this past hunting season a friend of mine purchased. They were very clear and crisp and a smaller physical size which I liked a lot. They are more than 200 but cabelas had a price reduction sale on these. I looked thru a set of Bushnell legend ultra HD in the store and they were clear and crisp when picking out the details on paintings they have on the walls. I do like to view thru the set I am thinking about buying outside as the real test before buying. They have allowed me to do this on some other optics I have purchased in the past. Lots of choices out there to choose from now. Nothing worse then having a pair that fogs up all the time in wet weather so you need to definitely check the fog proof and weather proofing on your choice.

crzy_cntryby · Feb 5, 2016

Also IMO, binos are your most important piece of gear. Especially western hunting. Your rifle doesn't matter, scope doesn't matter, camo doesn't matter. Until you are able to find and see game. Just an opinion. Worth selling things or saving, working OT to get a better piece of glass. Don't be afraid to buy used either.

Finsandtines · Feb 5, 2016

I have the Nikon monarch 3 and think they were around 200. I like em but would see if you can compare with the bushnell legends as mentioned.

Umpqua Hunter · Feb 5, 2016

One good thing about going with a Vortex model is their guarantee. That guarantee should keep your resale value up, so if and when you want to upgrade you can get more out of your old binos.

mntnguide · Feb 5, 2016

If your gonna spend money on quality gear for Western big game hunting...Optics and Boots should be where you shell out money to have something good. . I guarantee you, looking through shi**y binos for hours on end will give you headaches, and the clarity will never be there compared to the better glass. Its truly and night and day difference. Optics are what make or break a hunt in a lot of western hunting areas, skimping here could be the difference between punching your tag or not. . I have spent many days of over 8 hours behind glass, and being able to do that without going crosseyed from the bad glass is a HUGE reason. I would highly suggest at least looking at the higher models of Vortex than the $200 version, if you truly plan on hunting all over the west, you will not regret your decision later.

Horsenhike · Feb 5, 2016

Went through the same thing recently. We both have Nikon Trailblazer 8X40.

After looking at options bought Leupold BX-3 10X42. Cost right at $300 new on EBay.

Field of view is narrow, but for a lifetime warranty and better glass I am happy. On a tripod its far better than the Nikon's we have. Especially at dusk.

Saw a used pair of 8X42 on EBay go for $200 a couple days ago. The 10 power sucks for woods.

CrossCreeks · Feb 5, 2016

I agree with " mntnguide " you should consider bino's an investment and get the best you possible can afford or consider putting off the investment until you can buy a great pair. Looking thru lesser quality glass for hours will make wish you had. Looking thru bino's occasionally on an hunt is much different than using a pair to pick a mountain side part. I have went thru the same decision your debating now. ( My 2 cents )

87TT · Feb 5, 2016

Can't beat Vortex period. The more you can afford, it only gets better. Even the Vortex Crossfires are head and shoulders better than the cheap brands and the guarantee can't be beat.

Horsenhike · Feb 5, 2016

Stopped by Scheels on my lunch break and looked through a pair of $2500 Swarovski. Dang. So Clear through the entire field of view.

Also looked through a pair of Vortex Diamondback on sale for $170. I wouldn't buy those.

xtreme · Feb 5, 2016

My Zen-Rays are better than my Diamond Backs

missjordan · Feb 5, 2016

Vortex diamondbacks and even the nikon monarchs are good. I'd even say maybe the nikon are a wee bit better for the price. But you will notice a large difference between a 200 and 400 dollar pair. If you can I'd save up or buy used

Hilltop · Feb 5, 2016

I love my Vortex Diamondbacks- IMO that's the best you can buy in the $200 range.

ando_31 · Feb 5, 2016

Vanguard Endeavor ED is supposed to be a good binocular at the high end of your price range. I think you can find some of the 10x42s for just over 200 and the 8x42s for just under 200. If memory serves me, I believe those binoculars were around 4-500 when that model first came out. They have since introduced the II model so the first model is substantially cheaper than the initial market entry price. Sometimes B&H photo has some good rebates on them.

Also, I do believe Vanguard has a lifetime warranty on their Endeavors

Best Bino's under $200

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