Best Binoc for under $200?

[nmelktrout]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to get my girlfriend a decent pair of optics for the upcoming season. I know I'm limited by this price cap but am looking for the best quality for under $200.00. I know a bit about my higher end optics (and price ranges), but was wondering what opinions/epxerience you guys might have in this range of optics. Is there even anything worth getting? She's shot a bit of big game but never had anything better than a $15 dollar pair of Tascos...and, with her game eyes I would like to get her something somewhat better.

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
-Cody

 

[Ungulate]

I use 7x35 nikon actions. The clarity in them and their light gathering capabilities keep me seeing game in the morning and at night when others can't.

 

[HuntElk4Fun_]

Something in the Vortex line would be perfect. I bought my wife/kids a pair of 10x42 Diamondbacks last year. Great optics, especially for the price.

ODDNUT1
Kirt C.

 

[Spencer]

Agree about the Vortex line!! I own a pair of the Vortex Diamondbacks and they are as good, and maybe better, than the $300 Nikon and Leupold binoculars that are in the same quality category as the Diamondback.

You can find the Diamondbacks on the internet for about $210. They have a no questions asked lifetime warranty as well!

Scott

 

[jagrmystr]

Take a look at the new Nikon Trailblazer ATB.
Waterproof, fogproof, roof prism.
8x42- $149
10x50- $179

 

[Fire_Hawk]

Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for about $80 or the 8x30 for about $100. Very good optics and on par with the Leupold Katmai 8x32 which costs about $350. Difference is that they are porro prism design.

Also, the Nikon Actions are really nice for the money. Porros can produce a clearer image for the money particularly on the "lower end" glass wise.

Personally, I like roof prisms for their compactness and ruggedness. If you can get an 8x42 Vortex Diamondback for the $200 range of money, you should be doing well.

That said, Doug has the Vortex Fury which is a nice phase corrected roof prism for just a little bit more than the money you mention and I believe you would be very happy with them too.

Doug also has the Olympus Magellans which is a Phase corrected Water proof roof prism bino that is said to be performing way above its price at $189.

Doug at Camerland is terrific to work with and can definitely help you find what you need.

Firehawk

 

[Fire_Hawk]

Didn't realize this when I posted it first, but I just read where the Diamondbacks are Phase Corrected as well. For the money you are talking about, you would be hard pressed to find a better bino for the money considering their awesome warranty and customer service.

From what I have read, the Diamondback performs very well in its price range.

Cowslayer here locally (Salt Lake area) is also a Vortex dealer and he treated me well on my Vortex Razors.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide to do.

Firehawk

 

[sheepeater]

Bass Pros Visios are really sweet glass for that price range.

 

[nmelktrout]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the valuable input and will do some more research on your reccs. I will also definitely try to do my business with the aforementioned retailers,

Apreciate it,

Cody