Hoping to stay around the $175-200 range

Main use case will be for hiking, etc. which we do a lot as a family at various national parks, etc.

Wife has dropped a hint she'd like a decent pair before our next anniversary trip.


https://a.co/d/6R9pn62

This seems like a pretty good deal for Vortex Optics Diamondback 10x42


https://a.co/d/3gCtK0n

Or maybe these Nikon's?

I have several pairs of binos, including those. It's hard to beat them in that price range. And their customer service is awesome.

Take a look at the Kowa YF II 6x30 and 8x30. They are almost identical to the old Leupold Yosemite, which got fantastic reviews at their price point.

They are the older "porro prism" style, but that's why they work so well, at their price point. They are also excellent for kids, because they can be adjusted to a very narrow inter pupillary distance (eyes closer together). These binocs at $119, will perform as well as $300-$500 "roof prisms".

Although the Vortex bino you posted is a decent deal, I would say that I would not ever recommend a binocular that large for hiking or "general purpose/travel". We have plenty of 42mm binos, but we never take them when hiking or when on a road trip. We both use 25mm Swaros for hiking, and one of a handful of good 32mm's for when we are just traveling in the car. Compact (20-25mm) and small (30-32mm) binos are just easier to manage for many reasons, and I think that over time you and your family will be more likely to grab them when heading out the door for a hike. We have a trailhead three doors down from us and are therefore hiking on a regular basis. During Spring migration we will sometimes take one of our 42mm binos when hiking, but only when the day is cloudy. The great majority of time however it is either 25mm or 32mm binos that we take.

If you would consider a 25mm compact, then look at the ones from Nikon and Pentax. One stand-out is a very unusual 8.5x21 Papilio II (also comes in 6.5x). It is unusual because it will focus down to around 18" or thereabouts. This makes it fun to look at close things such as insects or flowers at an extremely close range, which gives a greatly magnified view of such things. Kids of all ages find them quite fun, especially when they find out that they can focus on their own toenails.

Otherwise, I would really recommend that you consider an 8x32 (don't get any 10x's of any size in your price range). This would make for a very good all-round daytime use bino. My first pick would be the 8x30 that you have already mentioned. I would *much* rather take those hiking than any 42mm bino. In fact, I will often use the M7 version of those same binos for when we are traveling and don't want to bring the Swaros. They are always in my wife's SUV, and have come in unexpectedly handy at times. I keep a set of Meopta 8x32's in my truck, if you are interested.

The Kowas mentioned above are also a very good choice for an inexpensive 30-32mm bino. Optically they do extremely well, and unlike most inexpensive porros, they are claimed to be waterproof. Vortex and Pentax also make clones of this model too. Leupold also used to make their own clone called the Yosemite, but I think they might be out of production.

But if you just gotta have a 42mm bino, then besides the Diamondback, I would also say consider the Nikon Prostaff 7 and the Kowa SV II's. I would prefer either of these two over the DB.

One last thing to throw in - if you want to really keep the cost down but yet still get something worth buying, seek out the lightweight Vortex Bantam 6.5x32. They are marketed as a kids bino, but adults can easily use them too. They only run about $69, and as they perform quite well, represent IMO a very good buy. The next time you are in a sporting goods store, try one out. You might be surprised. A lot of people will think that 6.5x is not enough magnification, but 6.5x is extremely easy to hold still, and therefore many find them a bit more relaxing to use as compared to a 10x.

C

Caladan said:

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Although the Vortex bino you posted is a decent deal, I would say that I would not ever recommend a binocular that large for hiking or "general purpose/travel". We have plenty of 42mm binos, but we never take them when hiking or when on a road trip. We both use 25mm Swaros for hiking, and one of a handful of good 32mm's for when we are just traveling in the car. Compact (20-25mm) and small (30-32mm) binos are just easier to manage for many reasons, and I think that over time you and your family will be more likely to grab them when heading out the door for a hike. We have a trailhead three doors down from us and are therefore hiking on a regular basis. During Spring migration we will sometimes take one of our 42mm binos when hiking, but only when the day is cloudy. The great majority of time however it is either 25mm or 32mm binos that we take.

If you would consider a 25mm compact, then look at the ones from Nikon and Pentax. One stand-out is a very unusual 8.5x21 Papilio II (also comes in 6.5x). It is unusual because it will focus down to around 18" or thereabouts. This makes it fun to look at close things such as insects or flowers at an extremely close range, which gives a greatly magnified view of such things. Kids of all ages find them quite fun, especially when they find out that they can focus on their own toenails.

Otherwise, I would really recommend that you consider an 8x32 (don't get any 10x's of any size in your price range). This would make for a very good all-round daytime use bino. My first pick would be the 8x30 that you have already mentioned. I would *much* rather take those hiking than any 42mm bino. In fact, I will often use the M7 version of those same binos for when we are traveling and don't want to bring the Swaros. They are always in my wife's SUV, and have come in unexpectedly handy at times. I keep a set of Meopta 8x32's in my truck, if you are interested.

The Kowas mentioned above are also a very good choice for an inexpensive 30-32mm bino. Optically they do extremely well, and unlike most inexpensive porros, they are claimed to be waterproof. Vortex and Pentax also make clones of this model too. Leupold also used to make their own clone called the Yosemite, but I think they might be out of production.

But if you just gotta have a 42mm bino, then besides the Diamondback, I would also say consider the Nikon Prostaff 7 and the Kowa SV II's. I would prefer either of these two over the DB.

One last thing to throw in - if you want to really keep the cost down but yet still get something worth buying, seek out the lightweight Vortex Bantam 6.5x32. They are marketed as a kids bino, but adults can easily use them too. They only run about $69, and as they perform quite well, represent IMO a very good buy. The next time you are in a sporting goods store, try one out. You might be surprised. A lot of people will think that 6.5x is not enough magnification, but 6.5x is extremely easy to hold still, and therefore many find them a bit more relaxing to use as compared to a 10x.

C

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Caladan! I'm sorry for the extremely late reply, thanks for the information!

Sounds like I am down to the Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 vs Nikon P7 8x30 at this point. I'm leaning toward the 8x30s for a general-purpose/hiking binoc right now for the increased field of view and distance.

AgsMyDude said:

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Caladan! I'm sorry for the extremely late reply, thanks for the information!

Sounds like I am down to the Pentax Papilio II 8.5x21 vs Nikon P7 8x30 at this point. I'm leaning toward the 8x30s for a general-purpose/hiking binoc right now for the increased field of view and distance.

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Cool beans dude! Either one would make for a great GP/hiking bino.

C

Caladan,
A buddy of mine wants to upgrade to the 12x EL Range binos. He has the 10x42 EL Range currently. What are they worth in good condition?

Thanks!

-CC

tcc66 said:

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Caladan,
A buddy of mine wants to upgrade to the 12x EL Range binos. He has the 10x42 EL Range currently. What are they worth in good condition?

Thanks!

-CC

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Hello,

Since I don't do RF binos, I don't really keep up with values. Therefore, the only thing I could say is that for a used binocular, I would not pay more than 75% of the lowest new price. Maybe 80% if it was something rare.

C

For the latest TA model, there are two for sale in Rokslide classifieds currently: one just dropped to $2,500 and one is listed at $3,000. In the last couple of months this model has sold for $2,600-$2,750 on Rokslide. I'd expect $2,400-2,500 to make a quick sale if it's in good condition.

If they are the older model, I haven't seen much movement on Rokslide. A new non-rangefinder EL SV is $2,000.The more popular non-alpha RF bino, Revic BLR 10x42 is $2,700 new. But they screwed up resale value by having a black friday sale around $1,700. It's held in higher regard than the old Swaro EL Range. So I'm thinking $2,100 for the old model EL Range 10x42 would be optimistic and $1,700 could possibly be a quick sale. But I'm only considering Rokslide and recent listings.

Caladan,

Thanks for the recommendation on the vortex batanam binoculars. Just got back from a week in yellowstone and only wished for higher magnification when looking at big horn sheep and mountain goats. My 6yr old son was able to find animals pretty easily with the lower magnification too.

Now I have an itch to buy a nice spotting scope after using some for wolf watching.

Thank you for the feedback!

Uzi4u said:

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Caladan,

Thanks for the recommendation on the vortex batanam binoculars. Just got back from a week in yellowstone and only wished for higher magnification when looking at big horn sheep and mountain goats. My 6yr old son was able to find animals pretty easily with the lower magnification too.

Now I have an itch to buy a nice spotting scope after using some for wolf watching.

---

Thanks for the feedback!! The Bantam is a very good bino for its very low price, and perfect for kids too.

If you haven't yet decided on what size of spotting scope you want but do want to stay at the lower price range, I would say consider the 50mm's from Vortex, and the 55mm from Kowa. I have a 50mm, a 65mm, and an 80mm, and that order is pretty much how likely to use them. A 50mm scope is small and unobtrusive, so you are more likely to take it along when you are heading out the door. Also, you won't need as heavy a tripod if using a lightweight scope.

In the past I would have recommended the Nikon 50mm ED w/27mm wide-angle eyepiece, but they have gotten rather expensive of late. But an excellent scope to consider if you can find it with that EP, and if you don't mind the price. Minox, Bushnell, and Celestron also make small scopes, but I haven't used the Celestron or Bushnell, and I don't ever recommend Minox products.

If you buy one, consider coming back here and letting everyone know what you ended up with.

C

Timely topic here. I just bought 2 of the batanam for the kids and a papilio for us to use on our Olympic NP trip.

Bought them for my son so he'd quit borrowing my meoptas.

Ended up ordering the athlons area G2 15-45 x65 this afternoon after reading a bunch of reviews. Wanted to stick around the $500 level and liked the 65mm objective vs the 85. Already have a super compact fixed power 50mm spotting scope for in the truck.

I did notice a lot of the wolf watchers were using Vortex and celestron scopes.

Been using the batanams and the papilio on our trip and they have worked out great. Usually carry them in my backpack and take then out when we reach the viewing parts of our hike.
The kids really liked using the papilio to look at starfish and sea enemies in the tide pools.

Cibalo said:

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The kids really liked using the papilio to look at starfish and sea enemies in the tide pools.

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You mean, like, Somali pirates?

Those *******s......

Damn auto correct

Although my kids did use driftwood "swords" to fight imaginary pirates on the beach

Canadian,

Any thoughts on Maven Bino's glass? I have never heard you mention them in your right ups.

I purchased their 10x50 C3 on Amazon Prime day for nice. Discount. I haven't had the chance to test them.

iPanic said:

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Canadian,

Any thoughts on Maven Bino's glass? I have never heard you mention them in your right ups.

I purchased their 10x50 C3 on Amazon Prime day for nice. Discount. I haven't had the chance to test them.

---

Maven sells decent stuff, but there are a few reasons why I don't care for them. One is that IMO they are priced too high for what you get. For example, a Maven B1.2 in 10x42 is $950. A Tract Optics 10x42 Toric, which gives essentially the same performance, is under $700. Yes, a B1.2 is a prettier bino, but you pay a lot for the nicer cosmetics. Second is a less than stellar experience with their customer service.

I won't tell someone that they should stay away from Maven as they do sell a good product, but I won't recommend them either.

I had forgotten that someone here once called me Canadian. :-)

C

Got a chance to try out my new Bantams at a baseball game the other night. Nice clear view and really like the small size. Will be trying them out at an Aggie game soon.

gigem70 said:

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Got a chance to try out my new Bantams at a baseball game the other night. Nice clear view and really like the small size. Will be trying them out at an Aggie game soon.

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I think you will find that the magnification, which is less than what most people buy, is plenty for stadium sports. Lower magnifications make it easier to follow quick movement since you don't have to change your focus as much, and this is even more apparent when the ball or action is moving directly towards or away from you. My stadium bino is a Meopta 6.5x32. I love that thing, and would never consider selling it.

C

Caladan-

As long as you are giving recommendations, what is your choice for a straight spotting scope. I have an old Leupold straight that I have used the past 20 years.

I assume technology and quality have improved over time.

What is your recommendation? I guide deer/elk hunts in the fall and use a straight spotting scope attached to a gun stock for estimating size/price of the game animals.

My binocs are Leica 10 x 42 that I really like. I just need the higher magnification for scoring/pricing.

Thanks in advance.

jmm said:

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Caladan-

As long as you are giving recommendations, what is your choice for a straight spotting scope. I have an old Leupold straight that I have used the past 20 years.

I assume technology and quality have improved over time.

What is your recommendation? I guide deer/elk hunts in the fall and use a straight spotting scope attached to a gun stock for estimating size/price of the game animals.

My binocs are Leica 10 x 42 that I really like. I just need the higher magnification for scoring/pricing.

Thanks in advance.

---

Hello,

TBH, it is difficult to make a recommendation with the information above. Can you tell me what size scope you want, or at least what magnification you desire? Zoom eyepiece, or fixed-power EP ok? I don't hunt deer or elk, so I don't have the experience to know what size scope works for that.

Also might help to know what scope you already have, and what your budget is. I ask because the biggest changes in spotters over the past 20 years has been more in the larger sizes, so there is a chance that depending on your budget, there might not be much to recommend over what you already have.

C

Caladan said:

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gigem70 said:

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Got a chance to try out my new Bantams at a baseball game the other night. Nice clear view and really like the small size. Will be trying them out at an Aggie game soon.

---

I think you will find that the magnification, which is less than what most people buy, is plenty for stadium sports. Lower magnifications make it easier to follow quick movement since you don't have to change your focus as much, and this is even more apparent when the ball or action is moving directly towards or away from you. My stadium bino is a Meopta 6.5x32. I love that thing, and would never consider selling it.

C

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EuroOptic has a current close out sale on the Meoptas. Looks like 47 percent off some models.