Binocular Comparison

[griffincarruthers]

Looking for input from people who have experience with either the Leupold BX-1 binoculars and vortex diamondbacks. Dont need to be told to buy only the big 3. Because I have. Looking to buy as a Christmas gift for someone who’s just getting started in hunting and I’m not wanting to break the bank on them. If they decide in a couple years they love it then they can buy there own higher quality stuff. Any other recommendations in that $300 to $400 range are welcome. Thanks.

[RiverOtter]

In your price range, I'd likely add Nikon to your search.

[stoneramhunter]

Check out Carson binoculars 10X42 they have a website. i have swarovski but used my sons Carson binocs on this years sheep hunt and they were amazing. You can get them for a very reasonable price on the low end of your budget. worth every penny and more.

[KBC]

I have Nikon Monarch5 10x42. Way better than the Diamondbacks and go on sale fairly often for about $400.
Actually here they are for $418 with a harness; https://www.visions.ca/product-detai...&sku=PKG005392

Edit to add; I bought them when I already owned a pair of Diamond backs in 8x42 and the Nikons were way better comparing them side by side.

[Keta1969]

I have both Leica 10x and Vortex Vipers in 8x. The vortex are lighter and easier to hold steady. The glass is very good not quite Leica but very good. I read an article on a birder's website and bought them used but as new. They were up against all the alpha glass and came in second. Day hiking and blacktail hunting they are what I pack. IMO over the last few years the actual glass in Bino's and scopes has become much closer in quality(probably because of automation). The quality of the internals is what separates the best now. Not sure the Vortex will ever have the longevity of my Leica's(at least 30 years old) but so far so good. One suggestion I would make for a new hunter is that 8x's are a good option and a little less money.

[Steeleco]

Firstly AVOID Nikon like the plague. I'm a life long Monarch owner and love them even still. But last fall one of the screw up eye covers broke so I asked for warranty help. NO, HARD NO they only offered me a discount on new pair. So much for 25yr warranty. I fixed them with gorilla glue and o rings!! They are now my truck binos.

This started me on a hunt for new ones. Long story short I got Carson 3D/HD 10x42 and they are unreal. I used one of those price checking apps for Amazon and once the deal was good I got them to the door for $350 They are much better than anything I looked through as 2 to 3 times the price,

If you got the newb a set of these they may never need to upgrade?

[digger dogger]

I’m sending in my 20+ yr old Swarovski EL’s for warranty work.
Will let you know how that goes.

[sako79]

Look at Kowa. Excellent glass for the price

[THE SWEDE]

Meopta Optika…

[griffincarruthers]

I’m sending in my 20+ yr old Swarovski EL’s for warranty work.
Will let you know how that goes.

Good luck. I use a set of 20year old Swaro SLC’s. Bought them used off a guy who had them since brand new. He sent them back to Swaro to get cleaned up before selling. From what I understand is they completely replaced all the lenses with their new SLC lenses/coatings free of charge. They’re a bit heavier than the newer binoculars but every bit as good quality. Pretty happy with them