I'm looking at something that is lighter weight and on the smaller side so I can take it hunting/hiking. If I could keep it around $350 that would be preferable.

I used to have a pair of Leupold BX-3 10x32 that fit the bill quite nicely. I ended up selling those because I didn't use them that much and now that I'm trying to be more active I'm regretting it.

I'm a big Nikon Monarch fan. You can find the M7 model in the $400-450 range. Step down to the M5 models and you'll be under your price point by about the same.

You won't go wrong with either, IMO.

-Rob

I have been using Vortex Binos for quite a while now. Good bang for the buck. When I want to go lightweight, I have a Vortex Monocular.

Another vote for the Nikon Monarch series.

Nikon Monarch's are very good quality.

I have had Nikon and Leupold. Currently have some Vortex, and like them better than my previous sets. My .02.

I've been using Vortex Viper 10 x 42's for the last several years. Very pleased with the quality and value.

Holding 10x binocs steady can be a challenge for many and tiring as well.

The bulk of my binos are 6-7-8 power with generous fields of view which I have found work quite well for me.
Given my models are all at least 10 years old and many well above your budget threshold (e.g. Swarovski, etc.), I offer no specific model recommendations.

I have only two pairs of binos: Vortex Vulture 10x50 (an older model, not HD) - they are great but huge and heavy. The others are Vortex Diamondback HD 8x32, compact (you can put them into a cargo pocket and forget), light but not cheap cheap, quality is better than the asking price would suggest. They have some quirks - eye relief needs getting used to, a little halo when you look in the direction of the sun and they only have one diopter adjustment on the right side, I'd prefer to have them separated for each eye. Other than that, they are great, I wouldn't give them up for anything... almost

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ag111ga,

I have owned a Zeiss 8x32 binoculars for probably 40+ years, I can't imagine ever having to replace them.
I was just shopping on WOOT.com (amazon) they have a Steiner and a Bushnell on sale.
I have a Steiner rifle scope and can attest to the clarity of the glass on those, I would assume there Binoculars are impressive.

quote:

Originally posted by Hildur:

Who do we like for binoculars?

When I lived in the San Juan area I flew for an air taxi / charter company, so I was in St. Thomas several times a month. Some of the duty-free shops had some pretty good deals on optical stuff like cameras, binoculars, etc.

That was 55 years ago, it might not be the same today.

Nikon fan here.

Lots of good suggestions already. I'd like to add Celestron Trailseeker ED in 8x32. They make them in 10x32 also.

I’ve abused my Voretx and the held up great!!

I’ve been a supporter since about day 1 of theirs. I just wont buy a product line made in China. I always stay with the Japanese glass. Phillipine assembled

Non zooming ,
Between 4 and ten power

Under $350 you say? Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 8x42 Bino’s. Not heavy with an Amazingly clear and wide field of view. Not that you’ll need it but you can’t beat the warranty.

In December, Cornell Lab of Ornithology published their review of two dozen affordable full-size 8x42 binoculars.

Their top pick was the Celestron Trailseeker ED which weigh 25.9 ounces and are $379 on Amazon. It beat out Nikon Monarch M7 (same weight), Nikon Monarch M5 (1.7 ounces lighter), Vortex Viper HD (0.8 ounces heavier), Vortex Diamondback HD (2.2 ounces lighter), etc.

I've been using Celestron's highly regarded value line, the Nature DX (~$135), since 2016 and am pleased. It looks like they've come out with a Nature DX ED since then for about $21 more.

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up going with a Vortex simply because the price was too good to pass up. It got great reviews and for the price if I don't like them I'll upgrade down the line and keep them in the car as a backup.

Vortex Gen 1 Diamondback 10x42 for $138

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
I'm a big Nikon Monarch fan. You can find the M7 model in the $400-450 range. Step down to the M5 models and you'll be under your price point by about the same.

You won't go wrong with either, IMO.

-Rob

Agreed. For that price, Nikon.