I'm looking for a budget set. Less than $200 preferably. Mainly for coyote hunting and closer range deer hunting. Let's say 300 yards or less. I'm not an optics snob but I also understand that you get what you pay for. Looking for people with first hand experience with some lower cost binoculars. A buddy of mine has some vortex diamondback 10x42s and I love them. Is there anything else comparable under $200?

Wife and I have a few pair of Nikons around the house. Seems like the model was an ATB or something like that, in 10x42. Good glass for the price, which I think was a bit over $200. For hunting, I use some Leicas I've had for a long time. Anyway, back to Nikon, which has good glass. Without the good glass, daylong use of binocs can give you eyestrain or headaches. I'm not speaking against Vortex binocs, but I have no use history with them. Probably Bushnell would have some decent binocs in your price range.

Yeah I've looked through some nikons. I like them but I wasn't aware if there were any other brands out there at a similar price point that are close. I've never liked bushnell scopes. Maybe their binos are better?

To get the best bang for your buck, you'll need to consider a porro-prism bino, rather than a roof prism glass.

Leupold Yosemite binoculars get rave reviews and would easily fall in your budget.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IGUY8MC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Anyone heard of these guys? I found some people online comparing them to the vortex diamondbacks. It's japanese glass. I would assume the glass quality should be ok? Most are selling these for $200+.

You need to check the sample/open box lists on SWFA and CameraLand. Hit them at the right time and you might be able to get a $300 tier binocular for your $200 budget.

Google Theron binoculars. I believe they have the Wapiti model on sale for a pretty good price.

I use my vortex daily.. I have better glass for sure but I have 3 pair of the 10x42s one in each truck. I love them. My guides do as well. Quick to focus and very durable. Just my two cents

I have two pair of vortex Diamondbacks. 8x42 and 10x50. They are right up there with much, much higher priced glass. I've set in the blind switching between these and others (older swaro) as the sun goes down looking at horns. I won't say the vortex are better because people will get mad but the vortex are not far off and they only cost 1/10 as much.

I've got a set of Vortex Diamondback 8.5x50 binos. I love them. IMO, Vortex has become a best bang for the buck optic. Only bad part is they are heavy.

I picked up a pair of Redhead Rebel bino's in 10x42 last year at a pawn shop. I think I paid $70 for them. I know that most pawnshops have junk, but sometimes you find some good stuff too. I like these and would say they are better than most of the Bushnell's I've looked thru.
I think they are around $200 at Bass Pro or Cabelas. Hope this has given you some help.

I've got an inexpensive pair of Minox 8x42's that are head and shoulders above all the other "inexpensive" pairs of binoculars I've ever looked through. Got them at Cameraland for a ridiculously low price.

Bought the Vortex Diamondback binos, the next day the focus control knob was messed up, turn the knob and it would not focus, the store would not refund, said to send them back which is crap IMO, sent them in, haven't heard from them yet, wish I would have bought the Nikons,

I have the Vortex Diamondback. They really need to do something with the objective lens covers. Mine fell off the first week. They sent another pair of covers for free, they lasted another week.
My biggest issue is the diopter adjustment. It is constantly having to be reset.
I also like my Nikons better.

I have the Vortex Diamondback 12x50 - and I absolutely love them. I use these in the blind, so I can positively identify any bucks that I'm trying to evaluate. Heavy, but amazing clarity. Bought another set of the 10x42 and love those, too. So far, so good with them. You can buy a "demo" unit from Camera Land NY - for about $20-30 under the sales price (which is already a good deal)...and I got free shipping with mine. I called to ask what exactly what classified a "demo" - was told it was ones that had been set aside at gun shows/outdoor events to be be picked up and handled by customers. The ones I received looked like they have never even been touched. With Vortex's replacement policy, I figured it was worth a shot the first time around...bought a demo again without issues. Also bought a pair from BH once, when they had a super sale.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexdiamondback10x42

I've had some Nikons that I really liked...can't recall the particular names on them though.

My advise is go to a store and try out a few that you like...and take them outside to check out at sunset...see how it looks in low light. That might be a difference maker in your decision. Then, shop online for the best deals...