I know there are great Binos once you get above $1K like Swaro but I wonder what kind of quality could I get for under $500? thinking 10x42
Thanks
James

There's great options from Kowa, GPO, Zeiss, Athlon, give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss what might be best for you

I got a new set of Vortex this last year they are great for the price

Doug's crew sold me a pair of Hawke 10x42 that are pretty nice. We compared them against Leupold BX-4 (or BX-5) and until we got to about 2000 yards you couldn't tell a difference. Even then it was negligible.

I've also seen a set of Maven's that were very nice pretty close to your price.

I bought a pair at Cabela's a while back. They are the HD model in 15x56. A bit heavy but really nice sitting in a blind or tripod.

Doug, I think I bought a Sightron scope from you about 8yrs ago. Glad to see you are still rockin & Rollin!
James

Thanks James. Still here, same crew of guys.

It’s a little above but I have Tract. Glass is great for the money. Schott glass.

I would look for a Black Friday sale.

https://tractoptics.com/10x42-binoculars

I don’t worry so much about the brand on a binocular as much as the power, objective size, weight and clarity. As long as it’s an established brand you likely won’t have a problem if an issue with it develops.

Maven C series.

Look for some used Leica, Zeiss, or Swarovski.

Nikon Monarch is a nice bino for about $400 or less. Very good glass for the price.

Call Doug. He'll know the good stuff

Ive owned Nikon, Leupold, Vortex and Zeiss. Zeiss is the clear winner. I Guided hunts for years with my Zeiss and they perform better than any other mid-grade Bino's I've used.
I Bought the Terra about 10ish years ago (when they came out?) and still use them on every hunt. At the time they were $600+ at SWFA. My only upgrade would be to the Victory model because I can't really tell the difference between the Conquest and the Terra.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/zeiss-terra-ed-10x42-binoculars?ds_e=MICROSOFT&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CSmart%7CHunting%7CGeneral%7CNAud%7CNVol%7CNMT&gclid=20710b039619169dabca6c3cb6ee5fd0&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=20710b039619169dabca6c3cb6ee5fd0

I bought a pair of Steiner about 30 years ago for $500. Not sure how much they are now. Also can still get them serviced, had the rubber cover replaced a couple years ago for $50.

I recommend same. Been using my pair for a few season now and I never get eye fatigue. I glass almost nonstop with them. Very sharp/crisp view. Other options would be vortex viper or meopta optika

Bass pro has viper hd 10x42 Bkack Friday $299

You notice Doug did not mention Vortex, at that price point I would avoid them.
Their upper end stuff is great sounds like but lower end gets warranty work frequently it seems.
They do have a great warranty.


Might be because he does not carry Vortex brand so their is that maybe.

I would like to compare the Maven C1 to the Athlon Midas G2 in 8x42.

100%. Love my Conquest HD 10x42's.

I am sorry that I am late in responding to this but I have been out of town.
I have a Steiner like 68rustbucket mentioned. I also bought it years ago
for a great price and it has been a fantastic pair of binos for me.

Viper HD's at $299 will be very hard to beat. I like Doug and his service at CL alot, but he doesn't sell Vortex products so he doesn't recommend them, and rightfully so.

There are so many great options from Kowa, GPO, Hawke and Athlon. Just give a call, 516-217-1000, to discuss what would be best for you. Everything is on sale for Christmas right now so there's plenty of amazing deals to be had.

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