I dont know how it happened but I have been looking for my binocs for the past month and can not find them. I had a pair of nikon monarchs 10x42s that were a great pair, I had no complaints whatsoever. I hate having to buy another pair but hunting season is coming up and binoculars are a must.

I am 100% satisfied with my nikons but that doesnt mean I shouldnt shop around for a better optic and of course an upgrade may be warranted. Trying to keep it under $400.

I need some suggestions right now Athlons and Leupold are at the top of my list. I would sure love to hear about others I should think about in that price range.

When I am stalking I do not use them. Only sitting in the stand and wildlife viewing. Should I get a 12X?? I know more isnt allways the way to go but I just dont use them for 100 yards and in much.

thanks
Big

I thought I needed more x and went with 12's.

Wrong. Got rid of them. I'm actually thinking if I ever replace the 10's that I landed on (Sig Kilo's 1000 RF) I'd like to have 8x. I go from bino's to my rilfe to kill what I've found. Having acquired the live target on 10x, sometimes it's difficult to recognize the field of view going from 10 x to maybe 3-6 on my scope. If I'm shooting at something way out there it's not as much of a problem.

In your price range, I once had some Vortex Diamond Backs that for the $ were great and about $200.00.

Don't feel like the lone ranger. I have been searching for my 10 x 42 range finding binos for the last month also.

I've got two identical Buck knives, can only locate one currently. Finally found the missing (backup) mag for my CTR the other day. Lost two handguns once for nearly 5 years, thought a hired hand had stolen them. Found them in the bag they were supposed to be in but my wife had moved it to a different closet behind some of her stuff. Got a long list of other items too.

I run 11x45 as my all purpose since 2013. For how and where I hunt I see no point in any thing less the 10x. Note that all bino’s even at same mag are not equal in FOV.

For your budget I’d look at Maven, Tract, GPO

another pair of Nikons. They are great for the price, same with bushnells. Both have long eye relief too.

Might take a look at the Kowa’s from Cameraland

I’ve had those same Nikons for many many years and love them for what I need. Tried to find another pair to upgrade my wife’s but couldn’t find any so I went with Leupolds (on sale) and she’s happy with them.

I’d look at Meopta in that price range. I haven’t looked through the new Optikas but I mostly use my Meopros when hunting. Optika replaced the Meopro line.