Best Lightweight Binoculars for ~$200

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Kirk_Ferentz

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Feb 16, 2010
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I want to pick up some good binos for hunting. I don't have a lot of time to research so I'm asking for your help.

Number one factor is weight -- I like to run as lightweight & compact as reasonably possible. Low light clarity probably a second factor, since they will be used in mostly low light hours, along with toughness / durability. Magnification is really dictated by weight.

Price cap is low $200s, so no Zeisses, Swarovskis, etc. I'm open to used equipment, although with optics, I tend towards the newer stuff with all the multi-coatings, etc. My little research thus far led me to the Leupold BX-2 Acadia 8 X 42, Nikon Prostaff 7S 8 X 30 or 10 X 42, or a Bushnell offering.

I have general optics knowledge, but don't know much about binos in particular. Any suggestions re specs / features to focus on are helpful.

Thanks in advance!
 
Firstly, the best place to ask is on a bird watching forum.

That said, consider the Steiner Military Marine 8X30 binocular. I got mine for well under $200 at an Army Post Exchange. Don't know what that binocular goes for elsewhere.

bino.JPG
 
I'd go with the Leupld in a heartbeat. I have a pair of Leupold binoculars and they are great. I've had two of their rifle scopes and the image was always so sharp and clear it felt like they would cut your eye balls. I love Leupold optics, and if I put a scope on ay of my rides, it's a Leupold.
 
I use the steiners marines at work sagging conductors, making sure they are level and even, and they are fantastic. But I use a leupold scope and wouldn't hesitate to try their binos either.
 
I've been using a pair Minox 8x42 for 10 years, I think is worthy to take a look at their new lines. they're good quality and in your price range

hope it helps

Mateo
 
As a bird watcher, and hunter, I would recommend a roof prism binocular (straight tubes- no need for prisms), nitrogen filled to prevent fogging and an 8x magnification with an objective lens diameter of about 40+ for the light absorption. I would leave out any zoom- ability.
I would also make sure the strap is comfy, to lug them around all day long.
Nikon, Steiner, Lynx all fit the bill within those parameters.
 
Thanks all. I did try out a bird watching forum -- so far only two responses, but both were for the Sightron SII "Blue Sky" 8x32. Doesn't have your 40+ Spiggles, so guessing not as much light let in. But pretty light compared to what I've seen so far and roof prism.
 
Kirk_Ferentz said:
Thanks all. I did try out a bird watching forum -- so far only two responses, but both were for the Sightron SII "Blue Sky" 8x32. Doesn't have your 40+ Spiggles, so guessing not as much light let in. But pretty light compared to what I've seen so far and roof prism.
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You really have to try them before you judge.

The 40+ for the objective lens is subjective (or incomplete info, at best). The important thing is the exit pupil which is a function of objective lens diameter AND binocular power/magnification. The exit pupil is calculated as the effective diameter of the objective lens ÷ binocular magnification, so the exit pupil of an 8x42 binocular is 5.3mm. A normal human eye's pupil opens 5mm to 7mm at maximum. Less as we age. Anything over the maximum your own eye opens is wasted on you.

Exit pupil becomes critical when using a binocular in low light conditions.

You really need to try a binocular in side by side comparison with contenders if at all possible before you judge. That said, I've found an 8X40 binocular with quality glass fine for all applications I use them. A 10X50 binocular may have a larger objective lens but the exit pupil is identical to that of an 8X40 binocular. While having the same exit pupil, but with the higher power/magnification, I need to stabilize a 10X50 binocular or the image is just too jumpy.
 
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My most used pair of binocs is a Leupold Yosemite 6x30. I highly recommend them for woods hunting. I handgun hunt and something 150 yds away has little interest to me, but if it is a big buck, I will see the horns. Waterproof, light, and great clarity.
 
22-rimfire said:
My most used pair of binocs is a Leupold Yosemite 6x30. I highly recommend them for woods hunting. I handgun hunt and something 150 yds away has little interest to me, but if it is a big buck, I will see the horns. Waterproof, light, and great clarity.
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Better optical glass available from other countries than the country of origin of the Leupold BX-1 Yosemite binocular.
 
leghog said:
You really have to try them before you judge.

The 40+ for the objective lens is subjective (or incomplete info, at best). The important thing is the exit pupil which is a function of objective lens diameter AND binocular power/magnification. The exit pupil is calculated as the effective diameter of the objective lens ÷ binocular magnification, so the exit pupil of an 8x42 binocular is 5.3mm. A normal human eye's pupil opens 5mm to 7mm at maximum. Less as we age. Anything over the maximum your own eye opens is wasted on you.

Exit pupil becomes critical when using a binocular in low light conditions.

You really need to try a binocular in side by side comparison with contenders if at all possible before you judge. That said, I've found an 8X40 binocular with quality glass fine for all applications I use them. A 10X50 binocular may have a larger objective lens but the exit pupil is identical to that of an 8X40 binocular. While having the same exit pupil, but with the higher power/magnification, I need to stabilize a 10X50 binocular or the image is just too jumpy.
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What Leghog said.
But, I think 8x30 are a great compromise.
I myself use 8x30 for all hunting. They give about the best rendition of trophy size that I have found- YMMV. 10x is too powerful and one is prone to shake- really only good for bird watching IMO. 8x30 are not the best in poor light, but we only hunt sunrise to sunset anyway where I come from.
This is all subjective to you and your requirements, but the 8x30 will do nicely.
I will only add, the quality of the lenses is very important.
 
A recommended one to consider in post #2. Consider the Steiner 8X30 Military Marine binocular.
 
My personal opinion is that 8x is the general all purpose binco magnification. Many choose 10x. I have a pair of Nikon Monarchs (cost >$200). I have read good things about the Vortex line. Have not tried them. I think folks think too much magnification. Years ago the 7x35's were the general purpose binoc.

The Leupold 6x30 Yosemites were recommended on another forum and at about $120, I thought I would give them a try. Liked them. They have enough magnification unless you are looking for 300 yd shots hunting. They are not a birding binoc. I take them with me in canoes and kayaks to check out some creature or whatever. I hunt mostly woods and they work just fine for me. I sometimes have issues with my eyes (stigmatism) and have trouble getting a good focus with less expensive binocs. No problem with the 6x30 (with or without perscription glasses). Steiners are generally very good. I have not tried their lower cost models as I am satisfied with what I own already.
 
Thanks leghog. The issues that I have with the Steiners are that they are porro, and not roof, prism and they aren't nitrogen filled. If I wanted to follow Spiggles' advice and go with a roof prism nitrogen filled option, what would you all suggest? If this means upping my price limit, I will consider that.

One that I was looking at that seems pretty affordable: the Vortex Diamondback 8X32 http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-8x32-binocular
 
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Kirk_Ferentz said:
Thanks leghog. The issues that I have with the Steiners are that they are porro, and not roof, prism and they aren't nitrogen filled. If I wanted to follow Spiggles' advice and go with a roof prism nitrogen filled option, what would you all suggest? If this means upping my price limit, I will consider that.

One that I was looking at that seems pretty affordable: the Vortex Diamondback 8X32 http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-8x32-binocular
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Like I said try them before you decide. I had a good roof prism binocular (old USA made Redfields) which I gave to my son after buying and using the Steiners. I bought the Steiners as a back up binocular. They became my primary binocular without need of a backup. There are valid reasons these are in use by militaries and soldiers around the world. Don't get hung up on features until you actually try different binoculars.

The Steiner 8X30 Military Marine binocular has a floating prism system and are, indeed, nitrogen filled. You needn't worry about taking the binocular afield in inclement weather. They are warrantied as leak proof and fog proof.

Again, whatever you get, compare them with others side by side. Any good hunting/outdoor outfitter ought to have plenty to compare.
 
I hear you but I don't know if there is any one or five places anywhere near where I live that might have the particular binos I'm interested in, and I need to order them soon...
 
In case anyone is interested, I called the Sightron people and they confirmed that all of their binos are nitrogen-filled. They don't do a very good job of marketing the specs of their products.
 
24hourcampfire.com has a great optics forum that will give you great advice. I'm a big fan of Swarovski but there not for everyone. There are some fine optics in your price range however.
 
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