Best Compact Binoculars under $120?

MattTheGunslinger · Jun 4, 2015

What do you guys feel is the best pair of compact binoculars for under $120? I would like a pair to keep in my truck and maybe toss in my pack when I find a good trail. I was thinking 8 or 10 power. I have tried the cheaper tasco, bushnell, and simmons brands. They always manage to get knocked out of whack pretty easily.

Overboost44 · Jun 4, 2015

Check these out. I have only used the larger one's but the quality is very good.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vanguard-binoculars.html

Rusty Nagel · Jun 5, 2015

Laugh, but you can go on Shopgoodwill.com and for 120$ pick up 800$ or 1000$
worth of good binoculars. It's Goodwill's online auction and you should be able to find it easily with an online search. I've gotten some very nice pairs for around 15$ with shipping. There is an outlet in Forestville, PG just inside the beltway on Pennsylvania Ave. They have had some good pairs if you want to pick them up. Only location you can do that in Maryland,other wise all the other locations around the country ship. Go on the Shopgoodwill.com site and under search put in binoculars. Any given day there are about 10 pairs up for bid. Also a great place to get inexpensive boots and hunting gear.

Rusty Nagel · Jun 5, 2015

Just did a quick check, there are 218 pairs up for bid right now, most below 15$, many manufacture's. Shipping is running about 15-20$ to Maryland.

501st · Jun 5, 2015

Matt said:
What do you guys feel is the best pair of compact binoculars for under $120? I would like a pair to keep in my truck and maybe toss in my pack when I find a good trail. I was thinking 8 or 10 power. I have tried the cheaper tasco, bushnell, and simmons brands. They always manage to get knocked out of whack pretty easily.

This is a well reviewed binocular:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/982851-REG/leupold_67725_8x30_bx_1_yosemite_binocular.html

rico903 · Jun 5, 2015

501st said:
This is a well reviewed binocular:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/982851-REG/leupold_67725_8x30_bx_1_yosemite_binocular.html

I have these and would call them a mid size. But for me they are a very good size and of very good quality. The prices seem to be going down. I paid $115 at Dicks and believe they are cheaper now there. I've seen them as low as $85 online. I'd go to Dicks and try them out just to see how you like them and buy elsewhere.

Minuteman · Jun 5, 2015

Rusty Nagel said:
Laugh, but you can go on Shopgoodwill.com and for 120$ pick up 800$ or 1000$
worth of good binoculars. It's Goodwill's online auction and you should be able to find it easily with an online search. I've gotten some very nice pairs for around 15$ with shipping. There is an outlet in Forestville, PG just inside the beltway on Pennsylvania Ave. They have had some good pairs if you want to pick them up. Only location you can do that in Maryland,other wise all the other locations around the country ship. Go on the Shopgoodwill.com site and under search put in binoculars. Any given day there are about 10 pairs up for bid. Also a great place to get inexpensive boots and hunting gear.

Great tip thanks!

I do believe with some knowledge, patience, and luck, this could be the most cost effective way to go.

For my bird watching purposes, binos between $100-$200 is about the sweet spot for me as well. I bought a pair of compact binos on clearance from the PX several years ago, I think I paid ~$130, they are labeled 'Browning', but my guess is they are actually a knockoff (or down brand relabeling) of some expensive binos. I do know they are the best binos I'll probably ever own. Great for hunting, bird watching, taking to the range or sporting event. With a steady hold I can read license plates half way down my street.

Minuteman · Jun 5, 2015

I believe these are the binos I'm speaking of, except mine have a green rubbery finish: http://www.gunsamerica.com/976429944/NEW-Browning-Binoculars-10X42.htm

I'm reading my Browning binos might actually be a licensing deal with Bushnell. Cool by me.

TheBulge · Jun 5, 2015

I will put these out there for consideration.

8x25 BAK4 Porro

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-binocular-59220.html

I don't have much experience with binoculars so I cant comment on how they compare to others compacts in the price range. They are definitely small and light. The case and lens caps are cheap, but I think that is common especially in this price range.

Boom Boom · Jun 5, 2015

Vortex Raptor. Unfortunately, $120 doesn't buy much. $300 minimum for a decent set. $550 minimum for a nice set. If I were you, I would up the budget to $220 and get the Vortex Diamondback 8x42.
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binoculars/vortex/vortex-diamondback-8x42-binocular

tc617 · Jun 5, 2015

I have been very happy with Nikkon optics on the set that I have for my boat. My advise is to go to a store like Bass Pro or Gander Mt where they have many binoculars to choose from and compare them all within your price range.

tomandjerry00 · Jun 5, 2015

1. I'd recommend against Nikon bino's. Warranty is crap and they are not as rugged as they should be. The company just isn't what they used to be.

2. Leupold's are my favorite. Fantastic build quality with great optics, even the cheaper pairs.

3. These became my new hunting binoculars. Replaced a few other, much higher priced pairs. Almost all Celestron products have fantastic reviews. Great optics, great build, and affordable:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KLAW30/ref=pe_385040_121528360_TE_dp_1

ironpony · Jun 5, 2015

These have been indestructible so far.

MattTheGunslinger · Jun 5, 2015

Wow! A lot of good options. I can't see I am most likely going to end up with several pair. Thanks for all the responses.

I'm really partial to Nikon products. I have several scopes and a pair of their larger binoculars and I love them all. I was originally considering the 10x25 Aculons or Trailblazers. They seem to have very good reviews. Does anyone here have first hand experience with them?

I'm definitely going to check out the other recommendation. Does anyone know if the leupold binoculars are made in the USA like their scopes?

Boom Boom · Jun 5, 2015

Matt said:
Does anyone know if the leupold binoculars are made in the USA

China. 99% of binos under $500-600 are made in a few factories in China.

Traveler · Jun 5, 2015

Just make sure you disinfect them real well if they are used. You don't want pinkeye, or MERS.

jimbobborg · Jun 5, 2015

Leupold Binocs on sale at Midway, free shipping http://www.midwayusa.com/product/11...gumqzvnvqpav2KAyztNsBrinGxg3-YXzWEBoCyMbw_wcB

tomandjerry00 · Jun 5, 2015

I had the Leupold Rogue bino's which are very close to your price range:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-binoculars.html

Lost them on a hunting trip and replaced with similar level Nikon binoculars. Very unhappy with the Nikons! First time I went to use them, they lost their collimation. Figured I could send to Nikon no problem, but they tried to charge me $50 to fix! After I told them about the $10k in Nikon optics I had (used to work as a photographer) and argued with 4 different people on the phone, they finally agreed to repair/replace them. I have a $700 Nikon scope I purchased new that will not hold zero I will be sending back soon and assume I'll have the same issues with warranty...

Leupold, Vortex and Celestron are what I try to stick with now.

MattTheGunslinger · Jun 5, 2015

Tomandjerry00, thanks for sharing. I meant to ask you earlier why the turn off to Nikon.

As a total surprise to me, my work just today gave me a gift card for being safe! That just upped my budget by $100. I found these Vortex binoculars and I think the rating and warranty speaks for itself!

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunt..._SEQ_104217480?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

I think this is the pair that will follow me home tonight from Cabelas.

tomandjerry00 · Jun 5, 2015

Matt said:
Tomandjerry00, thanks for sharing. I meant to ask you earlier why the turn off to Nikon.

As a total surprise to me, my work just today gave me a gift card for being safe! That just upped my budget by $100. I found these Vortex binoculars and I think the rating and warranty speaks for itself!

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunt..._SEQ_104217480?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

I think this is the pair that will follow me home tonight from Cabelas.

No problem! Those Vortex binos are sweet and you should love them! The smaller form factor is also a huge plus. You'll be much more comfortable bringing them along on hikes or trips you wouldn't want to bring a full-size pair. Thats why I also reach for my Celestron's. When I was elk hunting in Colorado last year, I was very happy I had a small pair of bino's to lug around vs the full-size pair my hunting buddy brought.

Best Compact Binoculars under $120?

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