Looking to buy a set of 10x binoculars for a WY antelope hunt this year. My only constraint is budget, I’d like to keep it at around $200. So far I’ve been looking at Vortex Diamondback HDs, and the Leupold BX-1 McKenzie. Does anyone have experience with these or have any other suggestions? Also willing to look for used optics to get something better for the same price. Thanks!
Budget Binoculars
- Thread starter TM0218
- Start date
JohnCushman
Well-known member
Look at the Theron lines from predator optics. Pat is a member of the forum and his customer service can't be beat.
Valley1320
Well-known member
Look into vanguard endeavors. I have a a pair and are happy with them I feel like they are about the same quality as vortex diamondbacks.
whiskeydog
Active member
If you can bump your price to $300 (That's list...might be able to get them for cheaper), take a look at the new Optika line from Meopta. I'd take Meopta over Vortex any day.
I'm pretty sure Schmalts (Predator Optics) carries Meopta.
I'm pretty sure Schmalts (Predator Optics) carries Meopta.
fishing4sanity
Well-known member
My son had a pair of the older Diamondbacks and they were pretty good, then he won a pair of the Diamondback HD binos and I thought there was a noticeable improvement. IMO, the new Diamondbacks are nice binos. I think optics have a personal fit as well, try to go somewhere where you can look through a few pairs in your price range.
ignorethefringes
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2016
- Messages
- 3,061
I picked up a pair of the Diamondbacks during Bass Pro's black Friday sale for $130. So far I've been really happy with them. And considering that they are my first full size pair of binos and a significant step up from prior pairs, I think they are worth the money I spent.
I am also in the market for a set of budget friendly binoculars. I compared the Vortex Diamondback (Non HD version) with the BX-1 and BX-2 side by side and I was sad to find that both Leupold binos lacked in clarity in comparison. I haven't had a chance to look through any Meoptas yet.
LCH
Well-known member
I am not a connoisseur of optics, but my kids have Diamondback HDs and I have Theron Questas. The Vortex aren't bad, but using them side by side with my Questas, the Theron binos are better IMO.
Another vote for the Theron's. I have the Questa's and they are comparable to the Vortex Vipers. I purchased the Wapati's first, and used them for a few years before upgrading. Nothing wrong with that glass at all & it outpunches the dollar figure: http://theronoptics.com/WAPITI_HQ_BINOCULARS.html
Rapptor
New member
I have a pair of the old Diamondbacks and McKenzies. No comparison the Diamondbacks are better so if the HDs are an improvement then it's a no-brainer.
sbhooper
Well-known member
I have had a Diamondback bino for several years now. I bought them on a closeout somewhere. They have been fine, for my needs and did not cost a whole bunch.
Aussie_hunter_JD
Well-known member
Before I upgraded to Leica I ran Meopta and they were good
chuckchili
Well-known member
I have the Diamondbacks, got them a couple years ago on a Black Friday sale. I think they're decent for the money and the glass seems to fit my needs for now.
Outlaw99
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2019
- Messages
- 207
I can’t believe there’s been no mention of Mavens. Amazing glass for the money
FI460
Well-known member
I bought a pair of Diamondbacks with my first paycheck after graduating college. They were ok, but by the end of the first season I found I was primarily relying on my rifle scope in anything less than full sun.
I upgraded and the Diamondbacks turned into my truck binos. I'd save a little more or explore some of the other options.
I upgraded and the Diamondbacks turned into my truck binos. I'd save a little more or explore some of the other options.
