Best binos sub £300

[Freeforester]

I have and found very little difference, also don't care for porro prism binos
Have had the chance to compare Vortex against some top end glass and while the top end glass might be slightly
better it is not four or five times better
Now if someone was to me a give me a pair of Zeiss or Swaro's which to my eyes are better than Zeiss I would
happily accept and use them .
But if buying I am perfectly happy using Vortex and wouldn't consider anything else , i am not a name snob, if they are good enough for me
as a pro. They should be good enough for a recreational stalker.

No I get that BT, but Zeiss Jena are hardly considered top drawer, nor name snob material.

Had a chance to compare the Leica and Vortex rf bins the other evening, for me the clarity, resolution and brightness were far better in the former, and I've used the Zeiss Jenas many times in the past, and still own a pair, in my view they stand up much better against the top marques than the Vortex do; there's only one sure way to find out of course, and that is to compare them side by side.

Happy to oblige, if at all practicable.

 

[GHudson]

Thanks for all the input guys, I have also come across delta optical binoculars and seen a few positive reviews has anyone got any views on these?
George

 

[HallyButt]

Thanks for all the input guys, I have also come across delta optical binoculars and seen a few positive reviews has anyone got any views on these?
George

I tried mine out tonight, seriously compared to my friends Steiner Rangers of the same format And my Hawke Nature Trek, sorry I don’t have any other comparisons..

 

[landkeeper]

Nikon binos are worth a look too have been impressed with a set i was bought

 

[Dan Newcombe]

I’ve had minox BV and not long ago bought some Bushnell Legends which I’m quite pleased with.

not on the German level at last light but otherwise good and circa £200 I think

 

[Kjf]

I’ve had minox BV and not long ago bought some Bushnell Legends which I’m quite pleased with.

not on the German level at last light but otherwise good and circa £200 I think

I've got the bushnell legend HD . Not swarvo or zeiss but have done me for the last 6 years. They have even been run over in my truck ( Hendrix rifles fault lol) and are no worse for wear

Kjf

 

[Jezholmes]

+1 for Vortex, great value for money and the warranty is outstanding.

 

[Erik Hamburger]

Also have a look at the Vanguard Endeavor ED Range, most are within your budget. They work just fine for me...

 

[Davestuart]

I have the vanguard 8x56 and they work a treat , down side is the weight and bulky but they do the job if that doesn’t bother you and I got them second hand sub £70 on face book market place

 

[Norfolk Horn]

When I first started stalking I needed a light weight pair of binoculars so I shopped round and found a nice set of Nikon which were very good and only just over a £100 from Wex the camera people I used these for several years before purchasing some Kahles off another member. The Nikon stay in the truck.
Nikon is often overlooked but they do make excellent glass

 

[Nelson62]

I have Vortex bino's and Vortex ranger, range finder. Both very good glass, and lifetime warranty. They simply "do the job well"

 

[Harry mac]

Vortex Diamondback. I got myself a pair of 8x42 about three years ago when I had to sell my Swarovskis to raise funds quickly. I've not regretted it yet.

 

[Longstrider]

I'm amazed that no-one has yet mentioned Hawke bino's. Forget brand snobbery until you've looked through a pair! I have the Endurance ED's in 8x32 and they're damned good bino's. Not quite as crystal as my Leica Ultravids (what would you expect ?) but at about £200 list price you could do a hell of a lot worse.

 

[devonair]

I'm amazed that no-one has yet mentioned Hawke bino's. Forget brand snobbery until you've looked through a pair! I have the Endurance ED's in 8x32 and they're damned good bino's.

I have a pair of Hawke Frontier Eds 8x42, They are brilliant, easy on the eyes, bright and crisp. paid £260 new @Clifton camereras. Seen em 2nd hand for half that.
Can't see Swaro ELs being £1000+ better!!
If they get lost or nicked out the car it's bearable.

 

[billy_boyle_2010]

My second hand hawkes are pretty good but I dont have much to compare them to admittedly......

 

[devonair]

My second hand hawkes are pretty good but I dont have much to compare them to admittedly......

What model/mag?

 

[Richard308]

I have a pair of Hawke Frontier Eds 8x42, They are brilliant, easy on the eyes, bright and crisp. paid £260 new @Clifton camereras. Seen em 2nd hand for half that.
Can't see Swaro ELs being £1000+ better!!
If they get lost or nicked out the car it's bearable.

I have a pair and can’t justify the difference to el’s which I have. Can’t wait to see pl’s

 

[Richard308]

I have a pair and can’t justify the difference to el’s which I have. Can’t wait to see pl’s

Mine are edx

 

[A J]

Another vote for Vortex at that price point.

 

[User00040]

Vortex first then save up for Swaro EL's.

The latter is the gold standard for glass, ergonomics (NOT the EL Range,why the huge protrusions underneath?! ) and customer service.

Some companies may beat or come close Swaro on one of those three attributes but not all three.