Stalking binoculars

[adam_butterill]

Hi I am looking for a set of binoculars to use for stalking will be my first set and not got an unlimited budget to spend ideally looking for a good second hand pair to start off with till I can save up for a really good pair cheers

 

[NickJ]

What sort of stalking do you do, all lowland/woodland or including the hill?

Look in this section for used, this pair will be suitable for most situations: For Sale: - Swarovski Habitch 8x30 W binoculars

 

[Blench99]

Vortex

 

[Grand Slam]

You wont go far wrong with a set of Minox Binos. I had a set right up until recently and they were fantastic.

 

[Rake Aboot]

Opticron

 

[Skogsmannen]

If you have chance, have a root around some local car boots, you'll mostly find older style or low quality ones, but you should find something useable which could get you going and then become a back up set. Last weekend I stumbled across some for a tenner that are good enough for what I need.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

For the money and warranty, Vortex can't be beaten. J

 

[maximus otter]

Hi I am looking for a set of binoculars to use for stalking will be my first set and not got an unlimited budget to spend ideally looking for a good second hand pair to start off with till I can save up for a really good pair cheers

I’d recommend an 8 x 40 pair or similar. Many will recommend 10x, but in my opinion the extra magnification induces more wobble and cuts light transmission.

As to make, 10 stalkers will give you 11 opinions…

lf the For Sale forum here on SD can’t satisfy your needs, try some of the birdwatching equipment suppliers, e.g. In Focus.

maximus otter

 

[Chris Richardson]

another vote for minox and 8 x power

 

[rollotomassi]

Hi adam

See here. They are bright and great eye relief[v usable if you wear glasses/sunglasses]. One of best bang for buck pairs Ive ever used [I have swarovski now]

R

Sold: Thread 'Audubon 8 x 42 HP binos'

May 2, 2026

Have two pair. Getting rid of one. These are one of best value pairs Ive ever owned. Bright image but the best is the eye relief, using with glasses is very easy. No scratches and nice coatings on the lenses.

£95 posted ovno

will find exact specs for those interested

• rollotomassi
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Optics

 

[swaro79]

minox are a decent set clear glass and not to crazy in price!.defo worth a look through to get you going.

 

[VSS]

Another vote for 8× mag, whatever make you go for.
8×42 would be ideal.
If you go any higher than 8× you start to lose depth of field, and you really need the depth of field for woodland/lowland stalking.

 

[Freeforester]

7 x you can watch for a few minutes, 7x you can view an area for hours, just sayin’

 

[lochty]

#1 for swarovski 8 x 30

 

[Jagged77]

Just put a pair of Vortex Diamondbacks up for sale.

 

[Electric Ian]

GPO Passion ED 8x42 are excellent for the money

 

[Klenchblaize]

What's the Op's actual budget?

K

 

[oldhamstocks]

End of line Hawke Frontier APO 8 x 42 are going for 420 new with brilliant warranty. 750 RRP which is a bargain at that. There a tiny smidgen below alpha glass at 4 times plus the price in terms of quality.

 

[long_range_rob]

Don’t be afraid to go second hand Swarovski

 

[Koenig]

Vortex Diamondbacks - new or second hand (the warranty remains the same). You’ll also have no problem selling them on to someone else starting out on a budget when you want to upgrade.