quality binocs, light weight,<= $100

GreenLantern

Looking for a good quality binocular that is light weight and $100 or less. Fixed power is fine, probably in the 8 to 10 range. Looked at some Nikons that I thought were pretty nice, Travel-lite I think was the model.

Any other suggestions?

GL

Salvage33

Check out www.cheaperthandirt.com and see what they have to offer. The Nikon's are excellent, as are some Bausch & Lomb's and Zeiss. Don't know what you are going to use them for, but assuming hunting. Something compact, lightweight, and weather proof would be my criteria for selecting the glasses. Also, if you wear glasses, check the rear oculars for soft rubber eye pieces so you don't scratch or break lenses.

John

A friend will post your bail. A good friend will be sitting next to you in the cell saying, "man that was fun!"

He Dog

There simply is no such thing as quality $100 binos. If I just had to go as cheap as I could, I would look at the Bushnell 8x32 Legend. It will cost at least twice what you want to pay.

He Dog

cussedemgun

Mr. Lantern;
check out "www.natchezss.com"
search #bh281043r & #bh121250
both on special now for small money like you soecify

"all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten" Robert Fulghum


anyone who says "nobody needs a full auto" has never been in front of a brown bear charge

savage12bvss300wsm

My wife bought me a pair of B&L binos for Christmas. They are 10x42. Must say I have been impressed. Every bit as bright and clear as my nikon monarch scope. Have also noticed the brunton lite techs on sale in several places for under 100 bucks. They are also a pretty good set of binos.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Only some have film.

Lance

I suspect He Dog is correct. However, if your time is worth nothing:

1. Check pawn shops for top quality brand names -- Zeiss, Leitz (older Leica brand name) Leitz, etc.

2. Find close-out of high-quality items -- Leupold American-made IF pocket binoculars (8-10 x #8776; 25??)

3. Check Deutsche Optik, Sovietski Collection, and other military surplus resellers. Military binoculars made in the 1960s and later, by Hensoldt, Leica, Zeiss-Jena, in excellent condition that has IF focusing, and uses Schott optical glass -- any of these will probably suit you. Military binoculars tend to be more durably assembled than commercial binoculars. If they have been reconditioned and come with a US warranty, you will have what you seek.

You can buy better, but better will be significantly more expensive. I am not much of a fan of used Japanese binoculars because I suspect optical glass not made by Schott is softer, less abrasion resistant than this German product.

New Japanese binoculars, though, are fine. Just not as durably built as top-of-the-line German/Austrian products.

bobinwis

Check out Steiner's Predator 8x22's. I bought a set 3 years ago. Best glasses I own and I also wear glasses. The are less than 4 inches high, 8.5 ounces, rubber eye cups, neck strap, nice case, and fold up to size of a pack of smokes. Don't feel like neck anchors, especially out hunting. Lenses are coated to bring out game/fur colors but you can't tell it viewing other stuff. Fit a shirt pocket easily for wet or foul weaather. Cabela's lists them for 149.99 which is down $20 from what I paid. Go check out a set, bet you buy them....

Regards, Bob

GreenLantern

Thanks for the suggestions, that gives me a number of options and brands to look at. As often as I would use them (hunting, general use) I highly doubt I would spend more than $100.