Which mid range bino?

[Jaeger01]

Thinking about new pair of mid-range priced binos. Considering Zeiss Conquest, Kahles and Minox, prefer 8x30 or 32 and that's what's keeping me away from Minox. Any comments or suggestions on others? Brunton Eternas or Nikon's? Interested in all ideas. I'm retired, on a fixed income so mid's are the only thing being considered, trying to stay at less than $600 USD.

[elkcub]

Hi Jaeger,

I believe you can buy a Nikon 8x32 SE in that price range. It's a porro prism considered to have the best optics on the planet. I own a much older 8x30 and can testify to its quality. So if you can get one around $600, that should be it. There will be many more recommendations rolling in, but I'd suggest using that as your reference point for selection.

Enjoy the view whatever you do,
Elkcub

[Humboldt Jim]

Check the specs. and price on Pentax Binoculars DCF XP 8x33 and eagle optics,

The 8x32 model is similar but less eye relief. Both have good real FOV.

Jim

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings Jaeger01!

Only 2 suggestions in your price range - depending on whether you require your binoculars to be waterproof or not.

#1 suggestion - if you don't need them to be waterproof. I would 2nd Elkcub's suggestion: The Nikon 8x32 SE. These are truly fantastic optics that rival almost every high-end roof prism model on the market. They would be absolute perfection if Nikon ever came out with a waterproof model... one can only hope.

#2 suggestion - if you require a waterproof mid-size roof prism binocular for under $600, the Nikon HG 8x32 is the best I've ever seen. These are the first high-end binoculars I ever purchased, and they are still my 2nd favorite of all time - which says a lot considering that I currently own close to a dozen high-end binoculars and constantly evaluate new optics whenever I'm given the chance.

Whatever you choose, be sure you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. It's a lot of money, after all ;)

Best wishes,
Bawko