All-purpose binoculars for under $100

[vYu223]

Hello everyone, this is my first post here.

I've noticed that like watches and cameras, "affordable" in this world may only mean "within $1000"

However, I don't have such money. I'm only a high school junior, after all.

I'm looking for an all-purpose binocular. I'm probably going to use it most during vacations, but I will probably also use it other times in other situations. I going to only use it at night, nor am I going to only use it during the day. I don't really have any specific application that I'm going to use it for (thus it being "all-purpose").

I'd like it to also be waterproof (doesn't have to be submersible; it just has to be "drizzle proof" or weatherproof).

All $100 or under.

Are there any binoculars really worth it within the $100 range? If not, then it's probably better to just get a cheapo $20 one...

Thanks in advance!

[ceasar]

Yes there are.
Check this binocular out: Leupold Yosemite 6 x 30 Porro Prism. It was specifically designed to be an "all purpose" family binocular.

Check it out at this website: www.eagleoptics.com. You can get one from them for $99.00 which includes shipping. Tell them you are a novice and ask them to check it out for you before they mail it.

Another good one is the Bushnell Excursion 8 x 28. You can look at that one on the above website also.

The Leupolds are better "all purpose" than the Bushnell's, they will be brighter and have a wider field of view.

Good luck and welcome to Bird Forum.

Bob

[Lisa W]

Can't help with the binocular quest, just wanted to say welcome to the forum. Think you will find us a friendly, helpful bunch.

[vYu223]

Thanks for the help so far. However, I forgot to mention that I'm looking for something a bit smaller and more compact. Any recommendations? Thanks again!

[ceasar]

"Compact" and "All Purpose" are mutually exclusive terms when it comes to binoculars, especially in your price range. A compact binocular (usually defined as having objective lenses less than 30mm in diameter) will not be at it's best in twilight or darkened conditions. If you can live with that then Nikon makes 2 binoculars that cost about $80.00 that you may like. The Travelite V 8 x 25 and the Trailblazer ATB 8 x 25. The latter has a much wider field of view than the former and is waterproof. The Travelite will be better optically and with it's single hinge be easier to handle. Six of one or half dozen of the other. The former is a reverse porro prism the latter is a roof prism. What's the difference? Pull up Eagle Optic's catalog from their website, go to page 5 and read about it. It's not complicated. I'm not being snooty here. You have shown enough interest in the subject for me to encourage you to educate yourself a bit on how binocular's work.
Good Luck,
Bob

[Tero]

Try eBay. Put in 8x and roof prism, for compacts. Or search binoculars by brands: Nikon, Pentax, Leupold.

Other than that, even Nikon ProStaff 8x25 reverse porros run over 100. They are waterproof.

[Atomic Chicken]

Greetings!

For that price range and purpose, I would highly recommend the Brunton Echo 8x25 model. They're around $80, have a nice wide FOV, are waterproof, and reasonably lightweight and compact. I carry a pair in my car glovebox, and have no complaints about their ruggedness or performance. Not as good as high-end optics, but you won't find anything that IS for that price range.

Best wishes,
Bawko