What are the best really "CHEAP" birding binoculars? (1 Viewer)

[mfunnell]

You will like them. I personally think they are hard to beat for the price.

I just gave another set of the Sightron Blue Sky 8x32s away to someone who already thinks very highly of them (and will use them). I ordered in another set to give away to the next friend who needs decent binoculars that I can afford to give. (The friend I gave the most recent set to volunteers for wildlife rescue, and will really get some use from them.) I've found them very good myself, and those I've given them to all seem to appreciate the Sightrons as well.

...Mike

 

[holzphoto]

Nikon usa had refurbished monarch 5 - 8x42 for $150.

Now they are $200, still a great buy

 

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Nikon usa had refurbished monarch 5 - 8x42 for $150.

Now they are $200, still a great buy

I am a little cautious of refurbished binoculars from Nikon. I bought some refurbished 8x42 MHG's that were real "lemons". The focuser was rough, and the eye cups didn't pull out completely. Obviously they didn't refurbish them that well!

 

[pianoman]

When it comes to cheap binoculars, the main disadvantage for me is in their durability. You can pick up a servicible pair of 8 x 40 porros for $60, and the image can be surprisingly good. However careful you are though, the prisms are sure to be knocked out of alignment sooner rather than later, and not really economic to repair, so you end up having to buy another pair before long.

 

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When it comes to cheap binoculars, the main disadvantage for me is in their durability. You can pick up a servicible pair of 8 x 40 porros for $60, and the image can be surprisingly good. However careful you are though, the prisms are sure to be knocked out of alignment sooner rather than later, and not really economic to repair, so you end up having to buy another pair before long.

A lot of members on Bird Forum have had the Sightron Blue Sky 8x32 for years without any problems. That is a testament to their durability.

https://www.adorama.com/us1521607.html

 

[Binocollector]

I never managed to damage any binocular. I fixed a few vintage ones though. With the right tools it is often quite easy, as most of the time, they are not really out of collimation but just need a little adjustment of the lenses. Once a prism was slightly tilted on a vintage bino. It fell right back into place when I removed the brass spring that kept it in place.
But considering robust cheap binos -- my Oberwerk "Mariner" 8x40 looks like you could drive over it with a car. But it's also rather heavy with about 1.1 kg. Especially for an 8x40. But if I could just take one with me on a trip around the world -- it might well be that one. Costs around 140€ I believe. And it seems to be based on a Chinese military bino, according to Holger Merlitz (it's not confirmed though).

The 8x40 BM2-0840 (United-Optics)

8×40 Mariner - Oberwerk

Oberwerk 8x40 Mariner binocular has BAK4 prisms, precise center-focuser, ocular diopter adjustment, twist-up eyecups, and brass 1/4-20 tripod adapter threading.

oberwerk.com

Oberwerk Mariner CF 8x40

Oberwerk Mariner CF 8x40

www.oberwerk.eu

 

[Silent Observer]

You will like them. I personally think they are hard to beat for the price.

Thanks for the reassurance, I just checked, and they're now £153.26... the ol Amazon algorithm doing its thing...

 

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Thanks for the reassurance, I just checked, and they're now £153.26... the ol Amazon algorithm doing its thing...

The Amazon algorithm is weird, isn't it? You buy something, and then you look at it again and the price has increased! I guess it figures there is more demand, so we need to increase the price. Adorama still has an open box pair of Sightron Blue Sky 8x32's for $89.00.

https://www.adorama.com/us1521607.html