Thread: $400 price point bino options

Hey guys after opinions on best bang for bucks on cheapish 10x42 binos. Got a budget of $4-500 max and would prefer new. Will be used for open country stuff and cutover forestry blocks.

Been looking at the following:
Diamondback $400
Bushnell Trophy $400
Burris Droptine $500

Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by 7mmwsm

Check out Leupold in that price bracket. Cascade or Mckenzie. My kids started of with them in 10x30 and side by side they are easier to spot with than my 8x30 Kahles. Last light situations.

Second that, I picked up my Leupold Bx2 10x50 for $350 used but as new and they are actually pretty damn good for the money and even spending 3x that investment wouldn't see 3x better

Leupold cascades

Like my diamondback's but I really haven't compared them to much else.

Another vote for the Loopy BX2 as I picked mine up for that price a few months ago.

Second hand but new and box hadn't been opened.

Originally Posted by viper

Like my diamondback's but I really haven't compared them to much else.

I've also got the 10x42s and haven't had the opportunity to compare them with anything else. They do have a fair amount of chromatic aberration towards the edges, but the centre of the image is good. Overall not bad, but again, I am not able to quantify their performance.

Originally Posted by Northlandnewbie

Hey guys after opinions on best bang for bucks on cheapish 10x42 binos. Got a budget of $4-500 max and would prefer new. Will be used for open country stuff and cutover forestry blocks.

Been looking at the following:
Diamondback $400
Bushnell Trophy $400
Burris Droptine $500

Thanks in advance.

I had a similar question a couple of years ago as had a trip to the Kawekas planned. I went with the Diamondbacks, but 8x42. Given they come with a pouch/harness, they are good value.

By the way, I've yet to find anywhere in Northland where binoculars are of any use!

Ive got the bx2s and deer are actually easier to spot with my mates bx1s imo

I was watching a set of BX1 but went just under $500 and most people seem to rate BX2 at a similar level to Diamondback.

Never had much joy buying things secondhand but I guess if the extra value was there I’d spring for it.

Why are the Nikons not on your list?

Nikon prostaff 7s 10x42

Im in EXACTLY the same boat. Went into hunting and fishing today to have a look at some diamondbacks 10x42 , but they said they had stopped stocking them as they were having difficulty with the warranties . Tried to get more information but didnt say much else.
So I had a look through some of the Burris Droptine's. They were nice but now all you guys saying leupold has me thinking again !!!

Originally Posted by Jusepy

Im in EXACTLY the same boat. Went into hunting and fishing today to have a look at some diamondbacks 10x42 , but they said they had stopped stocking them as they were having difficulty with the warranties . Tried to get more information but didnt say much else.
So I had a look through some of the Burris Droptine's. They were nice but now all you guys saying leupold has me thinking again !!!

The H&F store in Whakatane still stocks, sells, and warranties the Vortex Diamondbacks... a bit of a slow warranty turnaround though.
I suppose since each H&F is a separate franchise, one store could decide not to stock them but all ok at most stores by the sound of things.

Originally Posted by matto1234

Ive got the bx2s and deer are actually easier to spot with my mates bx1s imo

In what way ? I find my bx2's to be fantastic but they are the 52mm objective which probably helps by allowing more light in.

I wager the Delta Forest from Sarvo will beat out any Leupolds for twice the money https://www.nzgrhunts.com/specials

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

I wager the Delta Forest from Sarvo will beat out any Leupolds for twice the money https://www.nzgrhunts.com/specials

I loved my deltas when I had them