Thread: $400 price point bino options

I've had the 8x42 diamondbacks for 5 years now. Crisp and bright picture. It's got all the glass that I'll probably ever need. Ergonomic and easy to focus.
One minor defect is the factory glue used for attaching the rubber cover over the eye piece is of poor quality, mine came off for both eyes. Had to use super glue to reattach. They have stayed since.

I picked up some Kowa BDII from BHphoto. They were the shop sample pair(9/10) but were in perfect condition. Came to less than $400 (last years exchange rate) including shipping to NZ which in hindsight was a pretty good deal. I rate them but I dont really know any better. IMO they're nicer than my partners BX-2 alpines.

The Leupold Cascade line discontinued some years ago. Replaced by better and brighter in their range.

The diamondbacks were rated highly in this review
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topic...est-binoculars

Some specials on Marine Deals

The Delta Forest binos are quite cheap and I haven't heard bad things about them. Might be another option?

There’s Burris Droptine binos on special at Shooters World in Gore for $399


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Synthetic

I've had the 8x42 diamondbacks for 5 years now. Crisp and bright picture. It's got all the glass that I'll probably ever need. Ergonomic and easy to focus.
One minor defect is the factory glue used for attaching the rubber cover over the eye piece is of poor quality, mine came off for both eyes. Had to use super glue to reattach. They have stayed since.

That happened with my 10x42s at the beginning of the year, but only one eye-piece. I just sent them back and they sent me a brand new pair. Was a bit of a slow turnaround, but that was primarily due to a screw up by NZPost. Other than that I've been really happy with my Diamondbacks. Know quite a few other hunters with em and all seem to like them.

I have Leupold BX2 Alpines 10x42 and rate them. Like most things, they have increased in price over the last 12 months or so. 'Forever' warranty.

I paid $400 for a pair of bushnell binos 5 yrs ago,the glue on the eye pieces gave way almost immediately,then I finally lost the rubber eye piece this roar,so I’m using them without the rubber,I can still see deer so it’s ok,I find the quality good without having the worry about care and maintenance of a top brand of binos