Binocs for a trad bow guy

[awbowman]

Not sure if we can post it here, but this tradbow guy is looking for some good COMPACT mid-price binocs ($500 or less) to be used in thick woods.  Needs to gather light well for those last few minutes of shooting time

[Ray Hammond]

Vortex diamondback 8x42  or Leupold green ring Yosemite 6x30

[Gdpolk]

I've been pleased with my 8x30 Leupold Yosemite binoculars.  They are well under your price limit but work well for hunting.  I don't see how you would need any more than that for thick woods, although if you have the money to pay you might want more just to have nicer.

[Shawn Leonard]

Nikon Monarch ATB 8X36, about half what you are looking too spend and very nice. I agree with the Yosemite but like more magnafication and a bit better light gathering than the 30mm allows. I have owend a pair of the Nikons 8x36 in the camo version for 10 years and love them. Shawn

[Richard in OK]

Take a look at thesamplelist.com. If that doesn't work, go to SWFA.com and find the button for the sample list, which is their discount (reconditioned, used, floor samples, etc) site. The prices are good. I would look for Bushnell Custom Compacts. Mine are 35 years old and still work fine in the thick. I also like my pentax 8x32, though they are not compact.

Richard

[awbowman]

I am a fan of Nikon Monarch line.  Heck of a bang for the buck.  I have some 42 mm and want smaller.

I'll check them out

[Shawn Leonard]

Yeah, I have found them for around $239 or so, put them on a butler creek or crooked horn bino strap and ya can shoot with them on all day. Shawn

[awbowman]

Which model in Vortex's line Mr. Ray

[threeunder]

Another vote for Leupold 6x30's.  Way more performance than what you pay for.

[BDann]

I love my Nikon Monarch 8x42.  Great binocs and not a whole lot of money.

[Ray Hammond]

Diamondback 8x42's are $219 on the web

If you look at review forum you'll see a write up on the Leupolds

They are great and at 90 bucks an unbelievable value

[acollins]

Vortex

[Zmonster]

Burris signature select. They are discontinued but still can be found. I got the recommendation from someone here, and they are hands down some of the best binos I have ever looked through. They have been compared to binos costing 3 times as much.

[smoke1953]

Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.

[tenbrook]

Nikon Monarch 8x42's are GREAT!!!!!

[smoke1953]

Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.

[LittleBen]

I tried out those Leupold 6x mentioned here and they were rockin.

No substitute for good wuality glass. Just put Zeiss glass on my 1903sporter and it's a whoel new world ... you can literally shoot by moonlight. I dont think Zeiss makes binocs in that price range, but I'd recommend them anyday.

[Biggamefish]

I just picked up some Leupold Yosemite 8x30 and they are fast have a wide view and are crystal clear. I love them.

[Orion]

In thick woods, you're not looking very far so you don't need 8 power.  I'd recommend 6 or 7 power instead with a fairly large objective lens for good light gathering.

Those old Custom Compacts mentioned previously, are a very good glass, came in 6 and 7 power, and probably sell now for under $200 if you can find them.  I still have a pair.  In newer glass, Vortex and Leupold are hard to beat in the price range you're considering.

[awbowman]

Originally posted by smoke1953:
Little higher price than what you're talking but hard to beat Vortex Viper HD 6x32. Just over $600.

I'd up the price point if they are really worth it.