Author Topic: 8X40 Binos for under $300 (Read 770 times)

32 Point Buck · « **on:** February 12, 2006, 04:48:31 PM »

I am interested in choices for binculars under $300. I currently have a pair of 12X50. Looking at a larger FOV and lighter stalking binacular in something like a 8X40. I have been doing some research and I have come up with a list of four under $300. Because of the money range I have focused on Porro design. It seems to me you have to get in the $600 range to find a Roof design to optically compete with the Porro by the nature of design. The four I have narrowed it down to are the Swift Audubon 8.5X44, Bushnell 8X42 Ledgend, Pentax DCF WP 8X40, and the Leupold Wind River Mesa 8X42.
The specs for the Leupold do not state BaK 4 prisms. I am concerned they may use BK-7 if that is the case they will be out of the running.
I am wondering if anyone has some feedback about the ones I listed above or if I need to look into other options.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2006, 04:50:21 PM »

I have the Legend and can highly recommend it. I consider it the best buy in binoculars today.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2006, 04:54:38 PM »

Legend!! :agree: :agree: :agree:

Tim

whitedogone · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2006, 01:37:10 AM »

Hey, where's the Monarchs on that list!

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2006, 03:48:24 AM »

The Legends are a very good binocular. As whitedogone has already stated, don't count out the Nikon Monarch ATB's. They are also a very good binocular for the money.

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2006, 05:10:45 AM »

Can't people read? He's talking about porro prisms. No way does a Monarch ATB or Bushnell Legend roof prism even come anywhere close to the optical quality of the Swift Audubon 820 8.5x44mm porro prism binoculars.

The other porro prism binoculars he listed do not compare well to the Swift Audubon 820 8.5x44mm. The view of the Swift Audubon 820 8.5x44mm compares favorably to that of the highly regarded Swarovski EL 8.5x42mm roof prism binoculars and hence have been called the poor man's ELs. The Swifts are easily thrice the binoculars as the others, but then again they cost about twice as much as well. The only problem with them is they are not well suited to eyeglass wearers as their eye relief is actually below what they are specified as.

If you can afford $50 more you could get the Swift Audubon 820ED 8.5x44mm with extra-low dispersion glass. They easily blow out of the water any roof prism for under $700.