Binoculars needed. Help please.

I've bought 3 pair of Diamondbck Vortex binocs, 10X40 HD x2 (gave one pair to a son in law for a gift) and one pair of 12X50. I've not been disappointed in them. The 12X50 are my main binocs for prairie dog hunting. On a typical pd hunt, I spend many hours glassing. Admittedly, they're not like my brother in law's Swarovski's, but they didn't cost $1500 used either. I also have 2 Vortex scopes. Their customer service has a fine reputation. I sent them an email asking them how I could buy a replacement lens cover for the 12X50's as I had lost one. Instead, they sent me small Vortex backpack w/ a pair of lens covers, a cap, a sticker and a cleaning cloth, all free. I think Vortex makes a quite possibly the best quality product at it's price point. The only thing I'd suggest is to buy the HD model. Last year they started selling the non-HD model of the 10X40's at bargain basement prices as they introduced the HD model. It wasn't always easy to determine which model was actually being sold w/o looking at the actual model #. Having said that, even if these are non-HD models, I'm sure they're still good binocs.

Vortex makes great binoculars but to my eyes the Hawke binoculars are better are similar price point. Mainly because you can get ED glass at a much lower price point. With optics it's hard to beat physics. If you can spend a few bucks more and get ED glass with a non-Vortex label it will be worth it.


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I actually went with an ED glass monocular. Yes it's about half the price of the binoculars but for me the size and weight made it great for carrying around.

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My wife bought me a pair of Canons with image stabilization and I love them. They were not cheap but not as expensive as binos get. I use them for duck/geese scouting and they opened up SO many areas in the 2 years I have had them I would have never asked about hunting that they are worth twice the price. My old cheap wally world binos revealed ducks on the water as ripples only...and geese in a field were just something gray that looked out of place....with the canons I can county the mites crawling on the birds! It make a big difference with ducks because its easy to find coots but with cheap binos its hard to tell the difference between a coot wake and a mallard wake....

I have some diamondbacks that are getting sent back after the season. I can’t use them with one hand anymore. They’re cheaply made. Yes, their CS is great. Returns are easy. The next pair I get will be Leupold or Bushnell though. Also great CS and great warranties. I just don’t anticipate having to use them. Vortex seems to be the company that people keep having to use the warranty with. My D backs only last d about a season’s worth before needing to be sent back.

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I have never had anything other than cheap binos, and they are not cutting it. These would be primarily for birding, and the distances would not be over 60 yards often. I am a cheap bastard, so looking for a deal.

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I would advise against buying binoculars solely based on price. IMO, you need to go "test drive" several pair of binoculars at your local Dicks, Bass Pro Shop, Academy, Scheels, Cabelas, Security, or similar sporting goods store. Let your eyes decide after looking through them. Then shop based on what brand/model looked best to you.

Vortex is an American company (Wisconsin) with great customer service. They have high profit margins and offer Lifetime Warranty on products which keep customers happy. The Diamondback series of optics are made in China which are very cheap to produce. It’s been my experience that lower end, Chinese glass is horrible with clarity, resolution, and light gathering. If used for extended periods of time, cheap glass can result in eye fatigue and headaches. Not that big of a deal for a rifle hunter using a scope, but could be a deal breaker for a bird watcher who is constantly looking through glass.

Lastly, don't get caught up in the 10x magnification or 50mm objective lens is better than lower magnification options. Some 8x42 binos made in Japan or the USA will totally outperform optics made in China or the Philippines.

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I would advise against buying binoculars solely based on price

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I am a cheap bastard, so looking for a deal.

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I just got a pair of the Maven C.1’s as well. They are a direct to consumer company, so there is no middle man mark-up.
They are phenomenal! I found them on Amazon for $262.00. From the research I’ve done they are slightly preferred over the vortex viper line which come in at $600+. You will consistently see them with the top stop in the “best glass for the money” lists. Couldn’t be happier for sub-$300 glass

Optics Planet has Vortex Diamondbacks 10x42 on sale for $129.99. I bought them at that same price point last year and have been very pleased with them.

Google cameralandny. Call them and tell them your situation. Can’t go wrong.