Binoculars

[NQAS]

Not a photography question, but there are tons of knowledgeable people here so I thought I'd pose this question in this group.

Looking for 8x42 binoculars for birding. Least expensive good quality I've found so far are just under $300. That's a bit steep, though if that's the only realistic choice then I'll but them. But do you know of any good quality binoculars that are maybe under $200. Need to buy a new pair because I bumped a Celestron binocular on the table and the eyepiece broke off. It was older and probably an inexpensive model, so maybe that's not surprising. In any case, any suggestions?

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Try www.bestbinocularsreviews.com

https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/

[AndyS]

3. This is great advice!

https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/guides/what-to-look-for-when-buying-binoculars.php

[AndyS]

2. Some suggestions . . .

I find optics from Camera companies to be excellent.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1084707-REG/nikon_16002_8x42_prostaff_7s_binoculer.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLOcf0C7ATFCwaxx1F3V6f2MKAHE2dSf3uU51wWvcG9cNlxVjxGzCv0aAkWbEALw_wcB

Smithsonian suggests these. 10x instead of 8x.
https://www.microscope.com/smithsonian/best-binoculars-for-birding-smithsonian-great-outdoors-binoculars-set.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLPF3LmLwGuWnFCEEhbeldquZrdtkJbwP1TIRopBMCG2oDmvmn8bfNwaAtTrEALw_wcB

For occasional short time viewing less expensive optics are okay but for long usage more $ means more comfort. The issue is having both sides the same in magnification and alignment. If either is off by much migraines will follow . . .

[AndyS]

4. I have an older version of these. Not as bright as the 42 optics but I've been

quite happy. Plus they're sealed and waterproof.*

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203988919871?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1WSLqJnOxSmu8FYVNcERmoQ73&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=203988919871&targetid=1587268787897&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9027204&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1587268787897&abcId=9300697&merchantid=101981675&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8O-VBhCpARIsACMvVLM5Wo026cEaqPwPg6xzyH1Cq1zoT8kZydlvkRc1cCTiPVk46ELeeRAaAhmtEALw_wcB

*Those who know me are chuckling about now . . .

[2naSalit]

5. I paid over...

$500 for mine, 10x42, Leupold. Bought them about 15 years ago.

[yonder]

6. Consider a good quality monocular? Not a cheapo.

I've a Vortex 8x36 with a ranging reticle that works very well for my needs. Though not as bright as something with a larger objective, it is small and easy to grab and carry. They do make a 10x but that is too much magnification for its front lens size, especially in low-light conditions, IMO.

Just a thought.