Best 8x42 <$300?

[Crusader]

In the process of upgrading my "big" binoculars right now and I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on Meopta Meostar 12x50's. Given their cost, I don't have too much $ leftover but I'd like to also upgrade from my 10-year old Vortex Diamondback 8x42's. What do you guys think is the best bang for the buck 8x42 with a $300 price limit?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Perfect timing. We just put the Athlon Cronus 10x42 ED on sale for $319.99, reduced from $499.99

Designed for serious glassing, with exceptional edge to edge clarity, sharp detail enhancement, ultra-clear brightness and true color representation. Whether you are on your annual hunt for whitetails on the family farm in Alabama, or filling your tag on an once in a lifetime Montana Big Horn, don’t leave anything to chance. We designed these binoculars with our revolutionary E2ES lens system that gives you a flat field of view. We included Extra-Low Dispersion Glass that results in a clearer and sharper image. Our state of the art ESP (Enhance Spectral Prism) dielectric coating reflects 99% of the light through the prism assembly. We use a Magnesium chassis to reduce weight while keeping the chassis rugged to withstand the scrapes and bumps of constant use.

E2ES System- Edge 2 Edge Sharpness system: E2ES System is a field flattening system that produces sharper, clearer images all the way from one lens edge to the other

ED Glass- High definition glass: ED glass gives you an image with little or no chromatic fringe so the final result brings a clearer and sharper image to your eyes

ESP Dielectric Coating- Enhanced Spectral Prism Dielectric Coating: ESP Dielectric Coating is a multi layer prism coating that reflects over 99% of the light to your eyes bringing you a clear, bright image that displays accurate color reproduction.

Lightweight Magnesium Chassis: Magnesium chassis give you the strength of a metal chassis while reducing the weight as much as 35%

XPL Coating- Xtra Protective Layer coating: XPL Coating gives you an extra protection on the exterior lenses from dirt, oil and scratches

Phase Corrected prisms: Phase corrected prisms produce images that have better contrast, a higher resolution and better color reproduction

BaK4 prisms: Bak-4 glass prisms reflect more light to your eyes which will give you brighter and sharper image.

Advanced FMC: Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses gives you better light transmission to bring optimum brightness and true color across the entire light spectrum.

Locking Diopter: Locking Diopter keeps the diopter adjustment knob from accidentally moving from the optimal setting

Long Eye Relief: Long eye relief can be particularly important for eyeglass wearers because longer eye relief allows them to still see the entire field of view.

Close Focus: Close focus is important for those who are nature observers and especially important if you are going to watch butterflies or insects

Twist Up Eyecups: Twist up eyecups with intermediate stops allow you to set the eyecups to the ideal eye relief for you eyes

Waterproof: Waterproof to protects the binocular in the harshest weather conditions or if accidentally submerged underwater

Argon Purged: Argon purging gives you better waterproofing and thermal stability

Power 10X
Objective Lens Diameter 42 mm
Eye Relief 19.3 mm
Field Of View Angular 6.5°
Field Of View FT @1000 YARDS 338 ft
Field Of View M @1000 METERS 113 m
Close Focus 2 m /6.5 ft
Interpupillary Distance 56 mm-73 mm
Weight 33 oz

 

[idahohikker]

Maven C1. The Diamondbacks really aren’t bad though. You won’t see a huge jump but there should be some. If you want a clear jump, you’ll need to spend more than $300ish.

 

[Newtosavage]

Probably the C1's if you're shopping new.

 

[snuzzo29]

Another vote for the C1s. I have the 10x42 and like them better than the Diamondbacks.

 

[Felix40]

Happy 8x42 C1 user here. I like them better than the vipers i have for work.

 

[Crusader]

Wow, lot's of love for the Maven C1. I've heard the Meopta Optika is pretty good and in the same price range. Anyone have experience with both of them and could comment on how they'd compare?

 

[Ben RT]

Some other things to consider might be Bushnell Legend M Series. I have always heard great things about them. Also might look at the Bushnell Engage 8x42s
-- that's what my son uses, and I say they're comparable to Vortex Viper HD, Nikon Monarch 7, and the like ($450ish range). Prices are around $200-250. I think it's really a good value in glass, but poor re-sale value and I'm not sure about the warranty.

The Meostar 12x50s are great stuff. I wouldn't hesitate if you found a decent deal on them.

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[LandYacht]

I’m really bummed to not see the Swaro fan club on here touting the box that the SLC or ELs come in.


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[Yukon Cornelius]

I bought a pair of Swarovski 8x20 and I’m debating selling my monarch 7s 8x42. I’m in the fence though. I love these monarchs.

 

[rhino8888]

I have the Maven C1's and the glass is excellent.

 

[Rob5589]

I’m really bummed to not see the Swaro fan club on here touting the box that the SLC or ELs come in.


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Me too. Kinda disappointed not to see the "save up another 1000 dollars" post.

 

[16Bore]

I’ve got a set of 8x42 Diamondbacks you can have for $125.

I picked up some Kowa 6x30’s and a set of 10x42’s so I won’t be needing them.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

No question the Athlon Cronus 8.5x42's that we have on sale for only $319.99, reduced from $489.99 are the BEST in that price range. If you get them and do not agree then send them back to us

 

[ZackP]

No question the Athlon Cronus 8.5x42's that we have on sale for only $319.99, reduced from $489.99 are the BEST in that price range. If you get them and do not agree then send them back to us

Just out of curiosity as I will be in the market for another lower budget set soon. Have you compared these to the Optika bino?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Just out of curiosity as I will be in the market for another lower budget set soon. Have you compared these to the Optika bino?

Yes, and I feel the Athlon Cronus is hands down superior to the Optika and quite possibly better than the Meopro as well

 

[ZackP]

Yes, and I feel the Athlon Cronus is hands down superior to the Optika and quite possibly better than the Meopro as well

Interesting. Are they made in China?

 

[Jimss]

Don't do it! You get what you pay for! I would buy nearly new optics of better quality before paying for cheap binos! You will be a lot better off in the long run rather than having a cheaper pair that doesn't last! I've bought several Leica and Swaros over the years that were nearly new off Craigslist, classified sections of this and other websites for more than 1/2 price! Sell some of your old equipment or other things you never use and buy either Leica or Swaro!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Interesting. Are they made in China?

Yes they are, same as your iPhone
There's quality from China and garbage from China, just matters what specs the product is made to

 

[echozarn]

great binos for the money