Low light binoculars

[ruger7mag]

What is the best value binoculars for low light? Something in the $300-500 range. Preferably at least 10x42s. I have vortex diamondback 10x42 and some lower end Nikons already.

I figured I'd get more views here than the optics section.

 

[knightrider]

Love my10x42 leupold mckenzie hd's

 

[WTNBowHunter]

vortex probably has the better budget friendly glass if i had to guess. and they've got a good replacement policy for damaged products. if you're able to spend a little more i definitely would. as the adage goes, you get what you pay for. i'm a leupold fan, they've got pro guide binos for $600, i really like mine

 

[44 mag]

Love my10x42 leupold mckenzie hd's

I second this. My Leupold McKenzies have been very good in low light or even bark with a full moon or street lights when I first got them to try out.

 

[rem270]

I have a pair of Vanguard Endeavor 10x42 that do excellent in low light.

 

[WanderingNomad]

I use Carson 3D series 10x42 and Athlon Midas G2 12x50, like them both a lot.

 

[Gravey]

Agree with the Leupold McKenzie HD's. Believe mine are 10x42.

 

[Mr.Bro]

That Vortex Viper is a step up and in that price range.
I compare them to Zeis Conquest 10x42 that I had and lost many years ago.

 

[Bear15]

I have Vortex Viper HDs in 10x50 and I like them a lot. I feel like that's about as good as it gets at their price point. Like already mentioned here. You get what you pay for. In the $500 range I love my Vipers . If you want to get much better you need to double your budget. There was a great deal on some Vortex Vipers in the classifieds here the other day. Not sure if they're still there or not.

 

[deerhunter10]

Leupolds.

 

[Carlos]

Leupolds.

Is have some Redfield binos that are great, I understand they are made by Leupold.
Mine are much better than the vortex's that I've compared them to side by side.

 

[Andy S.]

In that price range, gently used Vortex Viper HDs (Made In Japan ) version, not the newer Made in China version.

 

[Jcalder]

Maven c.1

 

[UTGrad]

I've owned alpha glass including Swarovski ELs and Zeiss Victory that are in the $2-$3K range. I have since sold them off when I was in between jobs but I will say the Nikon Monarch 7s are an excellent value. The 8x42s are in that $500 range and they have a wide FOV and very good glass for the price.

Also, if you can spend a little more, Zeiss Conquest can be had for less than $700. The glass in the Conquests is considered "near alpha" and you have to be a bit of a glass snob to tell the difference between Conquest glass and Swaro/Zeiss Victory.