After looking at many binoculars, I bought a pair of Swarovski SLC 7x42s a few years ago (probably more years than I'd guess). They cost $800. I've been thinking I might someday get a high end pair of 8x32s with good close focus ability, but the makers keep making "improvements" and the prices of the high end binoculars keep climbing. Nikon just entered the high price league with the HDGs.
If I really wanted, I could spend almost $2000 on new binoculars, but such a price is well past my "comfort level." I think I'd have a hard time shelling out much over $800 on binoculars.
I'm just curious - do other folks have "comfort levels?"
Clear skies, Alan
[QUOTE=AlanFrench;1140044]I'm just curious - do other folks have "comfort levels?"
Clear skies, Alan[/QUOTE]
I do, and it keeps falling, almost in direct inverse relation to the rise in top-end bin prices.
I can't seem to be willing to spend much more than $500 for binoculars. More importantly, paying full retail for any optic makes me cranky.
What I really like to do is find deals on discontinued, demo, or even "refurbished" optics (though only if they retain the full, original warranty.) For example:
I bought a porro prism 10x42 B&L Discoverer from Cabela's that retailed for around $450 for only $180 when they were discontinued. I miss that binocular - should never have sold it.
I later bought a "refurbished" 10x43 Bushnell Elite that retailed for just under $1000 for only $500 from Eagle Optics. They still have these available (in both 8x and 10x.) www.eagleoptics.com
I found a roof prism 8x42 Bushnell Discoverer at Sportsman's Guide. It retailed for around $450 and I paid $200 for it. They still have a few of the 7x42 models for anyone who might be interested. www.sportsmansguide.com
Most recently I found an original, non-HD version of the 8x42 Leupold Golden Ring that also originally retailed for a little under $1000 on the Sportsman's Guide Outlet store on ebay. I paid $500. There are two more available from this same place right now.