Looking to get a set of beginner budget binos <$300, from googling and reading it seems it is possible to get a quality set binos for this price but just like scopes there are so many choices. Also just like scopes, I assume there are ones to avoid like the plague...
So far I'm looking at Doug's Athlon Cronus 8x42 ( Athlon Optics Cronus 8.5x42 Binocular - Camera Land NY ) for $270 , downsides is it seems outdated, heavy and Chinese (is outdated a bad thing?).
Athlon Ares 8x42 ( Athlon Optics Ares 8x42 Binocular - Camera Land NY ) $200, so cheaper(!), imperceptibly lighter, but still discontinued and Chinese.
Steiner Tactical T750 7x50 ( https://store.steiner-optics.com/products/t750r?variant=31735476060253 ) $300 (most expensive), much lighter, unknown origin.
Steiner Predator AF 8x30 ( https://store.steiner-optics.com/products/predator-af-8x30?variant=20291100639325 ) $215, lightest (!), still unknown origin.
So far I'm looking at Doug's Athlon Cronus 8x42 ( Athlon Optics Cronus 8.5x42 Binocular - Camera Land NY ) for $270 , downsides is it seems outdated, heavy and Chinese (is outdated a bad thing?).
Athlon Ares 8x42 ( Athlon Optics Ares 8x42 Binocular - Camera Land NY ) $200, so cheaper(!), imperceptibly lighter, but still discontinued and Chinese.
Steiner Tactical T750 7x50 ( https://store.steiner-optics.com/products/t750r?variant=31735476060253 ) $300 (most expensive), much lighter, unknown origin.
Steiner Predator AF 8x30 ( https://store.steiner-optics.com/products/predator-af-8x30?variant=20291100639325 ) $215, lightest (!), still unknown origin.