[zahc]

I'm going to buy my dad a decent binocular for Father's day. He's never had even a half-decent set. He uses them for groundhog hunting. I can only afford 100 or maybe 200 dollars.

[skeeter1]

I was going to recommend the Nikon Trailblazer 8x42's, but a quick look at my usual outfitters show them as out of stock. They appear to be fairly nice binocs, and at $125-150, within your price range. In any case, I think 8x42 is probably the most useful size.

You might want to start by searching here

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/8x_beca.htm

for something that strikes your fancy, is within your price range, and is in stock. Good luck!

[45crittergitter]

John Barsness’ March 2004 - June 2005:

Bushnell 8x32 Legend. Very good optics and compact size at a bargain price.

Leupold 8x42 Olympic. Extremely light weight for a glass of this magnification.

Nikon 8x32 Premier. Simply the best glass of its size right now.

Nikon EX

Pentax 8x42 DCF SP. This Pentax line plays with the big boys at half the price. The DCF SP “Superior Performance” binoculars are lighter and clearer than the DCF, and have super-hard lens coating, almost impossible to scratch. Very reasonably priced.

The Pentax DCF HR II 8x42 are very good glasses

Sightron 8x42. Durable.

Swift 8.5x44 Audubon roof prism optics are only a very slight notch below the $1000+ models. At $400 or less, this is one of the best bargains in binoculars. Amazingly bright hunting glass.

At slightly lower quality, the Burris Signature, and Leupold Gold Ring Katmai.

[Kman]

I've used Bushnell H2O series for the last few years, love them for $100, 10X40 or the 12x40. Good glass for the money, and the eyecups are angled, very comfortable, and cut about all the side glare/reflection, but if you wear glasses this could be a problem.