Best binoculars for under $1000

[gle3105]

While all the above might be very good, I’ll have to stay with my Leica Trinovids. 8x20’s. They are so clear and bright one thinks they are more like 10x.
I easily spotted two muleys 1200 yds out.
Everyone that has put them to their eye has a “WOW” reply.
The Trinovids are under 1k and can be found used for less.
They are awesome.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned them.

 

[dryhumor]

I’ve had a pair of Steiner 8x30 Hunting for 30 years. They work well, are clear, not too heavy.

 

[Downeast]

Wife and I have been birding for over 30 years. She has a pair of Zeiss 10X40's and I have a pair of 10X40 Swarovski's. I prefer her Zeiss over mine for clarity and sharpness. Remember for birding you need crisp and bright color contrasts. Power means nothing if you can't make out wing bars, eye rings, or color contrasts. Looking back birding has made me a better hunter. Grab a field guide and a pair of binoculars and you can be "hunting" just about anywhere you happen to be. It's attention to detail and movement. If you can spot a sparrow moving in the grass at 50 yards a deer's ear or tail flicking looks like someone waving a big flag.

If your budget is $1K then spend 1K. I would check with some of the online merchants (some listed on this site) and maybe get her a $1k gift certificate (remember to add taxes!) and let her pick it out. I did that with my wife's handgun purchase. That way she gets what SHE likes, not what you like.

 

[TTE]

You can find used Leica's for around $700 - $800