What is a good set of binocs to get for $50-$100?

I will use them for hunting, to take to ball games, etc.
I realize I am not going to get anything great. Is there ANYTHING worth buying in that range?

Don't need anything crazy nice, just a decent pair.

Cabelas has Nikon Actions in your range. I purchased the Nikon Action Extremes for $200.00 The Extremes are fog and water proof. I would wait until you can budget a few more bucks and get something fog proof. You get what you pay for with binoculars.

Nikons are hard to beat.

I too recommend saving up until you can spend a bit more. But if you absolutely have to have something now and you're limited to $100 I'd say Vortex. They make a couple of models in that price range and I think they're far superior to Simmons, Bushnell, etc.

well, here is the thing. For Christmas from my job I get a $75 gift card to Sports Authority (what a bonus, right? Guess its a lot better than nothing). I really hate sports authority so I thought I could throw $25 in and get a pair of Binocs. I don't really NEED them, and can't really afford to spend much money because I just bought a rifle. Maybe I'll just figure out something else to do with the money.

I will check out the brands y'all have mentioned. I am not looking for something that great. I am just looking for something that will be useful in a blind or in the bleachers.

i just bought the nikon action after thanksgiving for 50$ on sale. but i think now they are around 70-80$ and i love them

well, if you bought them for $50 at Academy, then I will have to pay $100 at Sports Authority.

That place is a rip off.

like most things hunting related, dont short change yourself. You get what you pay for!

Save up $200-$300 and buy a lower end set of Leupolds or Nikon. Not everyone needs $1k binocs but they sure are nice!!
ac

I got the camo Nikon Actions for like $79 + tax a while back at Academy.

While they are very clear, they are very heavy. If you plan on putting them around your neck and hiking for a while, try them on first to see if you will like them.

The first time it rained, I got water inside the right side ocular lens and it pretty much ruined them. The right side was hazy after that. I ended up losing them anyways, and now I'm back in the market. Getting to do it again, I'm looking for something that weighs considerably less than the actions if I can find something in my price range. Good luck on your search!

If you have not already looked-try E-bay for a deal.

i have a set of pentax DCF WP's that i have had for 6 or 7 years and they have been worth every penny of the $500 i spent on them.

with that said, i bought a "backup" pair of bushnell binos this year at academy for $60 or $70 and i absolutely hate them.
i got them for the kids, but i have to say i cannot see much thru them even at 50 yds. they are just cheap and nothing compared to my pentax or the other higher end optics i have used.

so i plan to save a few bucks and buy a nicer set of "backup" optics, since it does no good to have a set for the kids, if they cant use them and constantly have to use mine if they want to "help" find the deer.

looks like the nikon monarch has some good reviews in that $200 range

+1 - those were the best binocs I have ever owned, were stolen a few years ago. Replaced with Leopold Wind River - good binocs, not as good as the Pentax.

I bought a pair of Armor Tech/Field & Stream binocs for my son at Dick's Sporting Goods for $80 (10x42), they have 12X50 for $100. Those do a fine job for him in the field.

The Sportmen's Guide.com has Burris on sale right now. Excellent quality optics for $69.95 these are the low end of the Burris line but still quite good and about the best for the money, IMO.

I will check that out. I think I will just use the gift card to buy a present for my brother. That should free up a little cash to buy some good binocs.

+1 my roommate had the same problem with moisture in this set

What power is the best?

I like 10X42 (or 10X40). Good blend of magnification and light collection, and not too heavy.

+1 on Burris optics. Both of my brothers have Steiner Predators in 10x50 and 12x50. I really compared my light weight Burris 10x30's against their Steiners at the lease a few weeks ago and my Burris (lower end- Burris Landmark I think) were just as clear and bright. Burris is one of the few low cost binocs that boast 95% light transmission. The 10x30's I have came free with a new 3x9x40 Burris scope and I absolutely love them. Bought the harness for them and when you put it on you hardly notice them (light weight). I'm seeing deer clearly well before sun up and probably 15 minutes before my naked eyes can see them. Can't reccomend them enough.

In a bind, I bought a pair of Busnell's at Sports Authority a few weeks ago for right around $100. I've been pleasantly surprised by them.

what type of Bushnell's?

Anyone have any experience with the H20's from Bushnell?

Nikon is by far the best around that price range you are looking for. Right now, you might be able to find them on sale somewhere

My step dad has 2 pair of Nikon Action series and they don't hold a candle to my similarly priced Burris Landmarks. There is also no comparison in light transmission, which is where your binocs earn their keep.
You can do a quick search and view manufacturer's specs on light transmission of various models. That is what sold me on Burris. They gather almost as much light as my bro's $500 Steiners (negligable difference).

What about the perma-focus models. Do they have any issues?

I suggest saving up a little more.

Skip all the name brand stuff you hear on TV and the internet and look at Vortex. Until you get into the Swaro and Zeiss ranges, Vortex is very hard to beat.

You might think I'm crazy, I have a pair of the Bushnell Sportsman 10x42 and a pair of Nikon Monarch 10x42 and I can't tell any difference. They look the same, feel the same, and both work well in low light. Walmart has the the Bushnells for $20 on their website. You might also look into a bino- harness. I have the Crooked Horn and love it. It will the binoculars snug against you, ready for use but not dangling like a neck strap.

Amen to the Bino Harness..