Sorry these aren't particularly budget but they are pretty good price for what they are; particularly the 10x36 nikon monarch atb. There's been a bit of discussion on this thread about binoculars/monoculars: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/7662?page=1#comment-164436
I initially only wanted the 8x25 nikon prostaff atb, however I couldn't resist the good price of the nikon monarchs.
The nikon monarchs have a $160 rebate and include a carrying bag. The products is aimed at women, but to be honest the brown version isn't too bad. There is also a plum coloured one somewhere else on the website; it is also heavily discounted. Free shipping for those in the USA
The nikon prostaff are not as good of deal, but still this is the cheapest site I've found on them. Shipping is extra, however they also include a $25 gift card with the purchase.
If you are interested in saving a little extra; I am reselling my $25 giftcard for $20. I have no use for it as shipping internationally is fairly expensive and I don't plan another order. I can email you the barcode and pin, which is all you need if you are buying it online/phone. Physically shipping the card would be cost prohibitory. PM if you are interested. Here are a few photos of the card, as you can see the PIN has not been scratched off yet:
That's a killer price for those binos.... I could live with the brown finish, but the bag is a little too large for my taste. The "non-SHE" binos cost €200 or $263 here in Germany.
It would be cool if I needed anything from B&H right now. Though it's on the west side the store is local to me. I have shopped at B&H for many years at the brick and mortar store with no complaints.
There's nothing more annoying than buying something and then finding a better somewhere else. But having said that, you got the nikon prostaff for a pretty good price. I wouldn't stress too much about the monarch being better.
I'm not well versed at critiquing optics, but from a laymans point of view, I don't notice that much of a difference in optical quality between my 8x25 prostaff vs 10x36 monarch. The monarch does seem to be a slightly better image quality, but not overly so during the daytime. At dusk the monarch does seem to provide a brighter and clearer image; but I don't find the difference that pronounced.
If you are happy with the prostaff, I wouldn't worry about it too much. On the upside the prostaff is lighter and slightly smaller than the monarch.
I've got a pair of Monarch 10X42's that I've used for hunting for years. That's an EXCELLENT price for those! May be scooping up a back-up pair for myself. Hope the deer don't mind the color!
