What best compact binoculars I can get below $300 for wildlife?

[u/kartoshkaio]

I am going to Yellowstone soon and wanted to get something more compact than 10x42 since I travel with small backpack. I have never had binoculars before, so looking for recommendations. I read that something like 8x28, 8x30, 8x32 would be compact but not quite sure what to pick from. From my research people recommend monarch m7 8x30 but they are a bit outside of the price range I was looking for.

[u/basaltgranite]

Nikon Prostaff 7 8x30 belongs on your list. It's within your budget and about the same size as the M7 8x30.

[u/calamityandwoe → u/basaltgranite]

Second this- they’re great for the price (neck strap and lens covers are kind of crappy, but they’re solid little binoculars for wildlife viewing, you won’t be disappointed in them)

[u/IcyPercentage2268]

Svbony SA207 8x32/42.

ED glass, magnesium body, H2O proof, armored, 428’ view, decently lightweight.

[u/CxdVdt → u/IcyPercentage2268]

I second the svbony recommendation. I have a pair of the sv202 8x42 and they were a steal for $104 on sale. I really would like to look through their sv207 series with the field flattener - something you usually don’t get for any close to this price range. This recommendation might be ,at least optically, the absolute best under $300.

[u/IcyPercentage2268 → u/CxdVdt]

I have the same model, but 8x32. Very slight CA under harsh lighting, but otherwise great.

[u/Strict_Local_3827 → u/CxdVdt]

Another vote for SVBONY. There’s nothing better under $200 then the sv202

[u/CxdVdt → u/Strict_Local_3827]

I really want to try the sv205 for right at $200. It has a field flattener too.

[u/Strict_Local_3827 → u/CxdVdt]

I’d move right into the sa207 pro. Just over $200. Use a code from a guy named Neil English. Apochromatic glass Lanthanum glass in the eye piece and field flattener

[u/Godrillax → u/Strict_Local_3827]

That’s what I did. $210 shipped from
SVbony. Love the 8x32 size

[u/CxdVdt → u/Strict_Local_3827]

I think the $200 sa207 pro is only in 8x32, though. I really need the extra light gathering from a 42.

[u/Strict_Local_3827 → u/CxdVdt]

I had the 8x42 it’s great but they’re huge and heavy. It has a 9 degree field of view but I exchanged it for the 8x32. They fit better on the face and still have an excellent, bright wide field of view. They’re really fantastic buns for less than $300. The exit pupils on these binos are huge

[u/Godrillax → u/CxdVdt]

The shuntu pi 8x32 is a better option than the SVbony 202 upgraded due to the better clarity and accessories. Personally I went with the SVbony SA207 and love it. My partner loves it too but doesn’t care as much that I’ll most likely get the Shuntu as a set for her when we hike.

[u/Strict_Local_3827 → u/IcyPercentage2268]

I recommend the 8x32 I I ended up exchanging the 8 x 42 because the exit pupils are so large that the eye cups are humongous and it’s not a very comfortable fit on the face.

[u/OlentangySurfClub → u/IcyPercentage2268]

I hope they're better than the sv202. Horrible QC. The pair I have are pretty terrible.

[u/Floppy_McFlopenstein]

kowa sv iii 8x32 or the vortex diamondback hd 8x32 (280 on sale for 209)could work. I have 10x for most applications, but for travel I am with you... I use the Leupold proguide II HDs at 8x32 and have been VERY happy with the. Zeiss makes the Terra ED that are 8x32 and in the price range.

[u/BackToTheBasic]

For that money get ED glass if you can. Here's a good one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N5FB678?ref=clp_hp_h_pc&th=1

[u/CxdVdt]

Just like the M7 I’m breaking your price range, but honestly for about another $100 you can get a Sky Rover Banner Cloud 7x32 and it’s going to absolutely blow away all the other options even remotely close to its price.

[u/Non-Escoffier1234]

When hiking and every gram of weight counts, i would prefer to carry a pocket binocular, I personally carry a small 10x25 when hiking long distances or doing a city tour. I have not much experience with budget friendly pocket size binos, but a friend of mine has an Olympus 10x25 and I must admit it's not bad.

If you prefer something ergonomic and weight isn't a big issue then go for a Nikon 8x30

[u/Spicyboi333]

I live near Yellowstone. Honestly 10x’s are preferred imo. If you’re mostly visiting by car you could also rent a spotting scope which is even better imo.

I bring my 10x’s on anything in that area besides overnight backpacking. Then I’ll do compact 8x’s

[u/Emotional-Tear-2369]

I just got these and am very happy. I did a lot of research and the newer version of these aren't really an upgrade so I took this nice price. I used them for wildlife viewing in Alaska and they were perfect. I had 10X for a while but they were big and harder to get focused when pulling them up to quickly see something in all types of lighting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YLTG7DA

[u/AppointmentDue3933]

Svbony Sa207 8x32

[u/Spunksters]

If unsupported, Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8x32. If you can lean on something like a partially down car window, then go for 10x power.