It's been a while since I've carried binoculars into the bush with me.  I'm sure the technologies have improved since I last used either binoculars or monoculars.  I'm not looking to buy anything terribly fancy.  Mainly, I'm looking for an instrument I could use to spot campsites and wildlife when I'm canoe-camping up north.  I suppose it would be good if they would work well enough in low light conditions, too (such as dusk, dawn, and stargazing in the middle of the night).  It would be great if they could be durable and dependable in wilderness conditions.

I don't really want to deal with a million accessories (tripods, Smartphone interfaces, etc.).  And, oh, by the way, I'm not really wanting to spend big bucks on them, either.  I'd like to think I could get away with $100 or less but maybe I'm kidding myself.  I simply don't know.  I'm neither a camera guy nor a hunter who uses binoculars frequently, so I know little about lenses, etc.

Just looking for tried & true utilitarian recommendations.  Chances are I'll be too stingy to buy anything at all but figured I would at least ask around.

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions you might offer!

Jimbo   8-)

you can get a nice compact bino  from Bushnell for maybe $39 - no worry if you lose them.  10x or 12 x - I have both, and an 8x that is about the size of 2 cigarette packs stacked

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Jimbo.

I have a pair of Simmons compact waterproof 8x25 binoculars. Rubber armored, light weight. Use them all the time to save paddling looking for campsite.

  The model I have they don't make anymore BUT they do make a newer model. IF they are as good as the old one I think you would be happy with them.

  Bushnell owns Simmons. These are under the Bushnell brand. Well known for rifle scopes/optics.

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I see they make a 10x25 now. I'd go for that.
Do you have the Capitol One shopping app?
Highly recommend IF you buy on-line. App is free to download.

  It will show you the BEST price for any item.

  On Amazon the 8 x 25 is $53.24. Using the Capitol One app, the price is $40.90

  The 10 x 25 is $56.97. With the app its about the same, which means YOU know you're getting the best price.

Oh, I have a 10 x 25 monocle as well. I'd take the binoculars over the monocle given the option.

Hope this helps.

Good suggestions.  I will just add to keep an eye on weight as well.  I have a pair of 8x21 Tasco binoculars that are probably 20 years old, not the bottom model but by no means high end, coated optics, rubber coated plastic construction.  These weight 6.5 oz with the case.  I have a similar pair that I use while hunting that is rubber coated metal construction and noticeably heavier.  When canoeing I appreciated the lower weight over ruggedness. 

I bring them mainly to check campsites to see if they are available or not.  They also come in handy when other fishermen show up and are fishing the reef within view of your camp as happened to us last week.  My son was able to spy the lures/colors being used and their results. However, he was not able to confirm if their barbs were pinched.   ;D

Many thanks for the recommendations, guys!

Jimbo   8-)

Waterproof and fog proof are two features I would look for. I would also not go less than 10x42. :-?

Old Salt wrote on Jun 26^th, 2022 at 5:12am:

Waterproof and fog proof are two features I would look for. I would also not go less than 10x42. :-?

Thanks!  I understand... they make your fish look a whole lot bigger once you haul them into the boat.

Jimbo   8-)

That was so obvious I didn’t think I needed to mention it! 8-)