Decent inexpensive pair of binocs for scouting / backpacking / observation?

[DTHN2LGS]

I don't know how much they cost now, but I have used Nikon 8 x 25 ATB water proof bino's for years and love them.

[esean]

Leupold Yosemite 6x30 for $100. It's a midsize porro. The image is at least as sharp as my Nikon Monarch 8x42. There's also an 8x30 but it doesn't get the rave reviews the 6x30 does.

I've had the Nikon ATB 8x25 for a few years but rarely pick them up now that I have the Yosemite. The Leupold is bigger and heavier, but with the soft strap I can forget I'm carrying it, and the view blows the little compact away. My only gripe is that the eyecups don't lock into position very securely.

[MPi-KMS-72]

The German Army recently surplussed a lot of their Cold War era optics, you could probably pick up a decent pair of Hensoldt's for what you are looking to pay. Right now they are at an all time low $wise.

[Graystroke]

I have (had) the 3 alphas along with a very nice pair of Leupold Gold Rings. On a bird forum one of the members was raving about the Sightron Blue Sky 8x32 so much, I decided to try a pair for $180 (I have a Sightron II and a Sightron II Big Sky scopes on my varmint rifles). This gem of a bin is now my truck bin - excellent optics worht much more money.

[JoshNC]

The German Army recently surplussed a lot of their Cold War era optics, you could probably pick up a decent pair of Hensoldt's for what you are looking to pay. Right now they are at an all time low $wise.

Would you mind pointing me to where these can be found? Thanks!

[MPi-KMS-72]

Would you mind pointing me to where these can be found? Thanks!

There are at least two guys on ebay from Germany selling the Hensoldt Dienstglas 8X30s and I've seen them here at gunshows etc.

This site has a decent description of them and contrasts them with the other cold war German Army Binos:
http://www.holgermerlitz.de/zeiss8x30.html
and
http://www.holgermerlitz.de/edf7x40.html

$ for $ they are great binos- even though they are older and used surplus.