I once bought a really nice 8X32 E. Leitz binocular fro $12. This was at a pawn shop in Savannah. They had no idea that it was same as Leica.
Despite that, most pawn shops are mostly overpriced junk but if you keep looking you will find some good buys. I also got a Mitutoyo digital caliper for $10. Almost new in it’s case.
I hate to say it, but you can kind of tell when the economy is going downhill.
Pawn shops, garage sales - you name it, stuff gets dirt cheap.
While getting brakes done I cruised a pawn shop. Saw a trunk scanner for $80. Went back a week later and it was gone.
But I saw some binocs for $49.95, green. Bought them. Swarovski SLC in 8x30. Only way I could have afforded binocs like these.
Not for sale.