Hi there.......My name is Paul and I am from Cheshire, I am new to this website after finding it more by accident, I have only recently got into bird watching after having a great week at Griffon Forest in Yorkshire, it was fantastic, I have always been interested in wild life but this looks like it is going to be my hobby, I am 51 yrs old and never really had the time with work and so on, any way my dilemma.........!
I have been looking around at binoculars and have narrowed it down to 2 pairs, they are within my budget with the right magnification for me both quite similary matched, however one is waterproof and one is just weather resistant and that is the only real difference, the models are as follows:
1. Nikon Monarch 8x36 DCF.
2. Pentax 8x36 DCF HS.
Has anybody got any advice or suggestions they could help me out with, I would be most appreciative.
Many thanks........confused. 
Paul.
As I remember, the Monarch is brighter. Pentaxes can be good, but not so much in the low end. If you are looking at 36mm, there are also some 32mm models worthy of testing. I like Bushnells Legend 8x32. Try Opticron too.
Bushnell Excursion 8x42 has some durability issues, but it should have warranty for a few years.
Hello Paul,
First, on behalf of the staff, welcome to the Birdforum. As to your binocular question - my wife has the Nikon Monarch 8X42 and loves them. I don't have any experience with the Pentax.
Waterproof isn't an absolute requirement for normal birding, but it is helpful for pelagics and tropical birding where rains can catch you suddenly and without close shelter. If there isn't much price or optics difference, WaterProof would be my choice.