Decision tree: Better to spend all my budget (approx $300) on one set of binos that would work for at home and travel for birding/nature watching, or get a real compact, waterproof set for travel, and a larger set of porros for home/neighborhood. 8x for each.
For example:
Monarch 8x36 / EO 8x32 / Leupold Katami - Approx $260-$320, tough to travel with (not pocketable at all, even a coat pocket) but great overall binos.
vs.
Pentax DCF MP 8x28 - either as sole pair or the travel pair, plus/minus
Nikon action/extreme 8x40 or leupold yosemite 8x30, or...?
vs.
Nikon Prostaff 8x25 plus
Nikon action extreme 8x40 or other ~$200 porro/roof? And which one?
I've read and looked through so much lately, I'm just swimming with too much to consider. What's the better compromise, loss of optic quality with 2, or light, and perhaps optics quality with 1 smaller bino? I'd appreciate input from y'all. HELP ME SPEND MY MONEY! :^)
Best,
Christopher
I would not go with the ProStaff alone. They are reliable enough, but I have better pairs. Curiously, the corresponding Travelite appears to me a tiny bit sharper, though has more flare.
The EO 8x32 is sharp enough in the middle, but sweet spot a bit small for the money. I like them, though, not a problem to spend a day with them. The Monarch 8x36 is overalla similar.
quote:
...What's the better compromise, loss of optic quality with 2, or light, and perhaps optics quality with 1 smaller bino?