Cameras and Lenses
Great Compact Binoculars
I really thank everyone for all the info on compact binoculars. Quality really shows. With all the information I received, I purchased a pair of Nikon 10x25 Premier LX compact binoculars. I couldn't be happier! Very bright field of view and sharp right to the very edge of field of view, so when viewing, the eyes can wander all over without having to move the binoculars. But for me the close focus distance of 10.5 feet was really important as none of the other quality compacts could focus this close.
Thanks again, Hap
Greetings!
Excellent choice - The Nikon HG (LX) 10x25 are probably my 2nd favorite binoculars of all time! They often find a place in my shirt pocket when I'm out the door with larger aperature binoculars, and sometimes I just take the 10x25's and leave the large ones behind! 
The edge-to-edge sharpness has to be seen to be believed - easily the sharpest binoculars across the entire field of view I've ever looked through. Surprisingly, they actually perform quite well under lower light conditions - much better than 8x20 models in my experience.
In any case, enjoy your new binoculars - here's wishing you many new bird sightings with them!
Best wishes,
Bawko
[QUOTE=hapaulk]But for me the close focus distance of 10.5 feet was really important as none of the other quality compacts could focus this close.[/QUOTE]
I'm not sure what other compacts you looked at but the Leica ultravids have similarly good close focus, the 10x25s with close focus to 10.4ft and the 8x20s down to just 7.2ft. The close focus on the 8x20s is truely stunning, you can almost look at your own feet with them!