hello all - i'm a newbie here.
i was looking for a recommendation for a good pair of binoculars below $400, preferably around $300.
can anyone recommend me a good pair?
i am looking for open bridge design (like in Swarovski) only
specifications i'm looking for
1. 8-9 X
2. Water and Fog proof
3. Eye-relief >= 18 mm (i wear big glasses)
4. objective lens - 32-44
5. durable and rugged
6. open-bridge design
7. primary use - nature/outdoor sport/birding - general purpose
8. twist-up/down eye cups
9. roof prism
obviously features like fully-multi coated, phase correction, ED glass are preferred but would not like to spend on them unless they do make a difference. i'm an amateur so a pair which gives a clear bright image in most conditions will do pretty good for me.
thanks
Zen Ray ED, ED2
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=148796
http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars.html
Thanks alan_rymer.
There are some other recommendations I got / research I did - so my short-list was
Pentax 62598 9x42 DCF BR
Minox BL 8x44 BR Comfort Bridge
Alpen Wings 8x42 ED
Nikon MONARCH X 8.5x45 DCF
Vanguard 8.5x45 Endeavor ED
Zen-ray ED/ED2
Most of these are available in 300-400 $ range
Basically I have read +ve reviews about these at various places and am no expert nor have any experience with binoculars/optics before.
So would be great if anyone here can help me zero it down to 2-3 choices - and then I can hunt for a good deal / demo-box etc