OK, kidding about the prize, but seriously:
Price is always an issue, but I'm willing to spend around $500 or less (hopefully less) on a really good (though not the best, arguably) pair of birding binocs. Most of which will be done in Florida, on or near the water.
So far, for the money, I seem to be really gravitating towards the Pentax 8x43 DCF SP bins. I wear glasses, so eye relief is important. Everytime I run the Optics4birding.com scorecard, the Pentax wins over all others. The only binoc that comes close is the Nikon Venturer, and the best prices I can find for those are on ebay, and are refurbed, for around $500. The Pnetax 8x43 I can get for just at $400.
I also considered the Audubons and the Swift 828HHS.
If anyone can give me their impressions of the Pentax (and should I get the 8x43 or the 8x32?) I would appreciate it.
And if there are other options out there I should consider, I will.
I want CLOSE FOCUS, good Field of view, excellent eye relief, waterproof, and at least 8x. Optical clarity and sharpness is VERY important to me.
Thanks!
Greetings!
I like the Pentax SP series (and own the 10x50 SP), but the Nikon HG is clearly superior in almost every way. Go with the Nikon HG if you can still find a deal on them... I know they are still out there in the $450-$500 range.
My other suggestions in your price range would be:
Kahles 8x32 ($550-ish) - Best 8x32 under $600 with the possible exception of closeout Nikon HG 8x32 models.
Minox 8x32 ($500-ish)
Swift HHS 828 8.5x44 ($350-ish)
B&L Discoverer 7x42 ($350-ish)
Celestron Noble 8x32 ($250-ish) This is EXACTLY the same as the Brunton Echo 8x32 which is about $25 cheaper... if you don't mind the Brunton logo on your binoculars.
Best wishes,
Bawko
Nikon HG? Never heard of that model.
So, do you think the Kahles are that much better than the Pentax? Or the Minox, Swift, B&L, etc? I've heard so many good things about the Pentax ones.
So confused :(