I am looking to purchase a new pair of binoculars and have a limited budget (who doesn't?). Here is some info:
I wear contacts 99% of the time
I am not a hard core bird watcher. I mostly want bins to check out the birds in my neighborhood, back yard and for an occasional trip to the nature preserve. I carry my camera with me when ever I go out, so small, light weight, easy to carry bins would be best.
I also need these for search and rescue purposes. I do field support for K9 units and am training my own dog for SAR. Our searches take place along shorelines, out on boats or in heavily wooded areas so bins that are able to handle multiple light conditions would be best.
Since I'm out in all types of weather, water / fog resistance is probably important.
I have about $200 max to spend and would appreciate any recommendations!
TIA
The Leupold Yosemite is worth a look.
Excellent optics, waterproof, compact and light.
Comes in 6x30,( probably more useful for your requirements and with more eye relief) or 8x30. About $100 for the 8x30.
Sold by Amazon but cheaper at Eagle Optics here:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocula...binocular-black
Alternative, a bit bigger, heavier and more expensive, the Nikon Action Extreme 7x35, $115 here:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocula...5-atb-binocular.
THe causal use for birding with the search in all conditions (twilight esepcially) are rather different use cases. A small bin (8x30ish) would be better for the former (lightweight) the latter would be better met with a 8x40ish (or even a 7x40ish but they are difficult to find).
Looking here at other 8x40 roof prism bins recommendations might be helpful.
The Zen Ray ZRS, Vortex Diamondback, Bushnell Excursion and similar bins come to mind.