It's been a long time since i've had any real binoculars. Up untill a month ago the only optics i had (besides Nikon DSLR glass) were 1/2 of a Fujinon 7x50 I used as a monocular, and a wonderful pair of 1980's Japanese Tasco R/A 7x50porro's that were ripped off during a move.
I could have bought 1 pair of L.S.Z. alphas or all of these...
1) Zen-Ray ED2 20-60x82mm Spotting Scope
I can't say enough about how amazed I am by this spotter. Still waiting for the Samsung TL500 p/s to arrive so I can try my hand at digiscoping. 3-way glass for bird watching, astronomy & photography.
2) Zen-Ray 7x36mm ED2
These are MY alphas! Drop dead image quality at all levels. I've never been so excited about glass untill I looked thru these. The best bino-bargin on the planet.
3) Leupold 6x30 Yosemite (Sam)
I especially like the squishy sound when you focus. Great glass that I keep in the car & for sailing this summer. How does Leupold do it for less than $100? The poor-mans porro that every kid should have.
4) Pentax Papilio 6.5x21
How much fun could you possibly have in your own back yard? Stereo/Macro microscope binoculars that you better not give to the kids - you'll never see them again. Another great bargin.
5) Bushnell Elite 7x26
Got these for the girlfriend & she won't even let me look thru them. A classic with amazing construction & glass (i think!).
The only other binoculars i'm interested in trying out would be the Canon 10x30 IS, but they will have to wait untill my wallet recovers.
So how did I do so far?
I think you've made a SubGenius choice!
Nice looking scope. What do you use the Papilios for?