I am back into birding after a short (32 year) break and need to get two new pairs of binoculars to replace the 14yr old Bushnell's I got at Best Buy for $75. They still work but barely.
I'm looking for something that my wife and I can use for just about everything (with birding the overriding use) so I'm thinking that 8x42's would be a good size. My budget is $300 or less per pair. They will need some eye relief as my wife wears glasses. I've seen some good reviews on the Monarchs and Eagle Optics Rangers. What others should I be adding to my list of candidates?
There are a lot of models out there, even at price points that would allow both of you to have a pair. 8x42 is an exceptional all around size. It's bright, reasonably easy to carry and there are many to choose from. Another very popular format is 8x32. More compact, lighter, and can perform very well. Doing a little math, if you're in the 40+ club, you may benefit from larger exit pupil binoculars due ones eyes beginning to dilate less with age. This mainly affects low light viewing, such as bad weather, early and late in the day.
I can really only comment on what I have used. I use the Pentax 8x32 SP primarily and it's really enjoyable. I have the EO Ranger in 8x32 format and these are known to be a bit dim. This is confirmed comparing my EO 8x32 to my Pentax 8x32. It's not much dimmer but it is perceivable. 8x42 would be a different story.
I was deciding between Pentax and Monarchs and the Pentax' won for me by a good margin.
I've been to Atlanta many times and I know they have the Bass Pro out there. I'd highly recommend you go to one and try out as many as you can. They won't have all the models but they'll have the big ones. They'll also have house brand roof prism models with phase coating.
Best of luck.
At that price range my advice is to go to CameralandNY and get two Vortex Fury binoculars off the demo list. They are better in my experience than the Monarch. Vortex has a top line service and warranty, so no worries if the binocular was not bought new. Many if not all of the CameralandNY demos will still be in the sealed box. Good binocular and they will fit your price, plus they have really good eye relief. It probably won't take but one or two posts for somebody to tell you to spend way more than your budget. Not bad advice certainly, just expensive. CameralandNY will let you return merchandise if you aren't satisfied and they are really good to deal with.