I am new to binoculars so start from basics. I did some searching on this forum, but apparently no one was looking for something with the same criteria - most are satisfied with just two out of the four :-)
I know I want too much, so I am ready to compromise in one or more areas. So here is what I need - I need binoculars for hiking (rather extreme). So I want something rugged. Not sure if waterproof is a must, but the camera I take with me has dust/splash proof lenses and they survived only 3 years - full of dust inside now... So probably I need waterproof. Size is not as important as weight - every ounce matters. My absolute limit is probably around 650 grams (1.5 pound), so not necessarily compacts. Another thing I need is wide field of view. Given all this, I want to get the best image quality possible for under $300...
My first thought was Bushnell elite custom compact 7x26 but I believe they are not waterproof...
So I looked further and thought about Bushnell Legend 8x32 - a bit pushing the size and price dimensions and field of view is not that large
Another option I like is excursion ex 8x36 - seems like a perfect combo, but I could not find any good reviews on those...
I considered only Bushnell just because I started on their web site - no particular brand preference here. So what about the options I listed and any other comparable/better options?
Thanks!
OK. I have a previous 7x26 from when it was Baush & Lomb. Mine has been pretty fool proof. It and I, went swimming (involuntarily) once and it survied that OK. It's not much of a trick to arrange the little soft pouch they come in to hang on your chest in a harness. That way they have some protection. I've not seen one but the Pentax 9x28 has my interest. The Vortex Fury 8x28 is a decent glass too. I really think the new Bushnell Custom Elite Version is waterproof. That little beast has very good optics.
Everyone seems to have a favorite recommendation, but nothing beats testing them out and talking with a knowledgeable and experienced person. So...
"One Good Tern" is a birding store located a couple blocks off of King Street (the 395 end of King Street) in Fairfax. The owner is an experienced birder with a lot of optical knowledge. He stocks a wide variety of binoculars. Prices range from $100 - $2000.
Good luck.