Anyone have feedback these?:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocula...-5x32-binocular
http://www.eagleoptics.com/binocula...-7x35-binocular
Oops! I meant to add a new response buy I see I "edited" (deleted) the original message! I had asked about the Yosemite 8x30, the Cascade, and for recommendations for a small, lightweight porro, but with larger objectives than the reverse porros tend to have (30-36mm).
I've got both the 8x30 Yosemite and the 8x42 Cascades.
They're similar in view aside from FOV where the Yosemite is much wider (a win for the less experienced user) and the Yosemite's stray light issues which the Cascades doesn't suffer from.
Focuser action is easier on the Cascades with this internal focuser. The Yosemite is stiffer and more "gelatinous"
Cascade of a fraction brighter I think. (better coatings I suspect as my pupils were stopped down below exit pupil size).
Cascades have more ER than the 8x Yosemite but the 6x has plenty of ER. I find the 14mm only just enough with my close fitting glasses (for short sight ... the add a couple of mm).
What sort of birding does your Mom do? For backyard at 15 feet and beyond the 6x might be a good idea especially with their wider field.
For combination of view, size and weight the Yosemites are hard to beat at this price point. They are very handy bins. But the Cascades are a little bigger but they don't feel like "big" porros: their rounded shape makes them seem smaller than a "usual" 8x42.
Another one just outside your range is the Vortex Raptor that no one has seen yet!
And if there are any more Celestron Ultima DX 8x32 out there (they used to go for $75 or $80 on closeout) they might be another good option (though they're heavier than the others) but a very nice view.
Kevin put some excellent comment and suggestions out there. You can "ditto" my opinion on the comparison as well as the follow up suggestions for the Celestron Ultima DX. You might also consider the Orion Ultraview 8x42. About the same weight as the Cascade porros though not as ergonomic. The view is a bit brighter with better contrast than the Cascades...plus quite a bit wider. The downside is that there is more edge distortion and they are not waterproof. Still, we are only talking $150 US.
I have all the bins in question. If I were to rank them in order of a "complete package" then it would probably be....
1. Cascade porro
2. Orion Ultraview
3. Celestron Ultima DX
4. Leupold Yosemite
For purely optics it would be....
1. Orion Ultraview
2. Leupold Cascade
3. Celestron Ultima DX
4. Leupold Yosemite
Hope this helps.