I want a lightweight roof prism, waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen purged, phase corrected, fully multicoated mid priced binoc. Here is what I like
Swift HHS 828 8.5x44 $299
Audubon Equinox HP 8x42 $250
Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 $250
Alpen Apex 8x42 $299
What would you get and why? I want a binoc for general uses like birding, lake fishing, hiking, camping, etc.
[QUOTE=elkhorn98]I want a lightweight roof prism, waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen purged, phase corrected, fully multicoated mid priced binoc. Here is what I like
Swift HHS 828 8.5x44 $299
Audubon Equinox HP 8x42 $250
Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 $250
Alpen Apex 8x42 $299
What would you get and why? I want a binoc for general uses like birding, lake fishing, hiking, camping, etc.[/QUOTE]
I recently tried the Swift, the Monarch, and the Apex. I liked the Swift, and did not care much for the rest. Your mileage may vary, so try them. Can you go up $150? The Celestrons Regal at $400-450 are quite good, visibly better than the $250 bunch. A new Celestron Regal, the LX, with aspheric lenses is out, and i hear it is very very good.