> My preferences for binoculars, assuming money is not a constraint, are most
> any Leica or Zeiss models. I particularlly liked the Zeiss B/GA 7x42 and
> 8x56 models when I last looked at a bunch, but these are $1000-$1200, OUCH.
>
> Next step down from those would probably be the larger/better Nikon models,
> with various Swift, Pentax, and Minolta binocs not too far behind. For
> conventional birding binocs, the Swift "Audubon" 8x44 are decent for a
> reasonable price.
>
> Avoid discount store brands like Tasco at all costs.
Assuming the current crop of Orion Savannah roof prism binoculars are
as good as the one I bought a couple of years ago, their image quality is
surprisingly good. They are about $350 depending on the model.
If you do a side by side with the Savannah and Leica Ultravid or Zeiss FL
you can see a difference but the view in the Savannah is still very nice.
The Nikon Superior E porro prism binoculars have very good image quality.
The 8x32 SE runs about $600 and the 10x42 SE is about $750. They aren't
waterproof but they are considered by some people to be outstanding
birding binoculars. The Nikon 12x50SE is one of my favorite astro binoculars.
The 12x50 SE is about $850.
Rich
Received on Thu Sep 23 14:41:06 2004