A good pair of binoculars doesn't match the numbers you wrote.

I suggest the Nikon (Monarch 8 x 42). It cost about $430 canadian so I think it may cost about $200 US.

In my opinion it is the best cost/value you can find on the market.

Of course, buying binocular is a personal choice.

A rapid search with Google and I found this link :

http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-Nikon_Monarch_ATB_7430_8x42

Luc

The Nikon Action binocular 16x50 sells for $129.99, and the Action Extreme 16x50 sells for $199.99.

The Pentax PCF WP II Prism 20x60 sells for $229.99.

I have used many pairs of binoculars in the past, and I would recommend a pair that has a zoom. On low power, you can easily find your target, and then zoom in for a quick view before your target moves. This is also very helpful if used for stargazing.

There many to choose from. The Nikon Action 10-22x50 sells for $149.99 and the Nikon Eagleview Zoom 8-24x25 sells for $169.99. The latter is a better overall binocular, but has a smaller objective which makes it difficult to see in low light conditions.

There are many many more binoculars out there, these are just a few of the thousands to choose from.

Try this: Binoculars

Good Luck

Kt

A zoom improve the binocular optic quality.

High power cut the field of view and offer poor stability image. You will have to use a tripod with them.

Just my opinion, dont be mad at me Kentucky.

Luc

ie. Bird watching, a zoom comes in very handy since it can be very difficult to find a small bird in a large area. Your field of view is greater in low power. Once you spot your target, then you can zoom in for a closer look, but as I said before, if it is in low light, such as early morning or late evening, then on full zoom, the image in the binoculars will be darkened. For binoculars up to 28 power, I have never needed a tripod, although it would help stabilize the image, but it is definitely not necessary.

Again, as you know, a zoom with a large objective, will give you the best lighting when used on full zoom, but this adds to the weight of the binoculars, which you said would not be a problem.

Personally, I would not buy another pair of binoculars that were not zoom. A fixed lens binocular is good for sporting events, etc, where the point of focus is always at a similar distance, and if you know what that distance will be before you go, then you can bring the correct power binoculars, but if your targets are close one moment and then far the next moment, then a zoom gives you the ability adjust to the changing distance.

A 10-22x50 zoom binocular can be used just as a regular fixed lens binocular with a 12x50 lens. Simply set it on 12 power. It will have a 50mm objective just as the regular 12x50 binocular, plus the ability to zoom in for a closer look and better details.

I hope this helps explain my point, and yes, it is only my opinion.

Good Luck

Kt