Subject: High-end Binoculars
Date: Dec 25 18:04:19 1996
From: "CHRISTINE W. MAACK" - 73201.3124 at CompuServe.COM



Teresa, I started birding with Zeiss compacts also (8 x 20s) and eventually got
tired of not being able to see colors when other people could, but they were
sure easy to use. I can't think of anything in the good light-gathering
department that is also "compact and streamlined" since the light is gathered
through the objective lens (the one away from your eyes) and the bigger, the
brighter. To compensate for small objective lenses, one would have to drop the
power. Image stabilization makes up for the tremor of high powers but I don't
think it helps out in with the light.

There are reputable mail-order places, like Eagle Optics, that will discuss your
options with you at length, give you a free trial period, etc. They're located
in Madison, WI, toll-free order line 800-289-1121 and technical assistance line
608-271-4751.

Although I agree in principle with the thought of buying locally, I did that
with my Leitz's before even asking other birders, so did not know about mail
order. Although they were "on sale" they still cost about $350 more than mail
order would have.

Chris Maack
Anchorage, AK
73201.3124 at compuserve.com