On Tue, 9 Jun 1998, Rick Romea wrote:

[snip..]

> I agree about the Nikon binocs...however I would add a comment about 'New
> Binocular Syndrome', where you take your brand new pair and compare them in
> the field with others whose lenses are usually all gunked up and dusty. The
> most expensive and high-quality pair of binocs will compare unfavorably with
> a modest pair that is new or clean.

Pat--

this is always fun to talk about and what to do about
bins comes uup periodically..that's good as it brings out
new info.

There are a number of ways to go here..

Better View Desired had an ad (somebody help me here)
for a guy in Ohio (I think) who was selling E. German
porro prism bins..brand name Docter 8x30 for
$150..I bought them and everyone that looks through them
thinks they are very sharp and a steal at that price.
this was a few years ago, but they may still be
available. I use them around the house for back yard
stuff..they are really amazing for the money.

my super/hyper critical photog buddy after much soul
searching, bought a pair of Swift Audubon porro prism
in 8x45 for $219...he loves them and thinks they are
very sharp.. they have redesigned them and they have
a smaller profile and are a trifle lighter in wieght.

I bought my Zeiss 10x40's roof prism some years ago and
never looked back..the sweat rolled off my nose when
I wrote the check, but every time I look through them
I know there's nothing better out there.

SPEND THE MOST MONEY YOU POSSIBLE CAN TO GET REALLY
REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD GLASS...you will never
regret it... even if your bins cost you an arm and a leg
you can pro rate that out over 60 or 70 years of birding
and it is cheaper than any other hobby..and you always
have a top quality view..

just my opinion I realize, but I am continually blown
away with the low end optics I see in the field as
birders struggle to see the finer points of plumage
through cheap Charley optics...it's simply not worth
it..and they are robbing themselves of the high end
of the experience..once you catch a violet green
swallow in bright sunlight, or a Rufous Hummer in
REALLY good glass, you'll never settle for low
end look again.

Spend the money Pat...you'll never be sorry.


tom