For a general review of birding optics, what to look for, and important
principles try:
http://www.optics4birding.com/
Better View Desired, a sort of Consumer's Reports for birding optics has
been referenced several times in this thread. The BVD web page is:
http://www.gwi.net/sing/BVD.html
My current favorite for beginner's binocs are the Canon 8x32 waterproof
porros. They have good optical quality, great ergonomics, and would be a
fine "backup" binoc in case you want to move up later. They received a
favorable review from BVD, and run about $180 from Eagle Optics.
For full-sized binocs, check out the Swift Ultralight 8x42's, about $200
from Eagle. Eagle seems to have prices a little below Christopher's and can
be found at:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/
Jack Stephens
jsteph02 at sprynet.com
Edmonds, WA