Deborah,

The main problem in checking out binoculars at stores and then buying mail
order, it seems to me, is not logistical but ethical. Retail store prices
are significantly higher than by mail, but they need to be to cover the cost
of rent, staff and display stock. I feel that I am cheating the store in a
way if I use their expertise and displays to make a decision and then buy
from someone else. If I do investigate equipment at retail stores then I buy
from them as well. More commonly however, I read optics reviews, ask to look
at other's equipment on field trips, and then buy mail order. I have yet to
have anyone hesitate about allowing me to look through their optics. As a
bonus, looking at birds in the field is a much better test of optics than
anything you can manage in a store. Feel free to e-mail or call about what
binocs you are interested in, I won't be much help in the camera department
however.



Jack Stephens
jsteph02 at sprynet.com
Edmonds, WA