Subject: optics
Date: May 25 14:29:31 2004
From: Charles Swift - charless at moscow.com


There are so many good binoculars out there these days that I think it
becomes a matter of personal choice. No doubt the Swarovski EL is excellent
but there also also Leica, Zeiss, Nikon, and Bausch & Lomb (not to mention a
number lesser known manufacturers) to choose from. When you get into really
high end I don't think there is a lot of difference and it becomes personal
choice and price range. I'd check better view desired
(http://betterviewdesired.com/) for reviews (they currently list Nikon
Venturer LX 8x32 as their reference standard).

I've been quite happy w/ my 7 year old mid-priced Swarovski 8x42SLC and the
sub $500 Pentaxes are well liked (great for a casual birder like my
spouse!). Save some money on bins and upgrade the scope as well.

thanks, Charles.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Charles E. Swift work: charless at uidaho.edu
University of Idaho other: charless at moscow.com
Moscow, Idaho

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