Re new binocs, I have 10X Swarovski EL's, have used them for years now, both here in U.S. and in foreign travel. They're still in great shape, and their light-gathering, color and clarity are simply superb. About the only knock I've ever found is (1) their 29 ounce wt. (which I find of growing importance as the years advance, so I now use a shoulder harness), and (2) their center-focus, which could be a bit smoother and quicker for distant and fast-moving birds.

If I were doing it all over again (and >50), I'd probably look for the best, lightest, waterproof 8X's that I could afford (since 10Xs get a little trickier to quickly manage as you get beyond 60). I think it very important also for daily-use naturalist or birder types to only buy what you've tried first in-hand. So, in western Washington, I'd first check out what's currently out there at experienced outlets with a good, on-hand inventory to try out, like Anacortes Scopes or Captain's Nautical.

Bruce Moorhead
Port Angeles, WA
bruceb at olypen.com

P.S. For quality, lower-cost (or back-up) binocs, I'm now tempted by the Nikon Monarch ATB 8X series, which seem like an especially good bargain now.