as a photographer i have to say, i'm almost embarrassed to admit, mine came
from costco: bushnell 10x28s. small, very light, excellent optics, etc...
less than $35 new about two or three years ago. no chromatic aberration,
easy to focus, yada yada. they probably won't take a dunking in the ocean,
but if they do (and don't survive), they can be replaced without guilt.

i realize i can get more expensive (with nicer glass), but for ME, the
fractionally-better viewing of nicer glass for the money, not to mention the
extra weight, just isn't a good investment...

your mileage will probably vary, but i'm here to say more money doesn't
necessarily equate to better seeing...

00 caren
http://RealistAtLarge.blogspot.com
George Davis Creek, North Fork


----- Original Message -----
From: "Lee Rentz" <lee at leerentz.com>
To: "tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: 2009 September 15, Tuesday 11:19
Subject: [Tweeters] Re: Tweeters] Value Bins; off-topic


>I have happily used Pentax 8x42 DCF WP binoculars for nearly ten years.
>Extremely sharp and well-built. I just sold a pair of 8x40 Leitz binos on
>eBay and got $305 for them, in a pretty battered condition;