There are plenty of excellent "value" oriented binoculars in the market today. I've had good success with the Pentax DCF-ED series. They are phase coated, have ED glass and are nitrogen filled. With a little shopping around one should be able to find these for under $800 in a 10 x 42.

Even lower on the cost scale, approx $130 or less. are the Pentax Papilo extreme close focus binocs. Another option is the used market; where with a little caution it's possible to pick up some great bargains.

Happy shopping.



- Regards

Tony Varela
South Puget Sound, WA
tvarela at hotmail dot com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tony-v