If money is tight the Swift Audubon for around $240 is nearly as good as the high end binocs. I have an older one and it is about as good as any, almost that is. I think the newer ones are even water resistant.
I once read a test a few years ago which rated the Audubon as the sharpest they had ever tested in the center. I wouldn't go that far but still very good value.
454 posted on 10/19/2003 3:40:52 PM PDT by yarddog