Greetings P-F,
I'm looking for recommendations on a decent pair of binoculars in the $500 +/- $100 range. My 25 year old $100 Nikons have been found lacking in color and resolution. The main use will be watching animals in our yard/pond. They will be used for deer hunting out of a blind. They will also be occasionally used while hiking.
I'm thinking 8x42, but would consider 10x42 if considered "better". Everything on the list below has a 8x42 and 10x42 available. Some also have 8x30. I haven't been impressed with smaller binoculars in the past, but I've never used a quality pair, so the 8x30 entries are not immediately out of the running.
Due to gift certificates and Cabela's Visa credit, only items available at Cabela's are in the running. I'm going to be at a Cabela's this weekend to actually look through everything available on the list below. I'm expecting that they will all be nice, so if there are things that make people recommend one over another, I'd like your opinion.
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide
Nikon Monarch 7
Steiner Predator
Styrka S7
Vortex Viper HD
Zeiss Terra HD
Thanks in advance,
Toonces