Leslie,

Look at the Nikon Monarch 8X42.   It is bright, light, close-focusing, and 
can be had for under $300.

Paul O'Brien
Rockville, Mont. Co., MD


In a message dated 6/19/06 4:08:13 PM,  writes:


> Apologies if this sort of message is inappropriate; I've lost track of my
> original confirmation message with the etiquette rules.
> 
> My wonderful waterproof Swarovksis have sprung a leak and have a cloudy
> lens (now that I finally have time to help with atlassing!). I have no
> choice but to send them for repair, but I can't function without
> binoculars, especially now. I'm thinking of buying another set of to use in
> the meantime, but something not as pricey as these (which were a gift).
> 
> Can anyone recommend binoculars that might be be suitable? (I'm sure there
> is a great deal of information available online, but I'd rather be outdoors
> than research binoculars.) I'd like them to be waterproof, as I do a lot of
> kayak birding, with fast easy focus, and with as good optics as possible
> for the price, which I would like to keep under $500. And yes, this may not
> be realistic; I just don't know.
> 
> thank you, Leslie Starr
> Baltimore & Port Republic
> 
>