You might want to look at Leupold Pinnacles which are under $500 (under $450 from some mail-order firms) and have been rated in several recent articles as good or better than bins costing far more. They have both 8X and 10x models. My husband has a pair of the 8x40s to use in areas where close focus and better light-gathering is needed (e.g. rainforests) compared to his Zeiss 10x40s. They have held up well and are rugged.

Locally, I think One Good Tern in Northern Virginia carries them. They also have a good suite of other brands to examine and test. (I have no commercial relationship with this store).

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

> >
> >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).
> >
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