A daughter-in-law has a pair of Nikon Monarchs, 8x42, and she likes 
them.  A grandson has an Eagle Optics 7x30 (or 32?) Denali; I think they 
were about $100.  He plans to upgrade some day, but for now he is 
satisfied with them. He does kayaking and canoing, but I don't know that 
he has actually dunked them.

Steve Pretl wrote:
> A friend, who is a casual birder, is looking for advice on buying new 
> binoculars.  Here's his message.  What do you think?  Reply either 
> privately to me, or on the list.
>
> ... i've had a hankering for some waterproof
> binoculars that i could use while kayaking/canoeing.  they must be
> submersible.  any ideas how to research this?  i would prefer something
> economical, say less than $200; but might consider something more 
> expensive.
> REI has some for around $150; Audubon Naturalist Soc. for more like $400.
> it would also be best if they were compact (light weight) like my other
> binoculars.
>
> Thanks,
> Steve
>