I'm debating these:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-82...inoculars.html

vs

those:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-monarchatb8x40.html


Both are a little smaller & waterproof without being compact enough that I think I'd sacrifice optics too much. A friend recommended I do 8x instead of 10 because it's harder to hand hold a 10 and to scan for birds...


Prices would be the monarchs at $184 after rebate vs. the trailblazers at $120...

The action extremes that Oakleaf mentioned would be the next choice, but I think the monarchs or the trailblazers are just that little bit smaller to be more convenient and I'd actually use them more.

I know 7rider has the monarchs, anyone try the trailblazers? I can't find comparison reviews in my googling. I'm going to see if I can find somewhere local to look at them.