Recommendations for binoculars?

[7rider]

Our pair from REI are Trailblazers.
Based on that, I'd go with the Monarchs.
The optics of them - plus the light gathering, the focus, the ease of use - are superior in our Monarchs vs. the Trailblazers.
If you have time b/f you need to order, maybe we can hook up for a kayak/ride, and you can do a comparo...

[Cataboo]

Our pair from REI are Trailblazers.
Based on that, I'd go with the Monarchs.
The optics of them - plus the light gathering, the focus, the ease of use - are superior in our Monarchs vs. the Trailblazers.
If you have time b/f you need to order, maybe we can hook up for a kayak/ride, and you can do a comparo...

I think I trust you that I want the monarchs - I just need to suck it up and make myself pay that much. I've been watching SD card prices for a week or two hoping they drop, but I'm going to have to suck it up and make myself buy a couple. I just fried a 16 gb one somehow.

Getting together for a ride or paddle would be fun - but I pretty much am only going to have this week and/or weekend. How's your weekend looking? I'm watching the forecast to see what this weekend plans are going to be - usually we try to get over to Assateague to paddle/kite surf/buggy in October in the hopes that the bugs have died back... The last couple weekends it's rained, ruining those plans (being in a tent on purpose in the rain is another thing I'm not hardcore enough to do) Currently it looks like thunderstorms on Saturday, so we may bag it if that forecast doesn't clear up.

[SLash]

I bought these for a trip to Grand Canyon and was very happy with them. Not too heavy and better than the Nikon pair I had previously used.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...ars-10x26.html

They are Steiner's which are made in Germany. I bought them from Sierra Trading Post for just over $100 (they are now listed for $127.95 but you can always find discount coupons for STP). They are water and shock resistant.

If you want to spend less they have a pair listed at $99, also Steiner.

[Cataboo]

Thanks Slash - have you gotten those wet at all? They say water resistant, which makes me wonder how water resistant?

Thanks!

[SLash]

Not really, although one of the days at the Canyon it was drizzly so they got a little damp but not really wet. They don't come with lens cap either which would help protect them but I'm sure you could buy those. The case they come in is nice and solid. I didn't mention but they are fairly compact at least compared to the Nikon binoculars I had. These seem really well made and for the price I thought they were good. Hope that helps.