I am just about to order a pair of binoculars for general, pretty basic work. I have been looking at these three- Nikon 8x32 HG (old type £379), Zeiss Conquest 8x30 (£300) and Swarovski 8x30 SCl (oltd type £439). It is a difficult choice with them all in the same price bracket from Warehouse Express. I am really at the top of my budget. I am curious as to what you think. My inital feelings are to go for the Nikons as they seem very rugged and will last a lifetime. The Zeisses seem plasticy; while I have only played with the new Swarovski version, the front focus knob of the old ones looks awkard. The Zeisses had a pronounced barrel effect at the edges while the others didn't. The Zeiss seemed to have the most colour fringing the (new) Swaros the least. I am concerned about servicing and support if ever needed as Zeiss are not the best in the microscope world- I am not sure this translates to the sports optic world...