amateur, occasional user - help pick from shortlisted (2 Viewers)

[gshah524]

Hello all,
I am going on a cruise to Alaska in May and plan to visit Yellowstone next year.

I have zero experience in using binoculars but would like to buy a pair for occasional use for bird watching, marine and land wildlife.
Initially I focused all my research on roof prism options only, but after some advice I received I also tried to read up on the porro options.

My budget is $200 or under.

After reading extensively I have shortlisted these based on budget, features and usage.
If you had to pick 1 roof and 1 porro which ones would you pick. (I tried to get my hands on them to try them physically but it has been difficult. I plan to order them and try them out for the eye relief, weight, handling etc. before keeping the final pair)

1. Celestron Nature DX ED 8x42 (ED glass, NO dielectric coating)
2. Nikon Prostaff P7 8x42 (NO ED glass, Dielectric Coating, diopter lock?)

1. Nikon Action Extreme 8x40 ATB (instead of the Aculon 211 due to waterproofing)
2. Kowa YF II 8x30 (all other Kowa out of budget)

- Would there be significant optical quality difference in roofs vs porros for occasional, day time wildlife and bird watching?

Thanks
G

P.S. looked at a lot of other models and companies. This is the final list

 

[Geco]

Kowa yf II 8X30

 

[Jinac]

I know the kowa and the two Nikon, I prefer the Action Ex or the Kowa depending uses.

Have you considered Svbony ?
Sv202 or sa205 are good choice, better than this 4 model in my opinion.

 

[gshah524]

I know the kowa and the two Nikon, I prefer the Action Ex or the Kowa depending uses.

Have you considered Svbony ?
Sv202 or sa205 are good choice, better than this 4 model in my opinion.

The use is occasional wildlife and bird watching . What would be the pick?

Yes, I did see SVBONY, but decided to stick to more well established brands.

 

[Jinac]

The Nikon will be heavier but more luminous and with wide angle than the kowa.
If it's not for hiking, I'll choose the Nikon action ex 8x40.
If it's my only bino, it's a good economic versatile one.

 

[gshah524]

The Nikon will be heavier but more luminous and with wide angle than the kowa.
If it's not for hiking, I'll choose the Nikon action ex 8x40.
If it's my only bino, it's a good economic versatile one.

Thanks