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Message: <blockquote data-quote="postcardcv" data-source="post: 1311605" data-attributes="member: 3294">Definitely and one more than one occassion, both with bins and scopes... the fine details and excellent colour redition of top optics can make a real difference in the real world, though in most situations you'd clinch the ID with mid-range gear. When it really stood out for me was seawatching, I was using a mid-price Opticron and my mate had the old grey Swaro. With birds at close range I was fine, but stuff further out I was struggling to get to species, I tried his scope and was able to ID birds at significantly greater range. For me seawatching is reason enough to own a top end ~80mm scope, they really prove their worth. It's worth noting that the Nikon ED78 is as good as teh newer ED82 so is up there with the top scopes. All that said I do think that the cheaper/mid-price bins offer very good value. Opticron Oregon 8x32s at £99 are amazing value, and the new ED Hawke 8x43s (£280) are amazing (there are plenty of other sub £300 pair I could mention). But the top end still have an edge, it's just whether it's worth paying for. Personally I'd like to ID every bird I see, good optics give me the best chance of doing this.</blockquote>