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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fiscalshrike" data-source="post: 3502580" data-attributes="member: 140549">Well, I thought I would do an update on what I ended up buying.  It was not what I expected, but I bought them as the visual was as good as Nikon Travelite waterproofs, but the clincher was it felt like an extension of my hand.I went into my preferred binocular store and tried out some porro prisms and double hinge compacts in my 'under $200Cdn' price range. The waterproof Nikon Travelites were definitely better than the non-waterproof version, but still had a bit of heft to them - and adding the porro shape, I didn't know how I would like them in the field. They easily focused and had a good clarity - but didn't feel quite right. So someone passed me the Bushnell 8x25 Powerviews, definitely lighter, and not waterproof, but the focus was easy, view was as clear as the Nikons and they felt good to my hand.  So, that is what I got.  I had dismissed them when on line thinking they would be junk at under $60, but I think they will work a treat; or at least be a good start to see how I like compact binocs at all.  Not sure how much casual birding I will be doing while on vacation where I need waterproof, but these will make great back yard birding binocs to leave in the gazebo all summer....something I won't do with my Zeiss.  Even if they don't endure a lot of carrying around in a purse, I'm happy with them as a starter pair until I am ready to move up.Thanks for all the suggestions.  I learned a lot about compact binocs, what people like, and brands I had never heard of.</blockquote>

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