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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ceasar" data-source="post: 1699826" data-attributes="member: 26155">I would like to observe first, that one binocular is not a kit.Just as there are "one rifle" hunters, (and many are rumored to be among the best in their field) there are "one binocular" birders.  Many of both, I'm sure, are very successful with "toys" that are much less expensive than the top of the line "fashion" toys that others use.These exclusive rifles and binoculars probably would not exist without a wealthy amateur clientele to bear the costs of their development and manufacture and who can support the guiding and travel industry that grows up around them.  Also, professionals almost always use the best tools they can find for the job.Then there are also hobbyists in both fields who just like owning an item known as the "best" and who won't use them very much.And I'm also sure there will be other owners of the new 8.5 or 10 x 42 who will find another format more friendly to their all around purposes but will still keep and use their 8.5x or 10x's.Prices for top of the line binoculars have been around the $2000.00 mark for quite a while now.Cordially,Bob</blockquote>