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Message: <blockquote data-quote="spacepilot" data-source="post: 1576534" data-attributes="member: 76307"><p>Ron, I agree with what you said. I've only been birding for 4 months, and only have 2 low-cost binoculars (Leupold Yosemite 6x30 and Cascades 8x40 porro), so I'm an expert on neither subject. But the main thing that has been drawing me to my usual birding spot is the beauty of the birds. I like to watch the birds with every bit of visual detail there is. The green crest, red eyes, reddish brown mottled chest, and white belly of a perched male wood duck have been an absolute treat for me the last week. Sure I'd like to see more variety of birds and add more species to my short checklist, but when I have a chance to get a good look at the right duck in the right lighting, all else doesn't matter. Again, I'm not an expert on bins, but to get such a view that takes my breath away with the Cascades is so much easier than the Yosemite. Both pairs of Leupolds are said to offer among the best optics at their respective price points, and I totally think the premium of the Cascades is worth it. So, from my experience, you do get what you paid for in bins, if the visual pleasure is what you are after. The trick is, from what I gathered on BF, to find the pair that fit you the best.</p></blockquote><p></p>