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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BruceH" data-source="post: 3562270" data-attributes="member: 106398">Larry .... There is a Cabela's store in League City in the southeastern Houston metro area.  Most of the Cabela's stores have a decent selection of what is called alpha binoculars, especially Swarovski products.  The major limitation in my area is most are 10X, and only limited 8X.  They should have the Swaro 10X50 EL SV which is a good benchmark for an example of what is about as good as it gets optically. That should give you a good idea of what is possible.  I suspect you will find they are better, but not as dramatic of a difference that the price would indicate.  As far as affordability, keep an eye on the Binocular Bargains thread.  Sometimes some exceptional deals pop up.  Dennis's link the the Nikon EII 8X30 is right on for an "alpha" quality view.  Just keep in mind that is gives the characteristics of a Porro view which is a smaller image scale and a sense of more spacing in the depth of field.  The $370 price is the lowest I can recall seeing it in recent years.  That is a lot of optic for such a low price.  Keep in mind that Nikon USA will not warranty it since they did not import it.</blockquote>