I really like the idea Tom C told us about Eagle Optics having an eye chart on a distant building for evaluating optics. Probably the most difficult part of choosing is often not being able to compare binoculars or scopes side by side under the same conditions. Doing such a comparison in bright daylight will show which binoculars have superior lens manufacture and precision alignment of lenses and prisms. Doing the same test at dusk will reveal the advantage of superior quality ED glass, lens coatings, etc. It's hard to find a dealer that stocks enough different brands to do a valid comparison of different makes and models. That pair of Nikon Monarch 8x40's I returned seemed very good at first. But when I compared them to some other binoculars at dusk on a rainy day, attempting to read distant license plates, etc., their mediocre quality was immediately apparent. Then when I saw the tiny "Made in China" sticker, I wanted to throw up.
I'm glad to see John got his compact binoculars that suit his actual needs, and at a good price. I still carry my compact Nikon 7x20's when grouse hunting, because they are as light as a feather and a whole lot better than nothing when I see a deer, bear, or turkeys, and want a closer look. The Swift Eaglet 7x36's blow them out of the water for whitetail deer hunting at dawn and dusk, and gloomy winter days in the brush. But I would not want them dangling around my neck while upland bird hunting, even though they aren't as heavy as some in their class. I have several other pairs of binoculars that also serve their purposes well. None of them do all things well.
