I have been in the market for some GOOD binoculars. I also want something a little small and easy to carry. I asked your question on another internet BB and after a long thread with a reasonable amount of back and forth I decided on the Pentax DCF WP (water proof). The shopping bots tell me they can be had for about 270 in the 8 power. http://cameras.pricegrabber.com/binoculars/m/17979589/search=pentax%20dcf%20wp/skd=1

In fact, I am going to order some right now. Good luck. Jake

R. Craig Clark
jakearoo(at)cox.net