Bushnell Legend Ultra HD or?

My father's 60th birthday is coming up and I want to pick him up a good pair of binoculars. Right now he has a cheap pair of some off brand (6x30mm) and would like to get him a good mod-ranged pair. I would love to get him a pair of Bushnell Elites as i love mine, but it's just not in the budget right now. The budget is only around $200 but I could spend up to $400 if I go with Bushnell as I have a credit with them. His use will be back yard bird watching, but they occasionally go to the coastal areas and do a little bird watching will they are there. Would the Legend Ultra HDs be a good choice in 8x42, or is there a better option out there in the price range?

Hi

The Legend Ultra would be an excellent choice, especially if you have a credit going with Bushnell. It's a very compettive binocular at its price point. The Bushnell E2, would, of course, be even better, but go with the Legend if it is not in your price range.

There is no better optics for that price. But depends on who uses it for what. I use the 8x42 a lot, and know how to adjust it for me. It is not the ideal bino for a beginner who does not wear glasses, for example. It takes some adjusting as I said. With glasses on, works as good as any pair.

Bushnell Legend old style 8x42 is just as god for most uses, and a good deal at the prices offered, but hard to find. I do not recommend the Excursions, though they too are useable
http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-ex ... 44208.html

so go for the Ultras, but make sure he is happy and send back if it does not suit him.

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.