I purchased a pair of these one year ago and have used them heavily for birding. They are excellent binoculars. You cannot beat the optics (clarity, light transmission, etc.) for the money. They are also quite durable. I have used them in many outdoor situations and really beat on them. They still clean up like new after each use. The eyecups area little more rigid than on some other binoculars, but I have heard both pros and cons on this topic. I use the binoculars with eyeglasses so I keep the eyecups down all the way, all the time. I recently compared these to Swarovski 8x42s and the Swarovskis feel like a boat anchor. They are very heavy compared to Zeiss, and the Zeiss focus wheel is very smooth. I highly recommend these. My wife also has a pair of Zeiss Conquest 10x30 and she loves them. She is buying a second backup pair of exactly the same binoculars. These are so affordable that you can afford to buy 2. I watch for sale prices and will probably buy a second pair of 8x30's to carry in my car. If you read what is written about tips on buying binoculars, most will say that you should buy the best binoculars you can afford. My recommendations are a little different: 1) Buy the binoculars you will use the most. You only see birds when you have your binoculars with you. I prefer a smaller pair of 8x30's to a bulky 8x42 because I can almost fit the 8x30's in my pocket. 2) Buy a pair of binoculars you can afford to replace. If you buy binoculars that are so expensive you can't replace them, you will be hesitant to use them all the time. I buy a pair that I can use in rainstorms, on the beach, etc. If they fall out of my backpack I will not need to take a second mortgage to replace them. 3) Buy the best optics you can afford. The Zeiss lenses are exceptional. Even if the casing looks/feels a little "plasticky" the value is in the optics. These Zeiss Conquest series are the best quality optics in a low priced package that I have been able to find.