Best bang for your buck - Bushnell 8x42 Legend Ultra HD Binoculars Black Roof, Rain Guard HD, ED Glass, UWB 198042

I used to be a binocular freak (only used Swarovski binoculars prior to these...SLC42, SLC56, and EL42) and needed a cheaper set of binos way back when for hunting trip I was uncomfortable with taking a high dollar set of binos. I looked at these, a Leupold set (almost all my scopes are Leupold), and a Nikon set. I went with these based on the clarity difference even in the store yet was hesitant cause I did not think $300 binoculars would satisfy my eyes. Well I cannot say enough good stuff about this set of binoculars...I think they are a steal at double their price. I am not saying these are as Swarovski's, but I can no longer justify the price difference between these and a $1500+ set of Swarovski's after using these for 5+ years. I don't know if it's the ED Prime Glass or the prisms or the combination BUT I guarantee you will not be disappointed with these...even if they were twice as much!

Some people like more than 8x power but I think that is the best for binoculars when hunting due to the increased field view over a 10x or higher PLUS they won't jitter as much since they are lower power (probably more of a factor up North where it's colder...hands shaking). I have used 10x and 12x but also seem to come back to 8x.

The clarity is amazing up close and even out past 600 yards, never had a problem with fogging, and they come with this bad a$$ back strap that allows them to hang in the front of your body so they are right there when you need them. Very well thought out product from start to finish.