I think this is could be the most basic (and therefore important)
topic for birders.  Without really good optics we can't do our job
(birding) very well.

Several birder-friends have purchased Celestron Regal binoculars
(8x42) and absolutely love them.  Consensus among these 4--5 birders
is that the Regal is a "Zeiss with a price" (that we can afford). 
Price is $300--350.  Last year I bought the Regal and they are the
clearest lenses I have ever used. (I've Not played with Zeiss or
Swarovski optics).  

I have seen the Celestron Outland, but have not used it in the field.
 It seemed very similar to the Regal, but made in China, not Japan. 
At only $100, however, it must be lacking some feature found in the
$300 Regal.  Online research might provide more information on
specifications of the two.

Bruce Parfitt
Johnson, VT

"Let no bird go unseen."

--- "Gregory R. Askew" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hello,
> I have decided I'm ready for a upgrade in the optics
> department...I've been using a fifty dollar pair  
> of Bushnell for far too long. Yet my money's kind of 
> tight right now. Can anyone recommend a good pair of  
> straight-design binoculars for under $200? Please reply off the
> list.

> Thanks,
> Greg
> Vergennes
> 



 
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