I managed to get the Nikon Monarch 7's for about $425.  They're pretty good
without having to spend $1000-$2000.  They were the highest rated in that
price range when I last looked.  You can buy them from B&H photo video.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/880214-REG/Nikon_7548_8x42_Monarch_7_Binocular.html

Jeff

On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 4:44 PM, Jane Stein <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> The rule of thumb I used to see all the time was that buying mid-range --
> ie, over $500 but below $1,000 or so -- was wasting your money. If you
> don't want to/can't shell out the big bucks for top of the line binos,
> there are plenty around $400 or $500 that are really superb, and nothing in
> the mid-range is more than marginally better than those, at best.
>
>
>
> On 1/25/2016 4:27 PM, hilke breder wrote:
>
>> I followed the recommendations on Better View Desired and bought the Nikon
>> Superior e 8x32 years ago. Paid about $500 then. They are still ranked
>> highly and cost about the same. Here are a couple of links:
>>
>> http://betterviewdesired.com/Overall-Best-Birding-Binoculars.php
>>
>> http://www.birdforum.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/60
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 3:14 PM, Mona Bearor <[log in to unmask]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> A friend asked me for advice on purchasing birding bins.  She is a new
>>> birder and willing to spend between $200 and $500, but stressed that the
>>> upper limit was reserved for a pair that was " noticeably superior to
>>> others."  Can anyone offer practical advice or review on a specific model
>>> they use in this price range?  I've already suggested WBU in Saratoga if
>>> she
>>> wants to shop local and have a face-to-face  "hands-on" and Eagle Optics
>>> for
>>> a good selection and expert advice.  I also gave her a basic "Choosing a
>>> Birding Binocular" handout that I prepared years ago for our Audubon
>>> chapter
>>> so she can get familiar with all the terminology.
>>>
>>> Thanks for any advice I can pass on to her,
>>> Mona Bearor
>>> S Glens Falls
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>


-- 
Jeffrey Sonshine, CFP
36 Laurel Ledge Court
Stamford, CT 06903
973-441-1115