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
>
>