Help me choose some binoculars for my sister

[Mabouya]

She sent out a list of various X-mas gift options she'd be interested and this is one of the items she requested:

-- small-ish, lightweight-ish, birding type binoculars; nothing too expensive and fancy but NOT walmart kidz toyz either!!

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that she wants them to check out the birds in her back-yard.

A few years ago she got me a pair of Leupold Yosemite 6x30 's Link to those

I'm perfectly happy to get her something with a bit more power if folks think that's the way to go, but I'm also concerned that size and weight could potentially be issues if I go too far.


TIA
M

[Matthew J]

If you decide to ignore her not too expensive plea, the Leica compact binoculars have very good optics yet are very small and light weight. I have a pair for star gazing and critter spotting on cycle camping trips.

[Mabouya]

If you decide to ignore her not too expensive plea, the Leica compact binoculars have very good optics yet are very small and light weight.

Nice. If that were the only thing I'll be giving her, then I'd say the Leicas would be a good option, but since she'll be receiving quite a bit of other stuff I think I'll go for something a bit farther down the food chain.

[bgav]

Not focus-free but great glass for the price. I have a pair of Steiner Military Marine 10X50 for reference. 12-foot close focus good for bird watching.

Bear Grylls Bushnell 10X42

Amazon.com: Bushnell Bear Grylls 10 x 42mm Roof Prism Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars: Sports & Outdoors

[SpeedyChix]

Take a look at Zen-Ray Optics- Birding Binoculars, Hunting Binoculars, Monoculars, Spotting Scopes
Use these for birding from home and bow-hunting from the stand.
Price v optics is really good.

[Mabouya]

Take a look at Zen-Ray Optics- Birding Binoculars, Hunting Binoculars, Monoculars, Spotting Scopes
Use these for birding from home and bow-hunting from the stand.
Price v optics is really good.

Thanks for the suggestion. :)

I looked around and found a good review on a Birding forum so I just ordered her a pair of these:

ZRS HD 8x42 Binoculars SUMMIT from Zen-Ray Optics

[SpeedyChix]

Thanks for the suggestion. :)

I looked around and found a good review on a Birding forum so I just ordered her a pair of these:

ZRS HD 8x42 Binoculars SUMMIT from Zen-Ray Optics

Cool! I think she'll like them. Good size to handhold. Zen-Ray did a fine job of basing their design on the Swarovski Optics glasses ($$$$).
They're great for packing, travel, etc. Waterproof is a nice plus. Hope she enjoys.

[Mabouya]

And I now know what a BAK-4 roof prism is, vs a Porro prism... ;)