In praise of cheap binoculars.

[Punkinhead]

I'm a big fan of quality optics as well. They can pick up small details in poor lighting and be absolutely stunning with good lighting.

I agree but it depends on what I'm doing. When I'm hunting and looking through a scope or binoculars all day I want the best optics I can afford. Cheap optics give me a headache. But when canoeing or hiking I'm only taking a quick look at a bird or other object so I don't need that level of clarity. Sure, it'd be nice, but I put a priority on convenience. I'm simply not going to carry my expensive binoculars in the canoe and risk losing them and they're too heavy/bulky to carry when hiking. For those activities I carry a monocular. I have Vortex solos in 8x25 and 8x36 that are small, light, relatively cheap, and come with Vortex's awesome warranty. The 8x25 are small enough to slip in my pocket and the 8x36, which have a clearer image and larger FOV, are small and light enough to clip on my belt/PFD. Which I take along depends on my mood and whether it's overcast or sunny. The 8x36 do better in lower light conditions but the 8x25 are incredibly compact.