malenurse said:
I travel light, so size and weight are a premium
Assuming best bet is 8x42 or 8x25
Soft cap at $250, but willing to go higher if value is there
These will primarily be used while on board just cruising. Probably will take them on excursions occasionally
Since you specifically mention size/weight, then you should consider an 8x25 compact binocular. These will be very easy to travel with as they don't take up much space. This also means that you are more likely to actually take them with you when you get off the boat. At your price range, look at the 8x25 Nikon Travelite or Prostaff ATB, and also the Pentax U-series. Be aware that Pentax also makes an 8x21 U-series, and you don't want that one.
While you are shopping for an 8x25, also see what the Zeiss Terra 8x25 costs. It will be more expensive than the above, but it is also noticeably better.
I would not recommend an 8x42 for your particular case. These are just too bulky for your stated need. I would bet dollars to donuts that if you buy one, that it will only take a short bit of time for you to decide that the added weight and bulk just isn't worth the effort.
All that being said, I do think that if you are going to own just one binocular, then you should also consider an 8x30 or 32. These will provide a noticeably brighter and wider image than an 8x25, but IMO this increase in performance does not come at burdensome increase in size and weight. IOW, you can't get either in a shirt pocket, but you can get either one in a jacket pocket. The Nikon Prostaff 7 8x30 would make for an excellent travel companion. These will typically put you a bit over $200. Another to consider is the slightly larger 8x32 Kowa SV II, which is on sale right now at Kowa's website for $149. This is probably the best buy in a small bino right now. Supposedly its field of view is ~446' at 1000yds, which is only four feet less than the vaunted Swarovski NL. I really like the size and weight of the SV II, but then again, YMMV.
C
