I now have a regular 7x35 binocular, would like something more powerful AND more COMPACT. I love taking nature pictures. I am going to Glacier Valley in B.C. this Sunday. NEED IT QUICK! you have a decent pair of binoculars. Spend you money on a decent digital camera with a zoom lense. Canon for instance or Kodak. The link are a couple of suggestions. You can purchase them locally at Best Buy for instance. They take great pictures.
What ever you do, do not purchase digital binoculars. They have a very long way to go before they come up to a quality level of good. I'd probably stick with 7 or 8 power binocs. 7 power is pretty good for all-purpose nature viewing and you really aren't going to notice THAT much difference between a 7 and an 8. If you go bigger than that, they get ridiculously large, heavy and hard to hold steady. You might want to try an 8 power compact, but be aware that compacts have small lenses and therefore let in less light which means they aren't very good in low light conditions. If that's not important to you then go for it. There are many standard binocular models (without camera) for under $100, but you can go much more expensive than that. Generally the more expensive you go, the better lenses and coatings, thus the better image. I'm not as familiar with digital binoculars with camera. Maybe you should try calling your local sporting goods stores and camera stores to see what they would recommend and what they have in stock. Good luck! | 