I just went through this process and I have a couple of thoughts.

After looking at virtually every roof prism bino out there in $300.00 - $500.00 rangeI ended up going with the Pentax DCF-SP 8X43. For my eyes it blew every other model away at this price point. The image is vivid, sharp, and focused nearly all the way to the edge. It has a locking dioptor ring, so once you set the right lens for your eyes is stays there. They are phase coated and fully multi-coated. The SP has special water sheeting, scratch-resistant coatings on all exterior services. It is waterproof and immersable to 1 meter (JIS class 6)The prisms are BAK-4, the gold standard. Earlier SP models had ED glass (extra-low dispersion) which is the sharpest and most optically pure glass available. I can't get confirmation that the current SP models have ED glass, and I doubt that they do because Pentax just introduced a DCF-ED model that has the ED glass.The SPs arerubber armored and just look and feel perfect IMO. They are guarenteed for life.

I also had the Pentax DCF-WP II 8x42 for about a month until I traded up to the SP model. It is a great bino that can be had for about $300.00-$350.00. It is a bit heavier than the SP and the sharpness doesn't extend to the edge like the SPs, but the center of the field of view rivals the SP and other high-end models. It, like most Pentax models, is JIS class 6 waterproof. It is agreat bino for the money and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one in a different magnification.

Both these models (DCF-WP II and SP), are superior to the Nikon Monarchs, which is a very good bino and a good value as well. The Nikons appeared not to be built as rugged (they are made in China), are not as waterproof, and the image appeared "soft" to me. The center was sharp but the image quickly lost focus as you extended away from the middle.


mouthcaller