I agree that full size bino's are better in low light, everyone knows that. He asked about compacts around $100...not full size of $300+. I will agree, the 8x42's are awesome bino's...I've used them quite a bit (my dad has a pair). However, I personally like the compacts - and for most of the hunting I do, they suit me just fine. Yes, they cost me a few minutes in the morning and evening, but overall they are a great little bino for the $. If I was in the market for a full size, the 8x42's would get the nod...they are really good, and especially for the $.