Hi there, I just purchased a pair of Bushnell Elite 7x26 custom compact binoculars yesterday and now think I got the wrong pair. I will be using them for hunting (mostly archery) in Minnesota. I was looking at the Nikon Prostaff ATB 8x25 also along with these ones, anyway the Bushnells have a fantastic picture and are quite a bit brighter than the Nikons. The guy at the counter told me that the Bushnells were waterproof so I bought those ones. Well, while reading the manual after I got home I discovered that they are NOT waterproof! Is having waterproof binoculars really that important? I really don't hunt in the rain, but will go out in light/intermittent rains. I know I won't be submerging them, but how much will a little rain/snow affect these? I am just trying to decide if I should take them back and get the Nikons instead. Both were at $125 by the way, so not looking to spend anymore than that really.

What are your opinions on waterproof vs. non-waterproof binoculars for hunting?