liquidorange,

Make sure when you purchase the binos they are clearly advertised in writing as " Waterproof" .....not weather (or water) resistant! If you purchase binos that are advertised as waterproof, and they leak...not caused by negligence....the company will have to make good their claim. (Assuming they are still in business....shades of Tasco.)

My other recommendation is to self determine how much use you get from your binoculars...and spend accordingly! It is seldom a mistake to buy quality, (and I am not referring to just buying a name). I know that companies such as Nikon and Pentax to name a couple make some really good waterproof optics for reasonable prices. (We are currently considering a pair of one of the above for my wife.)

I decided to spend what I did because I use my binos " all the time" . I am constantly glassing (even when in the woods) and few things " Erk" me worse than to see someone " oggling" me through a riflescope! Riflescopes are gun sights, used for aiming a firearm! Not meant for general glassing and/or identifying targets. I do not use my riflescope until after my " target" is identified. From the number of times I' ve seen someone peering at me through their scope....I' d guess that a huge number of other people don' t see it that way! I have told more than a few hunters to " please not point their rifle at me...unless they' d like the same" . Maybe not very subtle...but certainly to the point!!!

If you use your binos frequently...buy the best you possibly can afford! It is pretty much a " one time expenditure" , and seldom a mistake!

Best of luck with whatever you choose!