I have a pair of both. I bought the Nikon's, was disappointed and got a great deal on teh Swar at an outdoor banquet. There is a HUGE difference in low light conditions and longer distances. I was recently at Yellowstone and the Nikons did not compare to the Swar. However, I have found that the Pentax SP binos are comparable in clarity and light gathering to the Swar. They are also priced significantly less. In low light conditions, I see better through teh swar than I do with my naked eyes. I'd agree that, if you buy a good pair and take care of them, you wil only need one pair. If you buy a lesser pair, you will, more than likely, be buying the better pair in the future.