You're shopping in the wrong places. You should beable to pick up a pair of Swarovski 7 or 8 or 10 x 42 for Under a grand. When I went to buy binos I researched every piece of literature of technical nature I could find. I also spent nearly 2 yearson trips going from shop to shop, from Md-Georgia--to Colorado--to NY checking out binos. When ever I hit a town I looked up binos close by and made a point to waist a few hours looking. My initial intentions were to buy the best I could afford... hopefully somewhere around $300-350. I agonized and agonized over it. The more I looked, the more I read.... it had to be. I took all my little hidden stashes of money and bought not the best I could afford... but better. I've Never regretted it. I'll loan anyone my bow, car, kid, wife..... but unless your name is Len Marsh... don't ask to borrow my binos.