Treedog I think you're on the right track. Regardless what anyone says, you can't go wrong with Leupold. Cristal clear and guarenteed for life. My personal call is 10 power for general use binocs with as large a lens as you're comfortable with. I use Leuplod 12x50 for out west where you spend allot of time glassing. I find them to be lighter, more comfortable, and easier to use than a spotting scope and I have yet to find a situation that I've had too much power. If an animals that close, I didn't need the glasses anyway. Buy the best you can afford and what looks the best to you. Take care of them and they'll last you a lifetime. Good hunting.