I also have the Nikon 8x42s and they work great for the money. I was looking at more expensive $900 - $1000, but when I looked through them, there wasn't much difference (at least to a novice like myself), especially for the hunting I planned to do. These had all the requirements I was looking for - rugged, shock proof, water proof, multi-phased corrected, roof prism, etc. They are easy to use with and without my glasses. I also have the harness from Cabela's for holding them, which is much more comfortable then the neck strap.

It is true that the lens cap system sucks. But once I got my harness, I cut up my the old neck strap and hooked the lens covers to it, so now I just flip them off and they don't get lost.

Also, my hunting buddy bought some Pinnacle Windrivers, and we spent a lot of time sitting in the blind looking through each others binocs and then back to ours. We both agreed that we would have chosen the Nikons over his (even if the price was the same) - so needless to say, I'm glad I saved a bunch of money and got a really good set.

I also went through a lot of research before buying, probably way too much, and was very close to Steiners, but then more research brought me to B&L and Ziess, but then finally went with the Nikons for $250. You'll be happy with them.