You may want to look through e-bay. I bought a pair of Zhumells 10x42 for half the price that they would normally cost new. The guy only used them for 6 hours for one hunting trip and they are still like new. I would expect to get a normally priced set of binos that retail around $400 for around $200. Good luck to you.

Check out the Steiner Marine model 8 x 32' s. I think they weigh 18oz and are small. They are all you will need for glassing. They also have the individual focus feature which means you focus once for each eye and you are focused in for all but the longest or shortest distances.
The problem with the real compacts like you are asking about is that you cannot look through them for any extended period without significant eyestrain.
The Steiner Marine is a waterproof, clear, glass, in your price range.
I have a pair of Steiner Hunting series. Been using them exclusively for 10 years, very nice glass. I can look through them for hours with no strain.

I would never leave home without my Steiner Predator 8x30s. They are relatively small, lightweight, and clear as a bell. As BigBulls mentioned...a big set of 10x50s will put a not in your neck by days end. While tromping around bowhunting, I have mine secured with a bino-buddy....you don' t even realize they are there. The best $229 I ever spent.

Bigbulls -You forget to mention that the exit pupil formula only applies for binoculars with equal quality lenses and coatings.A premium pair of 10x40' s such as leica,ziess or swarovski will usually be brigher than 10x50' s of lesser quality.

That' s true stubble. Better glass in the bino will certainly make up for some light transmission problems in lower quality binoculars. I don' t think he' s going to get them for $200 though.

I' ve been wrestling with this myself. I have a pair of Bushnell 10x25 Trophy (waterproof) that are ok. If my cap was $200 I would look at either Nikon or maybe the Cabelas stuff. Even Leupold' s Wind River series are a good price for the quality.

Best way is to go to the store and find a dark corner far away and just look through the glass they have. Pick 5 and try them one after the other. Your eyes will tell you what you need. Just be warned!! I went to do that with scopes, thinking a nice Leupold was what I wanted. Ended up buying a Zeiss instead. Cost more than I wanted to spend (or afford) but my eyes are happy. Since I have a really good scope I can skimp on the binos a little as they just tell me there is an animal that needs a closer look, then I can safely scope it (NEVER use your scope to view things unless your are ready to shoot it! This is how Hunters shoot other Hunters!).

I would make sure they are waterproof as I lost my last pair due to a canoe roll-over (they got totally wet inside and were ruined).

I bought a pair of Steiner Military Marine 8 x 30 binos last winter and used them this spring for turkey hunting. I was really impressed with the sharpness and my hunting partner, who usually doesn' t have anything positive to say about my gear, said that he was impressed. While me and another guy snuck down a long field to get in position to call some gobblers, he looked at them thru the Steiners. This field had to be about 400+ yards long and they were on the back side. He could see the beards on those birds and was impressed. Haven' t used them out west yet but for the money (About $200) they are a good choice. I like the fact that each eyepiece has it' s own focus that you can adjust with the thumb and index finger while holding them naturally.

Well folks........It looks like i' m going to buy the Steiners.But instead of the 10x26 comacts I think i' ll get the 8x30 Predators

Whats $50

I don' t need to buy any meat

Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!

P.S
I' m making a pot of Elk chili.........anybody hungry????????

I' ll be over in a few minutes. Just right down te road.

Good choice on the 8X' s instead of the 10X' s.

Look at the articles and reviews at Outdoor Life and BetterViewDesired.
www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/ I don' t have the link for BVD.

Personally I would wait until you can afford a really good pair.