I'm currently using a pair of 8x42 Monarchs as well right now. They are a great option for a sub $400 budget.

With that said, I'm likely going to sell mine, and buy a pair of 10x42 Monarch's for hunting (I'd like to have a little more magnification) and I'll probably then buy a second set specific for 3D as well that is a bit better of quality. I'm really liking the looks of the Vortex Razor 8.5x50's for this, but I'm going to have to get a chance to look through them first before I drop that kind of $$$.

Check out Bruntons, they make some good glass. There are a lot of good glass out there, but my Bruntons have been some of the best I have ever owned.

Gander has 30+ out on display to look through. I was AMAZED at the Swarovskis, AMAZED. It was clearer than normal vision it seemed like. But then again, you gotta kinda expect that quality when forking out 1800 bucks for Binos. When I get a pair, it'll likely be either the monarchs or the Gander Mountain series. IDK who makes them but they are decent glass and dirt cheap when compared to others.

I had a pair of 10x42 Bruntons that I was very happy with until the left eye piece stopped focusing this year.[:@] They were not a very expensive model, as they say you get what you pay for. I'm going to try a bunch out, but I'm not spending a ton of money for how I use/abuse them. On a 3d shoot last year I tried out my buddy's Swarovskis and they are something else. Unbelievable clarity and light transmission.

Nikon ATB 8x42. Thats all I got to say

My Dad got a set of Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 for x-mas and they are the best binos I have put my eyes on. They blow my Leaupolds out of the water. My next pair will be Nikons.

10X42 Nikon Monarchs. IMO, they're the best pair of bino's for the money spent.

+1 to the Pentax DCFSP 12.5 x 50. I do use them during turkey and deer season and they do a great job. They give me ten more minutes of daylight in either sunrise or sunset. Extra help when studying birds in a field and judging beards and spurs. In the tree stand, definitely help to tell a shooter from a walker. Wash em out with water under a faucet and they are back to new. Love em!

Preacher.....

I may be in a position to "help" you.....after all I too am Italian, 100%. In fact I'm 1st generation here in the USA (on my mothers side) so we still have some "family" back in thehome land that may be of assistance and sympathetic to your cause.

Plus, after all.........it's just Germ.

This of course will be a free service to you with the understandingthatsomeday you might be of assistance to our "family" taking care of some "special needs" that may arise.

Relax folks.....j/k

Alpen 8x42 for 3D shooting