Another vote for high quality 8X or 10X - 40ish mm.

Thanks for the input fellas! I've all but settled on a set of Nikon Monarch 8X42's.

A hunter really needs 2 pair of binoculars. IMO 8X is the proper magnification for both. Then buy the best quality glass you can afford.

I have a set of 8X56 binoculars for my fixed position stand hunting. They are very heavy. But in a fixed position weight is not an issue. And the larger binocular is the best dhoice. I also have a quality pair of 8X30's. These binoculars are very lightweight. You almost do not know they are hanging around your neck. Make sure the glass is of high quality. The only time I miss the bigger 8X56 is the first moments in the morning, and the last moments of the evening. But for the other 99% of the time. They are more than adequate.

I do not know how much the Nikon 8X42's cost. But compare that binocular to the Zeiss Conquest 8X30(the ones I have), or the Connquest 8X40 before you buy the Nikon. IMO you will change your mind. Tom.

Nikon Monarch atb 8x42 is often thought to be the best sub $300 binos on the market. I have the 10x version on the way, I already have 2 8x's.

Okay, I went ahead and gave it a try..... I just pulled the trigger on some Nikon Monarchs on eBay. They are 8X42 and they're the camo ones. They're brand new and I got them for $236 shipped. Hopefully the transaction goes smoothy and the bino's are actually brand new.

How was the price compared to mail order houses?? Was the E-Bay retailer a reputable one?? If he has a good score then I doubt if you have anything to worry about. Tom.

Good deal. I think midwayusa and basspro sell them for 289+shipping, and I believe that was for the plain black ones. The camo ones were extra.

It was very low. I checked at all the retailers I could think of, even theopticzone.com. No one had a lower price. The eBay seller was very reputable. He had something like 64,000 transactions and his positive feedback was 100%. I looked at a lot of his feedback and there wasn't anything suspect.

The only downside is that I won't get the $50 Nikon Gift Card with these, but the price was so low I don't really care.

I am sure it will work out fine for you. I just unwrapped a new pair of Zeiss 8X30's that I ordered on E-Bay. I bought them for $385 shiped. This price was close to $150 less than I could find them anywhere. And the binoculars were as advertised-NEW. I got a great deal, as I am sure you did. Tom.

Sometimes I really wonder if I'm buying stolen goods when I get something on eBay.... How else could they afford to take that much of a loss on these types of items??? Even if they buy them in bulk, they still shouldn't be that cheap.