Commander wrote:

"MLL" wrote in message om...

How about telling us what binocular you use in the backcountry? If there's
enough interest, I'll track models and post a summary. I'm looking at some
high quality models (i.e. somewhat expensive) and I'm curious what's being
used by others.
Does anyone have experience with Eagle Optics http://www.eagleoptics.com/?
Their Platinum series 6X32 and 8X32 models look inviting. Any users out
there?

If you recommend a specific model, please do so on the basis of actual field
use.
MLL


I'm using Nikon 7x50 "Tropical" from the early '90s. I know they are
heavy as hell at 60 ozs. but the views are great even with my 45 year
old eyes.]

Those are good, but best if you want to lie out under the stars, because
of their light-gathering power. You can see Jupiter's moons with them
and a lot of the brighter star clusters, if you know where to look. I
used my 7.35 Bushnells in the CA desert, where it was warm enough to lie
out at night with kids or a nubile female. But my wife and I here in
Balto prefer to take our REI 10x20, which are just a few ounces and play
in the tent at night.

Natually, we can't take them directly on a plane as they are potential
hijacking instruments: just tell the pilot to look through the wrong
end. We found the 12x20 to be too shakey in our midyears. Of course,
you want the Nikon for bird watching. Incidentally we couldn't see the
comet that took all those SD cultists to the bosom of God with our 10x20
but could with our 7.35.

jimbat