Sorry to post a little late, a fellow forumite pointed me to the thread. I'm not an expert but I've glassed probably 50+ binoculars in the field, ranging from the mini Tascos at Walmart up to the highest end models over the past 20 years. I own and carry some nice bins, and have grown to appreciate the skill and ingenuity that go into them, as well as the seemingly magical views they can sometimes deliver. I've also blown money on expensive, highly touted models over the years, only to find them over-rated, or ill-suited for me. RE
"general viewing": As with knives, sure, some binocs are more versatile than others but spending more doesn't automatically mean you get a "better" pair; and it certainly doesn't guarantee the best suited to your needs, wants, personality and viewing habits. (Concert or sports viewing, hunting, backpacking, birding?) Bins optimized for viewing still objects or scenes may be poor for tracking movement (on the playing field, in nature). Suffice it to say, objective quality of the image is not the only key factor to consider: field of view (f.o.v.), focusing movement and speed, and eye relief, to note just three that are often overlooked but are significant, esp. for general users vs. specialists. So, unless $600 is easy to come by, I'd urge you think a little about what factors matter _for you_, then check out a few with those criteria in mind, as others have suggested.
Also, re: Shgeo's post above: Exit pupil is indeed important, but its diameter is not comparable to the human pupil on a 1:1 ratio because the light taken in is amplified. For general use, 8x 32 (4mm exit pupil) is perfectly adequate for most people. In fact, in this format, 32mm objectives allow in as much light, and therefore maximize the amount and quality of information, that the human eye can take in under normal conditions, even on overcast days or into early dusk. In most light conditions, the average human eye can see no difference in absolute image quality between 8x magnification at 32mm or higher objectives (42mm+). Bigger objectives weigh more and, due to their design, typically offer smaller field of view (which, besides the weight, translates into increased eye fatigue since you need to move your head more to take in the same amount of information delivered by 8x 32's wider f.o.v.).
Temper -- I can say more if you're interested, re: above factors and my preferences based on my experiences, trial and error, etc. But there's lots of good information here already. Good luck and tell us what you decide!
Glen
)
