Looking for a pair (or one?) of binoculars to take with us when we go kayaking.... to be used for bird watching.

Have read a number of reviews/blogs/opinions/bullshit and and have no clue what to look for...

Would prefer compact, waterproof, good optics..... and most important... easy to use!

Looking for the $100-$300 range if possible.

Suggestions?

 

Check this company out. They have a very good reputation. I don't have any binoculars from them, just a couple rifle scopes and have no complains about their quality and service.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/binoculars

 

I bought a Vortex monocular from Amazon. It is very compact, rubber-coated, water-resistant, and has very bright image. I like it.

I also have Zeiss Conquest full-sized binoculars and Leitz Ultravid compact binoculars. I use them for football games. Both have superb optics, but are priced higher than your desired price range. For something more in your desired price range, I would also suggest you look into Nikon as well as Vortex compact binocs.

Two great web sites for binocular reviews are:

http://www.allbinos.com/

And, the well respected annual binocular reviews found in Cornell's Ornithology department web site:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=2674

 

Wow, that Cornell site has everything I always wanted to know about binoculars and more...graphs, tables, and spreadsheets.

 

OpticsPlanet
Good info and prices.

fltsfshr

 

You might want to also consider the ability of the binoculars to float.

 

I'll just have Kathy dive in after them if we drop them!

 

I went to Cabela's and tried them out. I had a useful salesman and found some nice Nikon ones for $100.

 

I have a "Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5" Binocular that I purchased from B&H photo that I like a lot. They’re reasonably light weight, eye glass friendly, easy handling, and super sharp. I’m nor certain about their Kayak friendliness though. They were internet purchased for ~$290 with no taxes and shipping.

gary