Nikon Action 7x35 Binocular

I have purchased both the current model and the previous model of these binoculars and have birded with both. I still bird with the previous model frequently. I would be very surprised if you could find better binoculars for less than $100.

Pros: The field of view is huge, 489ft., making finding birds easy -- very important for new birders. It's hard to have fun and enjoy the birds if you can't find them. 7 power is sufficient for birding most habitats in my opinion. For their size, they are relatively light weight and comfortable in the hand.

Cons: I must say the previous model is a better binocular than the current model. Perhaps it is just me, but the glass is simply clearer in the previous model. I notice more distortion at the edges of the glass when looking through the current model. (Yes, the lenses are clean.) The current model just doesn't feel as sturdy also.

If you're a new birder and ready to purchase your first binocular, I doubt you'll be disappointed with these. Affordable and decent quality. You can bird with these for a long time while saving up for a top shelf pair of binoculars. I've used mid-priced binoculars and did not find the quality of those dramatically better. I have a pair of top shelf Swarovski's and I still use my old Nikon Action 7x35s often as my backup bins.