I am in the market for a 10X50 Binos. I am looking for a pair that will last but can't afford the exspencive ones. I have seen the NIkon's at a resonable price like 100 or I am thinking about the zoom ones for 150. Any other brands in that price range that anyone has had exsperince with? thanks for the help!

You are in luck because you can get a decent pair of 10x50mm porro prism binoculars for around $150. If you can spend $140-$190, here are the ones you could look for:

Bushnell Legend 10x50mm porros $115
Celestron Ultima DX 10x50mm porros $140
Leupold Wind River Mesa 10x50mm porros $190
Minolta Activa WP-FP 10x50mm porros $150
Nikon Action Extreme 10x50mm porros $180
Pentax DCF WP 10x50mm porros $180

Don't get a cheap variable power porro prism binoculars. They are going to break. The Nikon Action 10x50mm #7218 for $85-$100 are not worth it, spend a little more, you won't regret it.

You talk about porro prism, i notice that porro prism seems to be in the 150-200 range what is the difference in say a Leupold Roof Prism LP54205 Binoculars? I really what them to hold up and I like the rubberized coating on these, I will be using them for long term glassing so I really want to get a pair that are nice and clear, but are they worth double the price? thanks for the help

A roof prism binoculars will generally cost more to get a view equal to a porro prism binoculars. The prisms in the roof prism binoculars split lightwaves out of phase and without phase correction to bring the lightwaves back into phase a roof prism binoculars will not have as good of contrast and resolution. Roof prisms are also more compact, rugged and easier to waterproof. So if you are on a limited budget, you can get a good view in a porro prism. You will have to decide if you need a more compact and rugged binoculars to justify the additional cost. If you are thinking of a roof prism and need to limit your expenditure, there are some very servicable models for under $200. The Minolta Activa D WP XL, Minolta Activa D WP Sport and the Olympus Magellan EXWP I come to mind; all are phase corrected and waterproof. But you would probably be better served in the long run with phase corrected roofs in the $275-350 range or the porros listed above.

The Leupold Wind River Olympic 10x50mm are very good and can be found for around $340. http://www.betterviewdesired.com/10-02/leupold.html http://www.dnrsports.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DSC&Product_Code=LEU54205&Category_Code=wrbinleu

I think I am going to go with Leupold Pinnacle 8X42
I have seen some good write ups on them. The only reason I picked these over the Olympic are the eye cups, let me know what you think.
http://www.optics4birding.com/windriver-pinnacle-8x42-2068.html

I think I am going to go with Leupold Pinnacle 8X42
I have seen some good write ups on them. The only reason I picked these over the Olympic are the eye cups, let me know what you think.
http://www.optics4birding.com/windriver-pinnacle-8x42-2068.html
The newer Wind River Pinnacles come with both the euro-style rubber eye cups and the twist up eyecups. They are also noticeably better than the Olympics for not a lot more money. I think you will like them. But you can get them a little cheaper at D&R Sports (http://www.dnrsports.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DSC&Product_Code=LEU54504&Category_Code=wrbinleu) or Shooters Pro Shop (http://www.noslershop.com/cgi-bin/virtualcatalog/CatalogMgr.pl?cartID=b-8702&template=Htx/sample6.htx&SearchField=category&SearchFor=Windriver+Pinnacles+Binoculars&hdr=Windriver+Binoculars+Pinnacles&displayNumber=55)

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/leupold/pinnacles.html

Thanks for the info, I just ordered the binos from the Shooters pro shop. you just saved me $30! I can't wait to get them an check them out... thanks for all your help!