If I were limited as to funds, I'd go with two. That's because I can get virtually the same image quality for less money and something every bit a rugged.
They'd be a Meopta 8X42 because it is heavier than the Pentax DCF ED and probably the 6X30 Leupold Yosemite, or the 6X30 Katami. If I were to add a third, assuming I had the above, I'd probably go with a 12X50 DCF ED Pentax.
If I insisted on a 10X as the top binocular, it would probably be a Pentax DCF ED 10X50. The other would be one of the above 6X30's.
The big advantage to the 6X binoculars is their light weight w/o significant image shake. They apparently excel in close cover scanning. The heavy 8X42 is simply the best compromise as a jack of all trades. It's only real drawback is it's weight. Pretty hard on the user if you insist on something close around your neck. E
Last edited by Eremicus; 04/03/08.
