Anyone using these binoculars?

I�ve been fascinated with the Leupold gold ring switch power 10/17x42 binoculars for a couple of years, but shelling out a grand for a fascination is something I only do on rifles.

I have a chance to pick up a set manufactured in 2007 for $500, seems too good to pass up. I�ve done some searching but have found little from people actually packing them out to hunt. I know they are not the HD.

Now I hike everywhere with my binoculars and spotting scope. Lightening the load is never a bad thing. I know I�ll be losing light gathering with 42 and a 17x.

Thoughts and/or experience with these binoculars?

"What I was saying is if my kin folk 400 years ago had guns, we wouldn�t be having this conversation. I�m in favor of guns and encourage everyone I know to have them because the last time we didn�t have them we were abused.�
Rep.Mitchell.