Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Wendy,

I work part time for LL Bean in Tyson's Corner VA, and I sell binoculars. Nikon Monarch 8 X 42 are VERY good optics for a good price (around $300). The best binoculars (IMHO) are hand crafted by Swarovski. Expect to pay $2200 for an 8.5 X 42. They are works of art...very bright and true.

Florida and Texas are truly North America's best for bird diversity. Take your binocs everywhere. On our Alaska trip on Regent I saw loons, puffins, eagles and murrelets from my balcony! And whales. It was spectacular.

Good birding,

Paul