I didn't think I'd ever be recommending Bushnell, but now I am. Normally I like the high $ stuff like Nikon etc..., but I got a pair of Bushnell 8x21 binoculars as a gift from work. They are great. They're clear and very compact. I've seen a pair at Fred Meyer for only $20. The great part is that if they fall in the water, just buy another pair. I liked them so much that I bought my dad a similar pair of 12x25's. He also thinks they're great.