Telescope Reviews: Yeah, size matters... but what ELSE does?

Also look for are bak4 prisims and fully multi-coated lenses (both on the objective lens and the eyepieces). These will help increase light transfer (light gathering ability) and thereby contrast. This will be particularly evident if you are viewing form dark skys... These types of things are often not included in many department store models.

Also note that zoom binoculars usually have a lower FOV then fixed magnifactions. They are however very helpful if these will be your main viewing tool.

As for if these higher quality designs are worth the extra money I have to say it's a personal choice. There is definitly a difference, when I first used my Orion 11x70 binoculars after using some Tasco 7x35's I was surprised by the great amount of detail I could make out. Some of this was do to the extra aperture and some of it was do to the increased quality of the optics. Both factors improved minute details. I would compare the difference to watching a VHS tape on an old TV and watching a DVD on a HD TV. To some people it doesn't really matter much but to those who are using binoculars for things like astronomy and birding it is all about detail. Wouldn't you want to see all the little edges the bird's feathers? Or the texture of it's beak? To real observers these are the things that make the hobby.

Make sure you get some reviews though because every price range has it's lesser models, more expensive is not always better. Some of the higher priced models have some problems with edge performance. The image loses detail towards the edge of the image. Or also some experiance spherical abberation, where the image appears distorted like it it on a sphere. Also look out of glare or light reflecting off of the interal barral of the binoculars. Most have baffles (or little edges) that help absorb light and prevent this. So while there are still things to worry about in higher priced binoculars they will for the most part be on a different level than the cheaper department store models.

Also if you are thinking of using a mount later on you might want to think of a monopod (one legged tripod) for real portability on some of your trips. Though it won't be as steady it will allow slightly higher magnifacations and would be good for surprise bird spottings on hikes or something. I personally haven't used one though.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!