I am just recently thinking of purchasing a pair of binoculars for a member of my family who is more a beginner birder. Years ago when I started out in birding with a pair of regular use binoculars, I decided to spend it once for a "world-class" level as one uses it all the time in birding as oppose to spotting scope. So I purchased the Zeiss 10x40 which I feel is worth every cent. The construction, color rendition and ergonomics made birding so much better.
Go to the Pelee Wing Nature Store website which links to the various major manufacturors. The top companies are Swarovski, Leica & Zeiss. However, the cheapest Leica at 8x32 Trinovid list at $1,369 while the others at 42 mm objective are close to $2,000. Howver, if you are committed to birding, going out in all weather conditions, then you will enjoy every minute of it. Make a trip to Pelee Wing on a good day without smog, you can access by looking in nature and price all the top bincoculars which you find best for your needs. One cannot shop for optical equipment by looking through store glass towards busy traffic. Spend it once, you won't regret it. Pick a Swarovski EL series or Leica Ultravid or a bit less, Leica Trinovid or Swarovski SCL series
NB. An update that the Leica Trinovid line is no longer offered. Leica is releasing a new line Ultravid HD whereas the Ultravid line may drop in price similar to that of the Trinovid.
