>>627923Good binoculars are absolutely essential for hunting (you should always identify your targets with binocs first rather than your scope) and wonderful to have on /out/ings like canoe trips where you have lots of opportunity to watch birds and survey your surroundings.
I find them less important backpacking since they're heavy and I don't own a good small set.
I have a Vortex Diamondback 8x42 and they're great. I spent about $250 and am happy with the clarity and value.
However the advantages of good glass are significant. I have a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 scope on my 308 and it's head over heels better than my less expensive scopes I own like the Vortex Crossfire on my 22.
The funny thing with optics is you never realize how much better the good stuff is until you've been using it; I always used to think Oakleys were foolish until I owned some for a while.
