In order of preference, having used them all:
New:
Vortex Razor HD 10x50 (a very underrated bino)
Nikon HG 10x42
Vortex Razor HD 10x42
Zeiss Conquest HD
Leica Trinovid 10x42
Zeiss T* P 10x40
Used (a bit more than $1k):
Swaro Non-SV EL 10x42
Swaro 10x42 SLC HD
“In all my years of experience I've never seen an optical instrument better than the Swarovski NL Pure 12x42. I suppose I don't have to add anything more...”
Nice compliment, especially coming from that site.
I look forward to two points of opinion / feedback from Rokslide members:
1) how...
Ultralight is how I'd describe them. They are minimalist, very lightweight, and stretchy. Sitka's backpacking rain gear from a few years back (cannot recall the name, which has since changed).