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Top 5 Binoculars Between $150 and $400

By Nick Greene, About.com

If you have spent some time observing the sky with your naked eyes, before you move on up to a telescope, you may want to try a pair of binoculars for a while. As in most things in life, you typically get what you pay for. If you are looking for a better pair of binoculars to start out with, check out these binoculars ranging from $150 to $400.

1. Canon 10 x 30 IS Binoculars

A great view for a great price. This pair of binoculars is versatile and can be used for earth-bound viewing as well as night sky gazing. They are light weight, with a contoured form, designed to fit the hands well.

2. Celestron VistaPix 8x32 - 3.1 Mega Pixel w/LCD Screen

OK, there you are, the perfect image of the moon in your sights. Now, how do you preserve it to share with friends or view in the future? That's where VistaPix comes in. With its built in digital camera, you can preserve your favorite sights for posterity. There are better optics out there and higher quality digital cameras, but for the money, you couldn't buy both items separately.

3. Nikon 8x42 Monarch Waterproof Binoculars

If you're ecologically concerned, you may want to consider these binoculars just for the "Eco-Glass" lenses, which are made without the use of arsenic or lead. The optics are good in this light weight binocular. Definitely worth taking a closer look at.

4. Celestron 25x100 SKY MASTER WP BINOCULAR

Here's a pair of binocluars designed for astronomy. They are also waterproof and can be used for terrestrial viewing as well.

5. Night Owl Explorer Pro 5x Binocular

The new Explorer Binocular Pro delivers portability and premium performance. Its compact shell houses two high-performing intensifier tubes cradled inside Night Owl Optics unique steel stringer system, adding precision and control.

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