Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 Binoculars

The Prostaff P3 is the pair of binoculars that turns a casual interest into a habit. Ten power, 42 millimeter lenses with Nikon's coatings, which means bright, sharp views at dusk when birds are actually moving, and a waterproof, fog-proof rubber-armored body that lives in a car door pocket. They are a big step up from the compact pairs sold as gifts and a long way short of the thousand-dollar ones.

It is the retirement gift for a parent who has started noticing birds, a Father's Day gift for the dad who keeps borrowing someone else's at the game, and the travel gift before a safari or a cruise.

They come with a case, strap and lens caps, and the eyecups twist out for use with glasses. About 20 ounces, so they carry all day. Worth it over cheaper pairs because the difference is in the view, and the view is the whole point.