Good point about the relief. While some consider being able to see the whole
field of view as a cosmetic consideration, I consider it to be highly
desirable. If you can't see the edges then you can't tell if you're looking
through the optical centres, where the quality is best.
Your requirement that you test them before buying is a good idea, but makes
getting recommendations difficult. Once you get to a shop you'll likely find
they don't carry the recommended models.
I gave up in frustration and bought what seemed the most reasonable quality for
price from the poor range the local shop had - Bushnell Legend 8x42 porros at
about $300. They were obviously better than the far more expensive roof prism
version. 18 months later I'm still reasonably happy apart from the stiff
focusing - something that appears to be inherent with waterproof porros.
Relief is only 15mm, just barely enough.
You haven't told us what you're currently using, or what's wrong with your
eyesight. We've assumed you wear glasses, is that correct? If so, I'd make
sure they're in good order before dumping the old binoculars - unscratched and
straight. A recent upgrade of mine fixed a few problems I was having. And
straightening the frames (bent by exhuberent kids) instantly cured what I had
thought were misaligned binoculars!
Peter Shute
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