leupold 9x40 binoculars - it's all here

Most binoculars are multipurpose instruments. Compact binoculars are some of the handiest and most widespread of all optical instruments.

Exactly how you can see the Sun rise in the east, and set in the west; and how you can see the moon whizzing from one part of the sky to the other, when you take a look at the moon in a telescope it moves fast. I originally purchased the Monarch 10x50's for bird-watching and long range mountain scanning in Arizona, however, I found the extra sharpness of the 8X resolution meant that I didn't need the larger 10X magnification, because they had such excellent detail. When it comes to selecting the right binoculars for astronomy, aperture is the most important feature to think about.

The lens size does not indicate lens quality, however the larger the lens size the brighter the view and the larger the field of vision. Bird watching binoculars seem to run along the same lines. Many of the binoculars come with a carry case that can attach to a belt.

The waterproof models will be corrosion resistant and buoyant, not just repelling water from the lens. You want to have lightweight handling which is also available with this price. If the seals develop a leak, the nitrogen could leak out and allow moisture into the chamber.

You can get a closer look of mountain ranges all over the world, so go and get a pair and get out there. But if you're into astronomy, you'll need a high powered pair.