high magnification over 11x

After a sour learning experience with highly-rated (by a stock tout in the WSJ!) Meade compact binoc, I was recently impressed with the quality and design of two samples of the 8X version of this model. For the price, the center sharpness and high eyepoint are impressive, the focusing is close-tolerance and smooth, and the image symmetry and collimation seem good. All of these qualities were notably absent from the touted model. While the 8x32 binocs are imperfect in edge sharpness and resistance to flare, they are entirely satisfactory, especially as gifts.