I love
compact binoculars, but I realize that many people do not. Compact binoculars offer the most in portability, but they do have their limitations in terms of performance and ease of use. If you are one of those folks that do not get along with compact binoculars, you might try what I call a "
nearly compact binocular" size of 8x28, such as the
Bushnell Excursion 8x28. That 28mm objective lens is a good step up from the 20mm objective in the typical
8x20 compact binocular. Want something a bit larger, still, but in a binocular that can keep that size down a bit? Try an 8x32, such as the
Bushnell Excursion 8x32. A "32" binocular is one of my favorite binocular sizes and always a safe bet when you want the performance a full size bino in a more portable size. I have been using a variety of 8x32 binoculars, such as the excellent Nikon Premier 8x32 SE for many years as my full size birding binocular and have never felt that I was sacrificing much in the way of performance.