I'm going on an Alaskan cruise in August. Can anyone suggest a good pair of binoculars to buy? I don't want to spend alot, but would like something that I will be able to see the animals and landscape with. I don't know the power settings I need for that kind of use.

i would go to www.amazon.com and do a search on binoculars and then just look at the consumer ratings and comments about what's available.

I can't answer from personal experience unfortunately, but if you really wanna see what's going on on those glaciers, you meet need something with at least 15x. I probably wouldn't go below 10.

I bought the micro-zoom (7-21) at Magellans.com

When I ordered them, I was sure they were going back because they seemed way too small and lightweight to do the job and a bit pricey. But, they are magnificent (and so small...).

Here's a site with some excellent recommendations on equipment for an Alaskan cruise: http://www.tonyruss.com/alaska_wear.htm .

Personally, I've found the compacts (8x21 and the like) are handier, but the conventional size (7x35 and similar) are easier to use....

For an excellent guide to what to look for in binoculars go to www.bhphotovideo.com. click on binoculars & scopes. On the top right will find a buying guide and a glossary of terms.

I do have a fair amount of experience with bino's.

Do not buy anything that is more than 10 power if you will be hand holding them. In fact I recommend 8 at most, even 10 can be difficult to hold still. Personally I like "full size" vs compact binos. Compacts do have their place and I actually have both.

Best all around and affordable are 8X42 or similar size. You can get a reasonable pair for around $100. I would suggest that you check out a Bushnell 8-24X50. This is a full size Zoom bino that is reasonable. Other makers have similar items.

One more website for research and purchase, they carry all the brands:
http://www.eagleoptics.com/

To find the best binoculars go to reputable shop with a large selection and try as many binoculars as possible. What works for one person may not work for you. I love my Nikon and I think they are the best but my partner has a hard time using them. After you make your selection you could buy them anywhere and amazon.com or magellans.com are only two possibilities

Placeu2 stole my thunder! I was going to recommend Eagle Optics, too, particularly b/c they have a great buying guide online, and excellent customer service (consider the house brand--they're usually the best value). And I was also going to suggest 8X42 as a reasonable size--they will be easy to focus, and easier to pan around than smaller ones, especially if you're not a big bino user. Those tiny pocket size binos only seem like a good idea until you try using them. Good luck!

Thanks for all the great ideas. I'll check all of them out.