[Paddlewise] Binoculars?

    Dear Group,
    When out on the Mississippi River Saturday  it occurred to me it would
be handy to have a set of binoculars, especially out there, in order to be
able to judge the direction, speed, and size of approaching tugs and barges
and other craft when they are as far away as possible, in order to have
plenty of time to get the heck out of the way.
    I raised this question privately with another list member whom I know
birdwatches, and she told me her binoculars cost several hundred dollars.
I've got a new VCP Avocet and all gear, including carbon paddle, nice roof
rack, GPS, etc, so I have spent a LOT of money lately. I am not a
birdwatcher, not patient enough for it.
     (I have a theory that all you birdwatchers are just making up the bird
names on the spot,  "That's a Twit-nosed River Skimmer." but that's another
thread.. <G>)      Do many of you use binoculars? If so, what type, and how
much? I need to spend $, or $$, but definitely not $$$$.  Thanks, Marsanne

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