Hikers, amateur ornithologists and zoo fans will get their money's worth with all five test candidates - even fifth place still has a "good" rating. For the sharpest optics in the test field, go for the Kowa SV II 8×32, closely followed by the Nikon Prostaff P7 8x30. If you prefer something more compact, the Vortex Diamondback HD 8×32 is also an all-round successful pair of binoculars.