I remember back in the late 70's or early 80's when defender was in New Rochelle NY I tried them in the Defender store. They allowed me to step outside and look down the street. I couldn't believe how clear and bright they were. I don't remember how much they cost at the time but they were way out of my league. I never bought them but still revere them as the gold standard in conventional binos.

My current "quick grab" is a Nikon Action 7x35 with compass, mounted in easy reach just inside the companionway. Adequate and clear but not top notch. My "let me get a better look" is Fuji techno-stabi 14x40, about 15 years old now and still function like when new. Top notch for image-stabilized, and not that expensive when amortized over the 15+? lifespan.

Just a thought -- if I'd have bought the Steiners back in the day, the cost per year would be really low. But it seemed a small fortune to me back then.