Nikon Action 7x35

From Rod in Kentucky:

Good value. Great for beginning birders.
Rating: 4 (of 5)

I have purchased both the current model and the previous model of these binoculars and have birded with both. I still bird with the previous model frequently. I would be very surprised if you could find better binoculars for less than $100.

Pros: The field of view is huge, 489ft., making finding birds easy -- very important for new birders. It's hard to have fun and enjoy the birds if you can't find them. 7 power is sufficient for birding most habitats in my opinion. For their size, they are relatively lightweight and comfortable in the hand.

Cons: I must say the previous model is a better binocular than the current model. Perhaps it is just me, but the glass is simply clearer in the previous model. I notice more distortion at the edges of the glass when looking through the current model. (Yes, the lenses are clean.) The current model just doesn't feel as sturdy also.

If you're a new birder and ready to purchase your first binocular, I doubt you'll be disappointed with these. Affordable and decent quality. You can bird with these for a long time while saving up for a top shelf pair of binoculars. I've used mid-priced binoculars and did not find the quality of those dramatically better. I have a pair of top shelf Swarovski's and I still use my old Nikon Action 7x35s often as my backup bins.

Nikon Monarch III 8x42

From Steve in Arizona

Rating: 5 (of 5)

I was lucky enough to get a pair of the Monarch III 8x42 in January from Eagle Optics. First, let me say that this is a great pair of bins and well worth the money. Now, a slight bit of downside: As far as I can tell, they are no better than their predecessor Monarch ATB 8x42's. Since they advertise the new dielectric coating I was hoping for a noticeable improvement in low light conditions. But, comparing as carefully as I could with my wife's older Monarchs, I just can't see the difference. Maybe it is there in a careful laboratory measurement, but it sure isn't apparent to me. So, please don't throw away your old Monarchs to upgrade to this pair ---but if you are looking to upgrade from some lesser brand/pair of bins, this is a great choice.

Vortex Viper 10x42 binocular

From Dave in Alaska

Rating: 5 (of 5)

I own a pair of Leica Ultravid (10x42) and Swarovski EL (8.5x42). If I had known about the Vortex Viper before I bought my high-end binos, I could have saved a lot of money.

I bought the Vortex Viper 10x42, 18 months ago for my girl friend who is a Park Ranger. She is really hard on equipment and would not let me buy her a pair of Leica or Swarovski's, because she was afraid she would break them.

She frequently shares them with park visitors and gets comments on how well they can see with them. They have performed flawlessly with frequent use and minimal care.

In field use I can find no discernible difference between my Leica, Swarovski and her Vortex Viper. The Vipers are clear and bright with good ergonomics. They are also lighter in weight compared to my other binos.

Bottom line, you will not be disappointed if you purchase these binos!

Eagle Optics Denali Spotting Scope

From Ryan in Rhode Island:

View your passions with an amazing Spotting Scope at an amazing price!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

I have been using the Denali, an Eagle Optics spotting scope, for about 4 months now. I am a wildlife conservation biology major at the University of Rhode Island and have used this spotting scope in the field to conduct personal research projects. The Denali has met my expectations and is an amazing easily transportable scope. It is lightweight and rugged and fits easily into my backpack.

I highly recommend the Denali scope to anyone who needs a great spotting scope at an affordable price.

Eagle Optics Insight 7x18 Monocular

From Pam in California

Spanish Adventure
Rating: 5 (of 5)

My husband and I were traveling in Spain for 3 weeks carrying only 1 carry-on bag each, so no room for binoculars. These monoculars were just the right thing! They fit in my purse or hubby's pocket. They spotted birds, examined architecture, and got in close to artworks without upsetting museum guards. I would have liked binoculars, but these had a pretty wide field of view for scenery when lining up a photo shot and are so lightweight you can forget you're carrying them. And best of all, you've got them when you need them. Great for stained glass in all those cathedrals, too.

Minox BV 8x25 BRW Binoculars

From Harvey in Arkansas:

Really Neat Pocket Size Binoculars!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

I've been using Eagle Optics binoculars, the Ranger SRT 6x32 for several years & love it but needed smaller, compact binoculars for woods walking while hunting small game. After considerable comparison & investigation I ordered the Minox BV 8x25 BRW. I've used it almost daily since & am very pleased with its performance. Clarity & sharpness are as good as any compact binocular I've used, even some that cost considerably more. The weight & physical ergonomics are ideal for the purpose/circumstances under which I use it. Wearing it on my chest using a stretch type harness strap, it is almost unnoticeable 'til needed, & much more comfortable than my full-size binoculars or the mid-size binoculars. Also love the close focus feature which is great for bird/insect watching. I would have preferred a 'click' type eye cup adjust rather than the 'friction' but so far that has not been a problem as I wear glasses so the eye cups stay fully retracted.

These little binoculars from Minox are a great value for the money.

Canon Image Stabilized All Weather 18x50 Binoculars

From Alan in California:

Power to the Peeping
Rating: 5 (of 5)

OK, these Canon binoculars are NOT meant mainly for "peeping," though my wife finds these to be wonderful for people-watching from a big city hotel.

In fact, I bought my pair as a supplement to a 12.5" telescope. I have used them not just for astronomy, at which they excel, but also for birding in open-country where they are wonderful, and their 20-foot close focus limit is not a problem.

The apparent field of view of over 66 degrees is expansive and immersive, and surprisingly stable even without the stabilizer, due to the body design. Image stability is very adequate once the IS is clicked on. The focus works fairly well, though the wheel could be a bit larger. Eye relief listed at 15 mm seems accurate. I can see the entire field of view with my eyeglasses on.

Yes, these are HEAVY. A harness strap helps if you plan to ramble very far from your vehicle. Yes, they are somewhat expensive, though not the most expensive binoculars by far.

No, these are not for warblers in nearby bushes. For that I have ordered Swarovski binoculars, the 8 x 32 ELs. The 18 x 50 IS are a unique product, binoculars which totally supplant the need for a spotting scope. OK, so I have one of those also, but that's ANOTHER story, and another review.

Unless one's primary interest is astronomy, these should NOT be a first purchase. For someone who birds, who already has 8 x 32's, arguably the best size for general birding, or 8 x 42's, certainly these can be considered as the next purchase, in lieu of a spotting scope and tripod, or as a third purchase after that. These are great for birding festival trips, where it would be clumsy to maneuver a scope and tripod in and out of a van.

So, "power to the peeping," err, people, for astronomy and open terrain or seashore birding.