Leupold Yosemite 6x30 Binoculars

From Robert in Minnesota:

A Fantastic Bargain!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

These Leupold binoculars, the Yosemite 6x30, are a fantastic bargain. The lower magnification is not a handicap because resolution, brightness, and field of view are incredible for the amount of money spent.

I switched to these Leupold binoculars from my Nikon binoculars, the 8x36 Monarchs, to these for most of my viewing as the view is comparable for 1/3 the price. I use these binoculars for birdwatching in my backyard and in forested habitat, wildlife watching, travel, and as a finder while stargazing. I've rarely wanted more magnification and in such instances a spotting scope would've been the ideal instrument, not a more powerful binocular...

I am very happy with the purchase.

Vortex Viper 10x42 Binoculars

From Chuck in Ontario:

I returned these binoculars.
Rating: 3 (of 5)

After buying some moderately priced 10x binoculars last year, on advice of members at Birdforum I bought Vortex binoculars, the 10x42 Vipers. The Vipers had a lot of good features, just holding it in your hand gives you the impression of it being a quality-made product. Objective lens coating is dark green and it is hard to see reflections in the objectives. Focusing was silky smooth and the binoculars worked great with my eyeglasses. The image was bright and colors were vivid BUT the image lacked resolution badly. I think I got a lemon since so many people give it rave reviews, so I returned it and am waiting for the Nikon SE 10x42 [note: the SEs are discontinued and are increasingly hard-to-find new], which I would call the binoculars of the gods.

If you get a sample that is not a lemon like mine was you will have great binoculars. If the resolution of my sample was what it was supposed to be I would have given it a better rating but I have to give it only a good rating.

Kowa TSN-883 Angled 88mm Prominar Spotting Scope

From: Nathan in Wisconsin

A fantastic scope!
Review Rating: 5 (of 5)

I have owned this Kowa spotting scope for a year or so and continue to be amazed when I use it for birdwatching and digiscoping. When I can see the crossed bills of white-winged crossbills through falling snow from 200 yards away, and see details like leg color on peeps that I can hardly find with my binoculars it just makes me happy.

Vortex Kaibab 15x56 HD binoculars

From Clint in Alberta, Canada:

Swarovski comparable at better price!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

These Vortex binoculars, the Kaibab 15x56 HDs are very comparable to the Swarovski SLC 15x56 binoculars.
The image is clear from edge to edge, it's nice to see Vortex Optics step up to the plate with this high quality and good price. The carry case could be a little better but the included lens covers and tripod mount are great.

Thanks Vortex.

Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 8x42 Binoculars

From: Judy in Texas

My First Real Birding Experience!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

Although I have been a lifetime lover of birds, today was my first actual formal birdwatching experience. The group was led by a Texas Parks and Wildlife specialist named Cliff. Since the only binoculars I have are like 50 years old and quite heavy, Cliff loaned me a pair of his Eagle Optics binoculars, they were 8x42 Rangers and the results were magnificent! Cliff called up numerous small birds and I could really see them. He also located four kinds of woodpeckers and I did not miss a single siting. I am sold on these Ranger binoculars!

Swarovski ATS 65 Spotting Scope

From: Susan in Pennsylvania:

"Ol' Timex!"
Rating: 5 (of 5)

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been using this Swarovski spotting scope day-in and day-out during migration counts for the past several years. This poor spotting scope has been subjected to heat, cold, rain, and snow. More than once an extremely strong gust of wind has sent it crashing into the rocks (Anyone familiar with the North Lookout at HMS can attest to the fact that it is nothing more than a rock outcropping with nothing soft to land on). The spotting scope eyepiece shows some dings but the body looks almost new and it works like new as well. I call it "Ol' Timex" because it "takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'." The durability has been phenomenal.

We plan to send it back to Swarovski Optik over the winter for some tlc, and there's no doubt in my mind that we'll get many more tough years of use out of it.

Eagle Optics 8x21 Energy Binoculars

From: Garret in Colorado

Energy Binoculars!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

These are great little binoculars, especially for the price! An excellent compact binoculars set of optics with a great, quality feel -- perfect for birding or nature hikes when you don't want to lug around a heavy set of binoculars...these Eagle Optics binoculars offer good optic quality -- crisp and clear, despite the small size. Excellent for children too! I'm very happy with my purchase!

Nikon Monarch ATB 10 x 42 Binoculars

From: Brian in Australia

Fantastic hunting binoculars!
Rating: 4 (of 5)

I have had these Nikon binoculars for three seasons of Sambar hunting here in Australia. Initially I thought these were the best thing since sliced bread - they're crisp, sharp, bright, lightweight, and easy to use all day with eyeglasses. They even appeared to be reasonably robust until I slipped on some wet branches laying in rocky terrain...the binoculars took a hard hit between a rock and my riflescope. After a quick look the Monarch binoculars appeared unharmed though the ring holding the objective lens was badly bent they still work fine and are waterproof.

I do find that the outer lenses fog up very easily on damp or cold days and the only way to clear them is by wiping them off. I have missed a couple of trophies because of this issue so these are probably not the last binoculars for hunting.

Vortex Diamondback 8x42 Binoculars

From: Kevin in Gainesville:

Great birding binoculars!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

I recently borrowed my friend's pair of Vortex binoculars for a birding trip and was amazed so I had to get a pair of the Diamondback binoculars. I have tried several binoculars with the same magnification and objective lens size, and none have come close to the clarity and color fidelity that these Vortex Binoculars did. They feel and function like a pair of binoculars that's worth twice the price. I highly recommend them to any birdwatcher.

Meopta Meostar 8x42 Binoculars

From Frank in Pennsylvania:

European optics at half the price!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

I have had the privilege of owning Meopta binoculars for about a year now. They offer an exceptionally bright, wide field of view image with excellent edge sharpness and a flat field. The ergonomics are excellent - they fit my hand like a glove. Overall durability and construction are excellent and easily on par with binoculars costing twice as much.

The negatives? Well, the Meoptas are a bit heavy at 30 oz and they do display some level of color fringing on high contrast objects around the outer edge of the image. Other than that I believe the Meopta binoculars offer high-end European optics (like Leica binoculars or Swarovski binoculars) at half the price.