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.

Leupold Golden Ring SwitchPower 10/17x42 Binoculars

From Lawrence in Alberta, Canada:

What a Difference!!!
Rating: 5 (of 5)

When I attached the neck-strap to my new binoculars I needed to test them IMMEDIATELY. Out the back window there was a sparrow-like bird right at the top of a tall pine tree in my neighbors' yard. With the 10x magnification focused--it wasn't a sparrow--it could be a pine grosbeak. Quick switch to 17x and it's definitely a pine grosbeak!! Haven't seen one in this area before.

These Leupold binoculars offer amazing light,clarity and definition - Even better than my wife's Leica binoculars (older Trinovids).