Leica 12x50 Ultravid HD

I purchased these binoculars for hunting and bird watching. I am not disappointed. These are the finest binoculars I have ever owned. For hunting, the ability to resolve detail at great distances is remarkable. I can see and detail big game at very long distances and while sitting can decide weather or not to attempt a stalk. With a mile or more separating me and a bull elk, mule deer, moose or sheep I know what he will score before I even leave my viewing perch. I don’t waste any time gathering more information by trying to get closer to see how big an animal is. I can make that determination from my original glassing spot. No chance of bumping other animals while trying to get closer to see if it is truly a trophy size animal. These binoculars are the best in the world and have no competition. I have used them all, and own all the big names in optics. Forget the rest and buy the best, purchase a Leica HD and you will not be disappointed.

Leupold Sequoia scope

I have to say this is one of the best spotting scopes I have used in a long while. The weight was perfect for me, and when I added a pistol grip tripod head, the handling was superb!
The clarity is unsurpassed in both the low power range as well as when you crank it up to its highest power.
I really like the 45 degree angle on the eyepiece, which also enhances ease of handling and less strain on the neck.

I must also add here, the that the buying experience with Eagle optics was top drawer! The prices are really the best, as I surfed the net for hours looking for comparisons.
Furthermore the customer service was outstanding and the delivery super prompt. Overall, an extremely refreshing experience. I will be back!

Brunton Epoch 8.5x43 binocular

From Brock in North Dakota:

Right out of the box you can see and feel that these binoculars will stand up to anything to which any reasonable person will subject them. And if the unreasonable happens, Brunton's warranty will cover it. A leather carrier for your belt and a leather case that will hold the belt carrier and the binoculars ensure your binoculars are well protected. Unlike other binoculars I've had the lens covers for these do a good job of staying on the lenses, meaning you won't spend time trying to find them after they fall off. And the hinged feature is very nice, allowing you to leave the covers on at all times.

But binoculars are really all about the optics. The optics are great. I've always been satisfied, even impressed, with the light gathering qualities of my Leupold rifle scopes and binoculars. Comparing the Brunton's side-by-side my Leupold 8x in low light conditions, the Bruton's won. It wasn't by much and most times it probably wouldn't matter. But there are times the edge will matter. And I got a good look at the full moon that night with them.

Using both under good light conditions to glass the country and to check out birds, both in the open and in woods, the Brunton's picked out details first, which I was then able to see with the Leupold's. I switched back and forth between which one I used first to look at something. Even when I used the Leupold's first the Brunton's picked out more small details first.

Given Eagle Optics price for the Brunton's I don't think you can get a better value in binoculars. Definitely a lot of bang for your bucks here. Now I'm looking seriously at getting a Brunton spotting scope from Eagle Optics to replace my old Nikons.

Nikon Trailblazer 8x42 binocular

From Richard in New York:

I have bought binoculars for all 11 of my nieces and nephews for high school graduation, and this is the last pair for the last niece. My aunt and uncle gave me binocular for my graduation in 1968 and I have kept up the tradition. This is the first Nikons I have purchased for a graduation gift.

These Nikons look and feel great. I used them one afternoon to watch the Peregrines nesting in downtown Rochester. Note - I will give them away at graduation on May 16th! I was able to compare them to my own Bushnell Natureview 8x42s. Frankly, I did not notice any difference in viewing quality but I am a rank amateur. I did notice that the eye caps are likely to get lost since there is no way to attach them to the strap. And the right-eye diopter was very stiff to adjust, but that may get easier with use. I found it hard to get a good grip on the diopter ring. Otherwise no complaints and I think my niece will get a very nice entry-level bird binoculars to take to college.

Pentax Papilio binocular

From Warren in Kentucky:
I'm a bird watcher with much experience using high end binoculars. I wanted these for close focus viewing: spring wild flowers, snake watching, etc. My Leicas force me to step back from close items. I was prepared to give up optical quality, but was surprised at the sharp, contrasty image these provide, all the way down to the claimed eighteen inches. I doubt I will get the physical durability of my $1000 Leica's. I am entirely pleased with these binoculars.

Leica Ultravid 10x25 BCL Binocular

From Patrick in New York:
I absolutely love these binoculars. They fit in a pocket or drop in a briefcase so I take them on every business trip to make sure I don't miss that opportunity to bird and to all concerts and sporting events so I don't miss any action. They breathe quality and the view is superb in good light and not bad at all in low light considering the small objective. I get compliments all the time. The leather version is German classic cool and comes with a nice hard little case. Get yours before Leica raises the price again. (I can't believe how much they have gone up since I got mine!) I have many fine bins but use these the most because of their convenience and quality.

Leica Televid APO 65mm Spotting Scope

From Marcel in California:
I recently upgraded to this scope from two Nikon Fieldscope ED's that I owned (82 and 60mm). I chose this scope for its (1) exceptionally wide field of view relative to its competitors, (2) being less heavy than the Nikon EDG, and (3) Leica optics. I chose the angled version so I can use a shorter tripod for traveling and looking at birds in tall rainforest canopy. I'm impressed by the exceptionally sharp and bright optics. The zoom maintains focus throughout its range, the image is impressively flat, and low light performance is exceptional. I am glad I spent the extra relative to the competitor scopes. I've used scopes for a long time and this is the best I've ever seen in this size of scope (I wonder what its big brother in 80mm is like?). The scope is also exceptional for digiscoping with a compact camera. I like the view through case (a separate item), with its straps for shoulder carrying the scope with a tripod attached. If I had a request it would be that it went down to 20x (rather than the minimum of 25x) for an even wider field and for locating birds before zooming in.

Kowa 773 scope

From Gary in Colorado:
We purchased this scope for our birding club last summer. There were a few skeptics in the group because it was not made in Germany or Austria, but they were placated when they looked through the scope. We were impressed with the sharpness, even at 60 power, and the excellent color detail. It is just the right weight and highly portable as well as being easy to focus and setup. I would highly recommend this scope.

Kowa Genesis 8x33

From Jerry in Colorado:
I've owned many binoculars however this one is of the highest quality optics, and this is a lifetime binocular. Very bright image and clarity for a 33mm.excellent objective covers that stay on ,solid 3 step eye extension that do not drop,smooth metal machined focuser "Really nice" wide field of view and a very nice binocular case. These binoculars are High end optics just as good as Swarovski or Leica for a little less cost, they feel great in the hands, they handle beautifully, nice rubber armor very nice solid binocular, and optics if you never tried a Kowa give these a try first. you will be surprised of the optical quality and build quality. It also comes with a lifetime warranty as well.

Zeiss Conquest 8x30

From a customer in Houston, Texas:

Took a chance on these. I was not disappointed. I purchased these and compared them against what I already owned: a Monarch ATB and a Kowa BD. I reviewed both of these earlier, the Monarch is a pleasure to use, and the Kowa's optics are crisp with true colors. The Zeiss Conquest seem to have the best features of both pair.

They are very easy to use, and very easy to re-focus on changing subjects. The crispness and detail surpases even the Kowas. They are the smallest pair of the 3 yet still have the best image. I like the eyepieces also, they extend out to fit well, keeping stray light of out the peripheral vision. I got used to the green of Nikons and Kowas, so I don't like the black so much, but what a wonderful pair they are. Amazing for the size and weight, so much better than trying to deal with a true compact pair which would be just 1 size smaller. These will truly spoil you with small size, ease of use and excellent image.

Atlas Optics Sky King 8x42 binocular

From Tim in Tennessee:

The Atlas Optics lineup is full of great binoculars, and these Sky Kings are no exception. The first thing I was impressed by was the construction - magnesium chassis, BAK4 glass, dielectric coated prisms, etc. You normally have to spend $800+ to get those features. The binoculars just feel like a quality instrument. Optically, the first thing that hit me was the edge-to-edge image flatness and clarity - probably the center 75% is clear and with no chromatic aberration - impressive for binoculars in this price range. The center-of-view sharpness is good, but not on par with the AO Intrepids. The only two "issues" I have with the Sky Kings are the lack of brightness (not bad, but I expected more) and the yellow color bias (again, not bad, but I expected them to be more neutral). Overall though, these are very nice binoculars and, like the rest of the Atlas line, a bargain at $199.

Eagle Optics Denali 10x42

Having compared the 10X42 Denali in the field to two other somewhat more costly 10X42 models Eagle Rangers and Nikon Monarchs, my impression is that they are well constructed and deliver solid optics. Neither the optics nor ease of use is quite up to the standard of the other referenced models, but IMO they are an excellent everyday binocular at a great value. My very informal field "tests" consisted of bird and wildlife observations at various distances, terrestrial observations - mountains, woods, dunes, and viewing of ships at sea and distant land objects across miles of water. The lesser optical quality manifested itself more in eye fatigue than perceived clarity or magnification differences, especially in lower light conditions. The center focus wheel was just acceptable, but the right eye diopter was very stiff and difficult to fine-adjust. Both these limitations may not be a factor for you if observations are brief and they are single user binoculars. Once you adjust your diopter, you may never or seldom need it again. I don't hesitate to recommend as value at this price, but suggest you make your own comparison. You can always pay more, mot may not need more.

Zeiss Victory FL

From Bob in Oregon:

I recently purchased the Zeiss 10x42 FL LT and have been very impressed. I use them mainly for birding. The detail and color is extraordinary even when viewing birds at a distance and in low light. The quick focus is really nice in tracking birds and goes from infinity to close up with minimal turning. I find them very comfortable to use and the eyecups work really well with my eyeglasses.
It is by far the finest pair of binoculars I have ever owned and recommend them highly. Of course they are expensive, but I look at them as a glass I will not have any desire to replace during my lifetime.

Eagle Optics Triumph

From Lee in Massachusetts:

The ability to focus on birds within 6.6 feet was the clincher in selecting the Triumph 8x25s as an under-$100 gift for my son. He has a feeder just outside his window, but couldn't close-focus his full size binoculars. My daughter liked his so well she asked me for a pair for HER birthday. I'm a former bander and ardent birder for 45 years, cherishing a pair of 7x35 Bushnell Sports all this time. But now when the kids come to visit, I remind them to bring their Eagle binocs in their pockets so I can enjoy a clearer brighter look at the Golden Crowned Kinglets and other feathered wonders at my feeders. My birthday will be coming soon!

Kowa 883 spotting scope

From J. B. in Texas:

This is my 3rd KOWA scope & I have enjoyed each model. I purchased all my KOWA scopes from Eagle Optics & am very satisfied with their customer care! I use the scope in monitoring/observing/digiscoping (birds & mammals) for the National Park Service & Texas Audubon Society. The KOWA 883 has great clarity & brilliance. The great staff @ Eagle Optics is extremely helpful in guidance RE camera adaptions for digiscoping! It's a joy to use!