Binoculars Reviews

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Binoculars Reviews Reviewed
Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Binoculars Ratings Comments on Reviews
1. Birdwatching.com	Mid-Priced Binoculars Round Up Michael and Diane Porter Nov. 2007		In this article, which was originally written for Bird Watcher's Digest, Michael and Diane Porter and 15 other birders evaluate 56 mid-priced binoculars. Binoculars are rated on optical quality and ergonomics, such as fit and feel, use of the focus knob eyecups and the diopter adjustment mechanism. The binoculars are used to view an outdoor scene and, for a more controlled comparison, an optics resolution chart that shows a pattern in different colors. The Leica Ultravid Compact 8x20 receives the best score, followed closely by the Leica Ultravid Compact 10x25; both are complimented for their optical quality. The Minox HG 8.5x43 and the Vortex Razor 8x42 also rate well.
2. Cornell Lab of Ornithology	The Age of Binoculars Kenneth V. Rosenberg Winter 2005		In this report, 40 reviewers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology test 78 binoculars. Each tester compares at least ten models, with each binocular examined by at least ten reviewers. A core team of five experts examines every single pair of binoculars. Weight, close-focus distance and field of view at 15 feet are measured objectively, while other features are rated on a five-point scale: image quality, depth of field, ergonomics and "eyeglass friendliness." Editors rank binoculars in order of overall quality in four price ranges. Editors say binoculars in the $500 to $1,000 range are not worth the extra money over those in the $200 to $500 range, where the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 gets the highest rating. In the economy group, the Nikon Action 7x35 binoculars are highly rated. The Zeiss Victory T* FL 8x42 binoculars are rated best in the over-$1,000 group.

Binoculars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Binoculars Ratings Comments on Reviews

3. Consumer Reports >> Details/Subscribe	Binoculars Editors of Consumer Reports Dec. 2006		Consumer Reports tests 34 binoculars for image quality, durability and ease of use. The article notes that "The best binoculars had images that were sharper, brighter, and able to provide more contrast than the lower-scoring models." The article also discusses how to choose the right binoculars for a variety of needs.
4. CloudyNights.com	CN Report: Small Binocular Reports Series Ed Zarenski Mar. 2008		Ed Zarenski tests 34 handheld binoculars over an eight-month period for the astronomy website Cloudy Nights. He provides extremely detailed, hands-on reviews of each of the binoculars. He also discusses the criteria that are most important for astronomers. Although Zarenski does not provide an overall ranking or score, each binocular model has a summary that includes advantages, drawbacks and whether or not Zarenski would recommend it.
5. 24HourCampfire.com	A Campfire Review of 8x42 Binoculars Rick Bin Not Dated		Multiple reviewers throughout the United States examine eight 8x42 binoculars in this review. Each is asked to first test the binoculars on standardized resolution charts and then to use the binoculars in whatever way they choose. The Zeiss Victory FL 8x42 is "the nearly unanimous first choice," and the Leica Ultravid 8x42 is "superb in every way optically." The Swarovski EL 8.5x42 "stole the show in terms of ergonomics."
6. Outdoor Life >> Details/Subscribe	2005's Best New Hunting Optics Bill McRae June/July 2005		This review rates 17 binoculars on a scale of one to 100. Members of the review team test for image quality by viewing a business card tacked to a distant pole, then rate the binoculars for resolution, contrast, eye relief and field of view. Low-light performance is rated separately on the basis of "how long after official sunset a black-and-white test wheel can still be seen." Binoculars are also rated for design, build quality and ergonomics. For full-size binoculars, the Editor's Choice is the Nikon Premier LX L 8x42, but the Great Buy is the Browning 8x32. For compact binoculars, the Editor's Choice is the Pentax Papilio 6.5x21.
7. Bird Watchers Digest.com >> Details/Subscribe	2004 Binocular Roundup Michael & Diane Porter Jan. 2005		Birding experts Michael and Diane Porter lead a team of 15 experienced birders testing 99 waterproof, nitrogen-purged, fully multicoated and phase-corrected full-sized and mid-sized binoculars. Binoculars are tested at bird feeders (for close-up tests) and at a grassy field for mid-range tests, as well as in woods and wetlands. Image quality is also rated by comparing the binoculars on tripods. While the review recommends specific full-size binoculars, they're not clearly rated or ranked. Mid-size binoculars are rated on a ten-point scale, with separate ratings without glasses and with glasses. The only binoculars to score a perfect ten both with and without glasses are the Zeiss 32 Victory FL 8x32, but the Nikon Premier LX 8x32 come close. The Celestron Noble 8x32 binoculars are also highly rated. For those who don't wear eyeglasses, the Swarovski EL series and the Leica Ultravid 10x32 score a perfect ten.
8. Field & Stream >> Details/Subscribe	Field & Stream 2005 Best of the Best Awards: Binoculars Editors of Field & Stream 2005		This review of full-sized hunting binoculars recommends three waterproof binoculars priced over $1,000. Each is field-tested by a different Field & Stream field editor. The initial selection is done by seven field editors who test and compare different binoculars, followed by final selection by the New York editors, who "took their time and pored over the reams of information." The review praises the Bushnell Elite binoculars series (8x43, 10x43), especially for the fogproof RainGuard coating on the exterior lenses. The Leupold Golden Ring binoculars series is fairly heavy (29.5 ounces), but with excellent optical quality. Much lighter at 19 ounces, the Zeiss Victory 8x32 T* FL sports fluorite glass with very bright, superb images.
9. Astronomy >> Details/Subscribe	Binoculars Under $100 Phil Harrington Apr. 2005		This review compares 13 inexpensive center-focus binoculars with an emphasis on their use for astronomy. Editors test for smooth focus, optical clarity (during both day and night) and overall usability. "All of the binoculars showed some degree of each aberration but performed surprisingly well considering their low price," writes Phil Harrington. The Orion Scenix 10x50 are highest rated, but the Nikon Action 10x50 are also praised. The Celestron 15x70 SkyMaster are deemed a good value among giant binoculars.
10. Motor Boating >> Details/Subscribe	Compass Binoculars David Pugh May 2005		Three reviewers test seven binoculars equipped with a built-in compass as well as a range-finder, especially suitable for boating use. One reviewer wears glasses, another has small hands and the third has "normal" vision. The review notes that what feels good to one person may not work well for another. Tests are conducted on a boating excursion on a fairly calm day. Binoculars are used to locate and take bearings on objects ashore, first in daylight and then as night falls. Each pair of binoculars is given a separate rating for optics, compass and night usability.
11. Birder's World >> Details/Subscribe	Out with the Old, In with the New Pete Dunne Feb. 2005		This review emphasizes the improvements made in binoculars over the past ten years, as well as the need to evaluate binoculars for feel and fit. The review also notes that quality can vary quite a bit within the same model, even for the most expensive binoculars. Testing criteria isn't specified, but eight binoculars are recommended, including the Nikon 7x21 Naturalist for kids, the Nikon Action 7x35 binoculars for beginning birders and the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 for its light weight and water resistance. At the other extreme, editors recommend considering the Leica Ultravid series (7x42 and 8x42), as well as the Swarovski 8x32 EL and Zeiss 7x42 Classic.
12. Cornell Lab of Ornithology	Critics' Corner: Swift Ultra Lites Ride Again! Kenneth V. Rosenberg Spring 2005		Birding binocular expert Kenneth V. Rosenberg compares the Swift 8x42 Ultra Lites with their closest competitor, the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42, running the same tests on the Ultra Lites that were done in the huge comparative review mentioned earlier (the Swift Ultra Lites had arrived too late to be included). The Swift 8x42 Ultra Lites focus closer, with slightly better image quality than the Nikon, but the Swift binoculars are heavier.
13. Outside Magazine >> Details/Subscribe	2007 Buyer's Guide Binocular Reviews Editors of Outside Magazine As of May 2008		Here you can find individual reviews of the six binoculars Outside Magazine rates at the top for 2007, plus more binoculars with top ratings from the 2004 through 2006 Buyer's Guides. Each review is brief, but based on actual use by an expert, and most reviews include drawbacks as well as positive features. However, no details of the testing process are given, nor is it clear how many binoculars were compared in all. The Carson XM-HD 8x42 is highlighted as a "killer value," with "images as sharp and crisp as binocs twice the price."

Binoculars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Binoculars Ratings Comments on Reviews

14. Birdwatching.com	Binocular Reviews Michael and Diane Porter As of May 2008		Birdwatching experts Michael and Diane Porter offer copies of the comparative and in-depth binocular reviews they've done for birdwatching magazines over the years. Their Q&A column, the Binocular Advisor, recommends binoculars for specific concerns and price ranges. They say that the Eagle Optics Triumph 8x25 or Eagle Optics Triumph 10x25 are the "least expensive pair worth buying." The column also recommends the Pentax Papilio binoculars for butterfly watching, because they focus as close as 18 inches. Top-rated for eyeglass wearers are the Nikon Premier 10x42 and the Zeiss Victory FL -- or for less money, the Celestron Noble 8x32. In response to a question requesting the "best binoculars in the world," they list the Leica Ultravid HD, the Swarovski EL and the Zeiss 42 Victory FL.
15. Birdwatching.com	Binocular Picks for Every Price Range Michael and Diane Porter Updated Nov. 2007		Michael and Diane Porter describe their favorite binoculars in price ranges from under $100 to around $1,800. The Audubon Compact are the only binoculars under $100. The Vortex Viper, at under $500, is "the best binocular buy of all." These picks do not reflect the test of 56 mid-priced binoculars described by the Porters elsewhere on their website.
16. BetterViewDesired.com	Reviews Wayne Mones Updated May 2006		This site covers birding binoculars and spotting scopes. Although quite a few older binoculars are reviewed, the site is especially useful for its detailed, in-depth reviews based on the author's comprehensive field tests. Especially useful are reviews of the Pentax Papilio compact binoculars, Nikon LX 8x42, Zeiss Victory 8x42 T FL, Brunton Epoch and Leopold Wind River Pinnacle. Unfortunately, it has been a while since the site has been updated and the most recent review, of the Leupold Golden Ring 8x42, is from May 2006.
17. Optics4Birding.com	Binoculars Reviews Reviewers for Optics4Birding As of May 2008		Although this site is primarily a retailer for birding binoculars, it offers guides for selecting binoculars, including a page on choosing binoculars for kids. Twenty-seven mid-priced to high-end binoculars are reviewed in detail, covering specific pros and cons about optics, focusing, ergonomics and accessories. The in-depth reviews cover some aspects not included elsewhere, like the quality and convenience of rain guards and lens caps. Optics are also evaluated, but binoculars are neither compared nor rated.
18. Consumers Digest >> Details/Subscribe	High-Performance Binoculars Len McDougall Jan. 2005		This review provides a good overview, plus specific "best buy" recommendations in three price ranges, divided between binoculars for sporting events and those designed for birding/hunting. The recommended binoculars are briefly described, but specifications don't include eye relief, and no testing is documented. It is also unclear how many other binoculars were considered.
19. Field & Stream >> Details/Subscribe	Deer Under Glass Dave Hurteau Sept. 2005		This review of hunting binoculars recommends full-sized 8X binoculars for most users, 10X for open terrain and 6X for still-hunting in big woods. Only brief descriptions and sparse specifications are given for the six binoculars recommended here. The Nikon Monarch ATB Camo is recommended for eyeglass wearers, and the Bushnell Legend 8x32 binoculars are praised for their RainGuard coating that protects against fog and beading. The Pentax DCF HR II, the Zeiss Conquest 8x30, the Leupold Wind River Katmai 8x32 and the 17.5-ounce Alpen Apex 493 are also recommended.

Binoculars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Binoculars Ratings Comments on Reviews

20. Birding.com	Tools of the Trade: The Zeiss T*FLs Derek Lovitch May/June 2007		In this article, originally published in Birding magazine and reproduced at the Zeiss website, Derek Lovitch of the Wild Bird Center of Yarmouth (Maine) reviews the Zeiss T* FL 7x42 and 10x42. Lovitch is thrilled by the brightness of the image provided by the 7x42 model. Lovitch states that "The quality of the image -- with the brightness, the sharpness and the vividness -- has set a new standard."
21. Outside Online	Today's Question: Which Binoculars Should We Take to Alaska? Douglas Gantenbein Aug. 2006		Douglas Gantenbein, the "Gear Guy" at Outside Online, responds to a reader question about the best binoculars for viewing nature and wildlife. He recommends four binoculars that are priced at or under $100 -- the Nikon 7x50 Action Porro Prism, the Pentax 10x50 XCF, the Steiner 8x22 Safari and the Brunton Echo 8x25 Compact -- however none is particularly recommended over the others.
22. Amazon.com	Binoculars Contributors to Amazon.com As of May 2008		Users post reviews of binoculars and binocular cameras here, rating them on a five-point scale. The Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 gets a cumulative five-star rating after a good amount of feedback. For binoculars priced under $50, users recommend several Bushnell binoculars. It's a good idea to check to see what users have said about a model you're considering, as you can usually find some new information not mentioned elsewhere.
23. Whitetail Journal >> Details/Subscribe	2005 Buyers Guide: Optics Editors of Whitetail Journal 2005		This deer-hunting buyer's guide recommends three waterproof binoculars. The descriptions are brief, and it's not clear whether or not the editors actually tested the binoculars. The editors' highest rating goes to the Zeiss Victory FL series for accurate color, edge-of-field sharpness and exceptional field of view (450 feet at 1,000 yards). Also recommended are the Carson XM series and the Brunton Epoch binoculars.
24. Birding.com	Bird Watching Binoculars Editors of Birding.com As of May 2008		This is a brief guide to selecting binoculars for bird watching, plus specific recommendations in various price ranges. We rank this review lower because recommendations are not based on lab tests or even field use, but only on what's "currently being recommended by a number of people and organizations we know and trust." Specific models are not listed. The "Top of the Line" manufacturers are Swarovski, Leica, Nikon, Zeiss and Bausch & Lomb. The "Best Under $500" are from Pentax, Celestron, Eagle Optics, Nikon and Swift Audubon. The "Value Binoculars" are from Nikon, Bushnell and Celestron.
25. Excelsis.com	Binocular Reviews Contributors to Excelsis.com As of May 2008		This astronomy site does not test or compare binoculars, but it does offer a huge list of binocular specifications and lets users post ratings and reviews. It's useful because you can sort the list by any column, including price, average user rating (on a ten-point scale) and date of last rating. You can also search for binoculars of a specific brand or with a certain magnification and field of view. Some of the reviews are quite detailed, but most binoculars have only a few write-ups.
26. Hunting and Fishing Gear Review.com	Binocular Reviews Contributors to Hunting and Fishing Gear Review As of May 2008		Users review 37 different binoculars here, primarily for usability in hunting. Quite a few are older models. Binocular ratings are based on one to five stars, but at one pair of binoculars given only a one-star rating actually gets a rave review, so the ratings aren't consistent. Most binoculars get high ratings here, with only one brief review each. However, the comments can be useful after you've already narrowed your choice.
27. Epinions	Binoculars Contributors to Epinions As of May 2008		User reviews at Epinions can be sorted by rating, but even the highest-rated binoculars usually have only handful of reviews. Still, it's convenient that you can filter the dozens of binoculars listed here by quite a few factors, including price range, waterproof or not, maximum magnification, diopter adjustability, lens coating and more.
28. BirdForum.net	BirdForum: Binoculars Contributors to BirdForum.net As of May 2008		This U.K. forum is a good place to ask specific questions about birding binoculars, as well as to check out other users' experiences with binoculars you're considering. The forum posts are categorized by brand, with all major binocular brands well represented. It's easy to search all posts.

Binoculars Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.

Review Ratings	Citation	CS Credibility Rating	Binoculars Ratings Comments on Reviews

29. Outdoor Life >> Details/Subscribe	Hunting and fishing gear for sportsmen who demand the very best. Editors of Outdoor Life Oct. 2005		The highest rating goes to the Zeiss Victory 8x32 FL binoculars. The editors recommend them for ergonomics and weight as well as optical quality. However, no testing or comparisons are reported.