Leupold Waterproof 8x32 Golden Ring Binoculars
By Blue Oak
from Mesa, AZ on 05/25/2009
Pros:
Close Focus, Easy to focus, Lifetime Warranty, Quality Lenses, Strong Construction, Waterproof, Wide Field, Works Well With Glasses
Best Uses:
Bird Watching, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing
Describe Yourself:
Casual/ Recreational
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
I use these for birdwatching and other nature observation. I wanted something that could focus closer than my previous pair, had a wider angle of view, worked with glasses, and were easier to focus. Based on the specs, these met my needs and very few other binoculars did. They are heavier than I would have preferred, but with a harness. the extra weight is not that important.
I've been using them for a few weeks now and I'm very pleased. The image is crisp and bright. The close focus, for me, exceeds the specs, going to less than four feet. On a cooperative spiny lizard, I was actually able to see the keel and spiny projection on the scales.
The focus is smooth, quick, and easy. The range from about 20 feet to infinity is covered in a very small angle of turn. The rest of the range is used for closer viewing.
There is plenty of eye relief for viewing with glasses. I even find that raising the eye cups to the first (of two raised) positions works for best for me with glasses.
The rubber armor has a nice feel. However, I would prefer to have more space to wrap my hand around each barrel for comfortable gripping. The thickness of the barrel with its armor and the long hinge between the barrels limits my grip.
These are first-rate binoculars at a great price. Given their optical quality and the Leupold lifetime warranty, I expect to have them for the duration.