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Binoculars of Note

From Bird Watcher's Digest, November, 2007
Midpriced Bincocular Round Up

by Michael and Diane Porter

There is not enough space to give every binocular its own review. Many of the binoculars we surveyed deserve to be noticed. But we did single out a few of the ones that we think offer something special.

Binoculars of Note

Conclusion

Affordable binocular quality is improving fast. We found that we could reach almost anywhere on our mid-price binocular test tables and get good optics and decent ergonomics. But let's cut to the chase. Is there really any reason to spend close to $2000 for a top-of-the-line binocular?

Zeiss Victory FLWe did find that the top-end binoculars were brighter, sharper, and better at resolving detail in deep shadows than any of the mid-priced choices we tested. The higher quality was perceptible. If we had to use the same scale to rate the Zeiss Victory FL, for example, we would have to give it an optical quality score of at least 6.

But the difference is not so huge as it was a few years ago. The mid-priced binoculars have come a long, long way toward catching up with the royals at the top of binocular society.

Eagle Optics Ranger SRTAnd we did find some good buys in this price range, where optical quality, good ergonomics, and relatively low price all came together in one binocular, like the Eagle Optics Ranger SRT (pictured at right). Good news for the birder on a limited budget! Over all, we were amazed at how good mid-priced binoculars have become.

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Bird Watcher's DigestThis article appears as part of the Midpriced Binoculars Round Up in the November, 2007, issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.

Text and photos copyright 2007 by Michael and Diane Porter.

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