Mid-priced Binoculars Review
Eagle Optics Ranger ED
by Michael and Diane Porter
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Michael and Diane Porter wrote the following article, which also appears in the January, 2012, Bird Watcher's Digest.
This review of the Eagle Optics Ranger is part of that review.
Eagle Optics Ranger ED 8x42
Overall Score: 4.33 (0ut of possible 5.0)
 A new open-bridge design, the Eagle Optics Ranger ED is different from the previous, solid-bridge Rangers, which are still available.
The binocular provides an extremely satisfying view, the product of its excellent resolving ability and one of the widest fields of view (425 feet) in our survey. The Ranger ED seems to have excellent build quality as well. All the moving parts function smoothly and neatly, from focus knob to diopter adjustment.
Ergonomically the binocular is well designed. The focus knob is smooth and precise, and it’s wide enough even for a person wearing heavy gloves. Focus knob turns 1 ¾ turns lock to lock.
The Ranger ED’s barrels squeeze closer together than most binoculars, thereby accommodating even birders with close-set eyes. Like most open-bridge binoculars, it is longer and heavier than binoculars of a conventional solid-bridge design.
Pro: Excellent optical quality; wide field of view; excellent ergonomics.
Con: Armored coating is harder than some people like; diopter setting doesn’t lock.
NEXT: Vortex Diamondback
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