Binoculars for kids?

Q, from Bea:
For binoculars for children, what would you recommend for a 6 year old girl who loves nature?

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A:
The Eagle Optics Raven is a good choice. The reason it works so well for beginners is that it is relatively compact and light weight. The eyepieces on this particular model are designed to fold close together, which makes them well suited for users with smaller faces. In addition, the low power provides an extra wide field of view, to easily find and follow critters that are moving about in nature. In addition to being user-friendly for kids, they are waterproof and come with a lifetime unlimited warranty which covers any damage done to the binoculars, regardless of cause. The only types of incidents not covered under their warranty would be theft or loss of the binocular.

Another option that is popular is our 8x25 Triumph binocular.

It's not quite as nice as the Raven and doesn't have all of the features, though it does come in at a lower price point.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to email or call.

Vortex Fury 10x32

I have been looking for great set of compact binos and came across the Vortex Fury. I could not believe the incredible clarity and the weight of this set. The weight is very nice that it is not too light and not too heavy. The clarity is amazing that I can look across a wide canyon or across rolling hills and determine if the game that I am hunting is worth the stalk. I would positively recommend the Vortex Fury to anyone who is looking for an awesome set of compact binos for the money.

Click here for more Vortex binoculars.

binoculars for long distance viewing?

Q, from Bruce:

I wear eyeglasses and I am looking for a reasonably priced set of binoculars that will allow me to see the horizon clearly.

I live in Key West, Florida and often would love to zoom in on the ships/boats that pass in the distance. What are your recommendations?

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A: Thanks for the inquiry, Bruce. Getting a clear view at the horizon is going to present some challenges on occasion, regardless of the quality or magnification of the optics you are using. When you are magnifying an image over great distances, the atmospheric distortions, heat waves, etc. also become magnified. Depending on the conditions, it can be easy to see these distortions with the naked eye. When you add magnification to the situation, it doesn't get any better.

As the temperature cools you will generally see less of this effect so longer views over water are possible during the right conditions, usually in the evenings or early mornings.

One of the nicer, mid-priced binoculars that we sell is the Atlas Intrepid ED.

The 10x42 is a great distance viewing piece and the ED glass provides excellent resolution. While I can't promise that anything will consistently allow you to see clearly at the horizon, this is a model binocular that will perform excellently given good viewing conditions.

If you are looking for even more magnification than 10x, I would recommend considering a spotting scope.

These are like astronomical telescopes only they present the image with the correct orientation. Because spotting scopes work at such high magnifications (up to 60x) they do require the use of a sturdy tripod to achieve a useable view.

Vortex Doubler on Leupold Katmai?

Q, from Tony: I was wondering if you have any advice as to whether the Vortex 2x Doubler will work with the Leupold Katmai 10x32 binoculars, as you carry both products?
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A: Thanks for contacting Eagle Optics regarding the use of the Vortex Doubler with the 10x32 Leupold Katmai.

Although the doubler will fit snugly over the eyecup of the Katmai, it isn't advisable to use the doubler with your 32mm objctive lens binocular. Without the doubler, the exit pupil of your binocular is 3.2; with the doubler (since the magnification increases to 20) the exit pupil shrinks to 1.6. This provides an extremely dim view. You would also have to hold it a few inches from your eye in order to see the complete image. I worked with it and found it quite unsatisfying!

Eagle Optics: Denalis vs. Rangers

Q, from Tad in California:

We have purchased EO binoculars in the past, recently buying a set of 8x42 Rangers for a friend. These are superb, and equivalent to my older Leica Trinvids (but with a bit more light) – not bad!

I am looking for an additional pair.

What differences (ruggedness, image quality) will I perceive between the 8x42 Denalis, and the 8x42 Rangers?

Thanks in advance for your help, and for your excellent offerings.

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A: The Ranger is a higher quality binocular than the Denali. This difference is not only reflected in the price but performance as well. You can expect the Rangers to be optically sharper, brighter, and render better color contrast. This is a factor of the grade of glass used in the lenses and prisms, as well as the quality and number of optical coatings on the lens and prism surfaces.

In terms of mechanics and durability, I would say that the Ranger does have a higher build quality as well. Both are great offerings in their respective price ranges, though the Rangers are the better of the two models.

Rainguard for Canon binocular?

Q, from Craig: I have a Canon 10x42L binocular for which I would like a better eyepiece/rainguard covering.

I saw you had two listed:

Vortex Binocular Rainguard

Eagle Optics Binocular Rainguard

Could you tell me if either of these would work with my Canon binoculars? The eyepiece outside diameter is ~45mm (~1.77”)

If another option is available, would also be very interested.

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A: Thank you for contacting Eagle Optics regarding a rainguard for your Canon 10x42 binocular.

Unfortunately, neither of the ones we carry are a perfect choice. The Vortex version is contoured and doesn't fit at all. The Eagle Optics rainguard does fit, but it is a tight fit takes a bit of patience to get it on. I wouldn't worry about it falling off, but you may not be able to put it on one-handed in the field.

You may want to call Canon for this replacement part. The number to call is 1-800-828-4040.

Binocular suggestion

Q, from Louise: I am going to Costa Rica and am looking for binoculars that will be good for viewing birds and butterfles, as well as good overall binoculars for vacations to other places, where viewing may be mostly large wildlife or scenery. I wear glasses and my eyes are fairly close together, so I need binoculars in which the eyepieces come together enough so that I see a single image. After reading articles and looking at your Web site I am interested in the Eagle Optics Ranger SRT 8 x 42. Do they seem like an appropriate choice? If not, are there others in the same price range that you would recommend?

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A: Thanks for your question, Louise. The Ranger SRT is a good choice for your trip. It is lightweight and has a nice close focus. It is one of our mosr popular models in that price range. However, I'm not sure whether they will fit your face. Do you have a measurement of your IPD (interpupillary distance)? Your optometrist would have this measurement. If not, it might be best to just give the Ranger a try. We have a 30-day return policy if they don't work for you.

Another suggestion would be the Atlas Optics Intrepid ED 8x42 Binocular. While it is a bit heavier than the Ranger, it has better optics with the HD glass, wider field of view (420 ft./100 yds.), good eye relief, and has garnered great reviews from customers. The price is a bit higher at $349.99.

Which binocular to choose?

Q, from Gretchen:
What size and type of binocular would you recommend for wolf watching (and other wildlife) in Yellowstone? We use the binocular to find the wildlife and then we use the spotting scope.

Met a guy in Yellowstone who had a pair of Brunton, looked to be either a 8*42 or 10*42 binocular. He said he paid around $350 for them and he loved them. They were large but he said the stability was great and they let in a lot of light. Interesting because on your site they seem to price out at around $1000.

I looked at the Swavorski binocular but they are very expensive.

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A: Good question, Gretchen.
In general, a 10x42 will get you a bit closer to your subject, but with the higher magnification, there are a few trade-offs. First, the field of view is more narrow; second, the 10 magnification will be a little harder to hold steady; and third, the 10x42 will not be quite as bright in low-light conditions as the 8x42 will be. Since you will be using the binocular as a companion to your spotting scope, I would choose the 8x for better light and wider field of view.

You didn't mention your budget, but since you talked about a Brunton at around $350, I'll start there. It's posible the fellow you met was using the Brunton Eterna which we sell for $319. The field of view on the binocular is not great, though: 315 ft./1000 yds.

One I (and many of our customers) like under $400 is the Atlas Intrepid. At $349.99, it has an exceptional field of view: 399 ft./1000 yds. With the ED glass, this model also boasts a clear and crisp optical quality that makes it quite a bargain for its price. When you click the link, be sure to read the customer reviews!

Another to consider is the Burris Signature Select at $389. Field of view is decent at 331 ft./1000 yds.; and lighter in weight than the others mentioned here at 22 oz.

If you have a little more to spend, I'd recommend the wonderful Minox BL Comfort Bridge. At $489., it has a field of view of 410 ft./1000 yds., and the slightly larger objective lens would be an advantage during low-light conditions.

8.5x vs. 10?

Q, from Maureen:

I am trying to decide between Swarovski's EL 10x42 and 8.5x42 Swarovision binoculars. I primarily view while walking in fairly open spaces along the shoreline at distances typically greater than 300 feet. Can you advise me of the advantages and disadvantages of the 10x42 versus the 8.5x42?
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A: Thanks for contacting Eagle Optics regarding the choice between the 10x42 and 8.5x42 Swarovski binocular.

In general, the 10x42 will get you a bit closer to your subject, but with the higher magnification, there are a few trade-offs. First, the field of view is more narrow: 336 ft./1000 yds (the 8.5 has 399 ft/1000 yds. Second, the 10 magnification will be a little harder to hold steady; and third, the 10x42 will not be quite as bright in low-light conditions as the 8.5x42 will be.

Congratulations on your decision to purchase a Swarovision! You will never regret this fine optical investment. We do offer a 30-day return policy, so whichever magnification you choose, you will be able to try it out for a month before making your final decision.